en Ministering God's Mercy in Our World http://www.northsidebc.com © Copyright 2000 - 2010Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=63 This years summer camp is at the Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center in Covington, Georgia. Below are some details about this upcoming event to assist you in getting prepared financially, and to show you what you have to look forward to. The overwhelmingly chosen highlight of our camp for the past five years has been the doctrinally sound teaching that we receive. We will, once again, be blessed to have Pastor Kurt Gebhards, Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in Hickory, NC teaching sessions. At each session the youth heard Biblical God centered age appropriate messages. Along with doctrinally sound music lead by the members of the Riverbend worship team. Other program ingredients include camp family groups, large group recreation, evening games and activities. Each student will have the choice of either water tubing/skiing, horse back riding, team low ropes activity challenge, or going to the professionally run shooting range (The shooting range Includes basic compound bow shooting, 22 rifle range shooting, and skeet shooting with shot guns varying from a 4-10 to a 12 gauge depending on skill level) for their off-campus activity. The Journey 2010 will take place on Monday, July 26th through Saturday, July 31st. We will be leaving Northside on Sunday, July 25th in order to ride to Georgia. The cost will be determined soon and will include rooming, most meals, program activities, a camp T-shirt, and admission to Six Flags over Georgia on Friday. Students will need to take an additional amount of money for meals during travel and at Six Flags. Any additional spending money is at your discretion. A gift shop/snack stand is located on campus. The cost includes a non-refundable deposit of $60. This deposit will be due April 4, 2010. If you questions please contact us at 239-997-5440 or via e-mail at nsbc@embarqmail.com Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:46:02 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=85 Please click here to open the registration form for the Northside Baptist Church 2010 9th Annual Golf Tournament. *Once you have registered, please send your payment of $65 per golfer or $260 per team to Northside Baptist Church at 8250 Littleton Road North Fort Myers, FL 33903. Checks should be made out to Northside Baptist Church. *If the payment is received by April 1st then you qualify for a $5 discount per paid golfer. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:11:25 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36&article_id=82 Northside Baptist Church would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous contributions to help our youth, missions, and outreach ministries. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:03:06 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=81 Northside Baptist Church 9th Annual 4 Man Scramble Golf TournamentProceeds to benefit Northside Student Ministries, Missions, and Outreach Saturday May 1, 2009 8:00 A.M. (Shot Gun Start) Copperhead Golf Club in Lehigh Acres Cost is $ 65 per golfer, $ 260 per team Includes 1 round of golf, a cart, goody bag and lunch. You may purchase a mulligan for $5 (limit of 8 per team) Cash Prizes: First Place: $ 200 Second Place: $ 160 Third Place: $ 100 Longest Drive $ 50 (ladies and men) Closest to Pin $ 50 (ladies and men) plus... $10,000 Hole-in-one on designated hole Register Now Questions? Contact us at nsbc@embarqmail.com or (239) 997-5440 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:58:18 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=80 Directions to Copperhead Golf Club: • Take I-75 to exit 138 for SR-82 E • Go E towards Immokalee for 6.8 miles • Turn left onto Gunnery Rd. S. go 7 miles • Turn right onto 23rd St. SW and go 3.6 miles • Turn right onto Beth Stacey Blvd. and go .1 miles • Turn Right onto Copperhead Drive Do Not use your GPS or you may end up in the wrong location. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:22:56 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33&article_id=79 Sponsorships Available Gold: $1000 Gold includes 4 free golfers Silver: $750 Silver includes 3 free golfers Bronze: $500 Bronze includes 2 free golfers Longest Drive $250 Closest to pin $250 Hole sponsor $150All Sponsors will have their name advertised on the corporate sponsor signs, will be listed on our website and in our tournament brochure. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose” —Jim Elliot, Missionary Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:19:59 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=78 Northside Baptist is a church body that is dedicated to ministering God’s mercy to our community and abroad. Each year Northside sponsors an annual golf tournament that raises funds to send pastors and church members on mission trips, our youth to camp, and for outreach in our community. We would like to enlist your help in our effort to make this a successful golf tournament. We are sure that any contribution, whether playing in the tournament, sponsoring a hole, or donating a prize for the raffle, will prove beneficial to our cause and impact the lives of people in our community. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:17:45 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=12 Meet our Senior Pastor Hal Wynn is a native Floridian. He started as the mission pastor in 1981. In 1982 Northside Baptist Church was constituted. He received is BA in English at FGCU and earned a BA at Luther Rice Seminary. Pastor Hal's focus in the church has been expository preaching and teaching in fulfillment of Ephesians 4:12-13, which says: "...to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Pastor Hal is married to Mamie, who teaches 4th Grade in a Christian School. They have one daughter Lisa, who graduated from North High School. She went on to graduate from Samford University. She & her husband, Michael now live in Fort Myers. You may contact Pastor Hal Wynn via email. Wed, 3 Feb 2010 12:56:19 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=72 Meet our Associate Pastor & Minister of Music Pastor Mike McIlwain has been serving Christ as a music minister and pastor for the past twenty years. He was reared in Silas, AL, obtained an A.A. degree in Religion at Clarke College in Newton, MS and finished his college education by earning a B.A. Degree in religion from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. Mike has also obtained a church music certificate from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in the future. Pastor Mike served churches in Mississippi and Alabama bi-vocationally until 2001, when he moved to Tennessee and began serving in a full-time capacity. He then served for four years in the Mississippi Delta before coming to Northside. Pastor Mike has served in various ministerial capacities ranging from children’s and youth work to music and senior adult ministry. He has also served as interim pastor on three different occasions. His focus is on proclaiming the glorious good news of the gospel to those who are without Christ and to remind the people of God that “it is not about us, but all about Him.” Pastor Mike has a strong burden to see God bring about a great work of reformation and revival in our land. Psalm 85:6 is the cry of his heart. Pastor Mike is married to Jennifer whom he met while both were students at Clarke College. Jennifer is a stay-at-home mom who is pursuing a degree in medical transcription. She hopes to be self-employed and working from home next year. Jennifer has complemented Mike’s ministry by teaching the senior adult women's class, as well as by leading in women’s ministries. Mike and Jennifer have been married since 1992 and have three children, Cecily who was their Christmas gift in 1997, Bentley, who was their delightful surprise in 2005, and JennaBeth that was a wonderful gift in February of 2009. They are enjoying life in Southwest Florida and are spending some of their free time fishing, swimming, and enjoying the Florida sunshine while dodging the ferocious lightning during the few rainy times that come. You may contact Pastor Mike McIlwain via email. Wed, 3 Feb 2010 12:49:18 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=35 You need Javascript enabled to view this devotional. Bible Study AidsCharles Spurgeon's Daily DevotionalYou need Javascript enabled to view this devotional. Bible Study Aids Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:13:53 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=39 Gene has lived in N. Ft. Myers since 2002 and has been a member of Northside Baptist since then. Gene's area of ministry includes teaching a share group, leading the senior adult ministry, and serving on the building and grounds committee. One of his favorite verses is "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 Gene has been married to Eileen for over 50 years. They have four children, four grand children, and five great grand children. Wed, 5 Nov 2008 06:49:45 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=38 David Moody has been a member of Northside Baptist Church since October 5, 1997. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and is the managing partner at Futral's Feed Store, which has been a family-owned and operated business in Fort Myers since his grandfather founded the store in 1944. His favorite verse is 1 John 4:10 which says, “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” This verse demonstrates the great love of God who sent His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to bear the punishment for sin for all who believe and trust in Him alone for salvation. David married his high school sweetheart Dawn. She currently serves as the Pastor’s secretary. They have four children: Jordan, Joshua, Danielle, and Darci. Wed, 5 Nov 2008 06:47:22 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=40 Sean Edvenson was born, raised and educated in Southwest Florida. He graduated from North Fort Myers High School in 1991, served 4 years in the US Air Force and graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2000 with a BS in Finance. He joined Northside Baptist Church in October of 1995. One of the passages Sean likes is John 11:25-26 because it states so clearly that eternal life and hope is found only in the Savior Jesus Christ. "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die..." Sean owns and operates a decorative painting company called Aesthetic Concepts. He married his lovely wife Leslie in February of 1995 and God has blessed them with two sons, Micah and Seth. Wed, 5 Nov 2008 06:46:52 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=11 We strive to minister God's MERCY in the world of preschoolers by giving them loving care and Bible teaching from their very first days. Age-graded Share groups are provided from birth through pre-K and child-care is also provided for each Worship Service and for Wednesday night ministries, as well. Children's Church is provided on Sunday morning for children ages 3 through second grade and offers them age-appropriate Bible lessons while parents are in worship. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:26:14 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18&article_id=10 We strive to minister God's MERCY in the lives of Children through the following ministries: Share groups are a place where teachers who deeply love children can expose them to the truths of the Scriptures in age-graded classes. Share groups begin each week at 9:15 a.m. Children's Worship is provided for children up through second grade and is designed to provide them an intelligible teaching time while parents are in corporate worship. The children join their parents as the church worships in singing. After this, Children's Worship leaders escort them to the Children's wing where they hear an age-appropriate Bible lesson. Children in grades 3rd - 12th remain in the worship center to hear God's word proclaimed during our preaching time. On Sunday nights at 6:00 p.m. everyone meets together for a time of praise and worship of our Lord. At 6:30 p.m. our children are dismissed to the TEAMKid program. TeamKID is a fun, high-energy ministry that encourages kids to know Jesus Christ and grow in a relationship with him. Every part of TeamKID – Bible stories, Scripture memory, life application, missions, and recreation – all connect to teach life lessons to kids. This is taught by Elder Sean Edvenson and his wife Leslie. Summer Activities also include Children's camp. This is a 3 day sleep over camp at the Fort Myers Beach Christian Retreat Center. The camp includes Bible learning activities, music, crafts, and recreation. Childrens camp requires a registration fee and space is limited. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:25:38 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=83 We strive to minister God's MERCY in the world of teens by developing a partnership with parents and providing a good environment of teaching, fellowship, and discipleship in which their students can participate. Share groups for youth meets each week at 9:15 a.m. in the Education Building. Pastor Hal Wynn teaches the high school and the middle school students. This Bible teaching time is focused on the expository delivery of God's word, knowing that it is God who reveals Himself through His word and it is God who causes growth in His believers. We know that we cannot change students' hearts or minds with clever arguments or persuasive words; we want to rely on the Holy Spirit, through the word, to grow where we plant and water. We also have Student Ministries on Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. Students join the congregation for a time of worship and praise to our Lord. At 6:30 p.m. they move to the Education Building where they are taught an age appropriate lesson by Elder David Moody. We will be studying Knowing the God Who Is, God's relationship to us, beginning this fall. We will also have a time of fellowship and games before dismissing at 7:30 p.m. each Sunday night. As you can see, teaching and equipping is an important aspect of our Youth Ministry. We believe there is nothing more important in our lives than our relationship with Christ. Our desire is that our lifestyles will reflect that belief. While we do have activities and retreats they are in no way the main focus of the ministry and do not want them to distract us from what God is calling us to do. We fellowship together, not because it makes an "effective" ministry, but because we have a genuine love for each other. We want to encourage our students to show their friends the love of Christ through ministry and service. We live in an entertainment based culture where teens are constantly inundated with anything and everything to fulfill every selfish desire they have. At NBC, we teach students that Christ is the only thing that can satisfy and we should live our lives giving glory to Him, and not ourselves. We want our students to be able to teach the truth of Christ, love with the love of Christ, and serve with the heart of Christ to everyone they come in contact with. If you have questions or comments, please contact Pastor Mike McIlwain or the church office at (239) 997-5440. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:24:56 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=4 Senior Adults minister God's MERCY in our world by teaching in the Share Groups, singing in the choir, ministering in Nursing Homes, visiting Shut-ins, and by participating in various missions projects. Our Senior Adult Council coordinates meetings, special speakers, and Bible studies. They also plan many fun and educational trips. The intensity of those events, of course, is greater during the winter months, but continues year-round for our full time residents. Major annual events for our Senior Adults include the Bye Bye Birdie Banquet which sends our winter friends off with our blessings each spring and the Welcome Back Banquet that receives our friends home in the fall. Other special opportunities include an outreach golf tournament and unique holiday gatherings. If you would like more information on ministry opportunities for Senior Adults please email us or call our office at 239-997-5440. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:24:28 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=8 We seek to Minister God's MERCY in the world by providing the following ministries for Adults: Share Groups: Small groups meet each Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. to study the Bible together and to consider how they might encourage each other in their daily walk with Christ and reach out to others. Fellowship and ministry opportunities are organized through our Sunday School classes. Discipleship: Every adult is encouraged to be involved in personal discipleship through our church. In this ministry, interested persons are paired up with a partner--men with men and ladies with ladies--for a period of one year. During that time, they meet weekly, if possible, to study selected books, to pray, encourage, and be accountable to one another. At the end of the year, those who have been through the discipleship process are then are paired with others who are ready to begin in the next year. Men's Ministry: Through a Men's Leadership Team, we endeavor to provide special events and activities that encourage both personal growth and outreach for men. These opportunities take various forms such as Bible Studies, retreats, camping trips, golf tournaments, etc. Ladies Ministry: The Ladies Leadership Team works together to provide for the personal growth and outreach for our women. Practical ministry opportunities abound as our ladies provide meals for new mothers in the church, organize showers, and encourage each other in many other ways. The ministry also organizes a bi-annual Ladies Retreat that provides a weekend of instruction and relaxation. Deacon Family Ministry: Our deacons are here to minister to the practical needs of the families of the church. The men who are chosen out from among us each year serve in three-year rotations and are assigned a group of families to which they are available for ministry, prayer, and practical assistance. Any member may contact their deacon or the church office at any time a need arises in their family. Experiencing God in Worship: At the heart of all that we do is our congregational encounter with God on Sunday mornings and Sunday nights where we gather to hear God's Word and express our hearts to him in worship. The clear emphasis in all of our gatherings is the Word of God. We worship in music through a selective blend of great hymns and choruses that reflect the greatness of God and his gospel. The word of God is preached and taught in expository style with the conviction that "when the Scriptures speak, God speaks." On Wednesday evenings we have a time of congregational prayer and a Bible study to encourage our hearts in the Lord. This is also the time that our Adult visitations teams go on inreach or outreach visits. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:23:57 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=5 There are annual & regional conferences through the year which are being coordinated by various churches and leaders. Our church supports the efforts of The Founders Ministries, which also includes The Founders Journal, The Founders Press, Founders Youth Ministries, and the Southern Baptist Founders Conference. More information about Founders Ministries is available at www.founders.org. Wed, 3 Sep 2008 07:40:32 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=75 Welcome to our Website. Our goal is to introduce you to our church family and to let you know what we are all about. We have sensed a hunger in the heart of people for three things that we believe that God has provided through his church here at Northside Baptist. First, people are looking for an experience with the living God. We believe that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, and that having died on the cross for our sins, he was raised from the dead. We have the privilege of offering the living Christ in the gospel that we share. It is a gospel that promises forgiveness of sin, and the joy of eternal life. Secondly, people are looking for meaning and purpose in life. They are tired of the superficial rat-race. Henry David Thoreau wrote: “Most men live lives of quite desperation.” We believe that the meaning and purpose that God intends for you to have in your life is revealed in the Bible. We communicate the Bible as God’s inspired Word through which God reveals himself and his purpose for our lives. Thirdly, people are looking for a community of people who will really care about them. God has created us for relationship. We desire to share the joys and heartbreaks that are part of life with others who believe the truth as we do. You can click on any of the buttons in the left margin to explore more about our church. The Sunday morning messages are available for you to hear as well as daily devotions and a variety of ministries that you might be interested in. Please feel free to contact us at the e-mail address provided and let us know how we can serve you. Yours in Christ, Pastor Hal Wynn Senior Pastor Sat, 9 Feb 2008 16:27:34 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=12 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=12&article_id=28 Sep 17 -"A Life Worth Talking About" 2 Cor 5:11-13 Sep 10 -"The Judgment Seat of Christ" 2 Cor 5:10 Sep 3 - "Our Aim to Please God" 2 Cor 5:6-9" Aug 27 - "Our Eternal House" 2 Cor 5:1-5 Aug 20 - "Don't Lose Heart" 2 Cor 4:16-18 Aug 13 - "Motives and Meaning in Ministry" 2 Cor 4:13-15 Aug 6 - "Knocked Down But Not Knocked Out" 2 Cor 4:7-12 Jul 9 - "The Saving Revelation of Christ" 2 Cor 4:5-6 Jul 2 - "Ministry and Methods" 2 Cor 4:1-4 May 28 - "Reading Letters that Matter" 2 Cor 3:1-3 May 21- "The Fragrance of Christ" 2 Cor 2:14-17 May 14th -"Reasons for Encouragement" 2 Cor 2:12-14 May 7th - "Discipline and Love" 2 Cor 2:5-11 Apr 30th -"Communicating with Your Heart" 2 Cor 1:23-2:4 Apr 23rd-"A Change in Plans" 2 Cor 1:15-22 Apr 16th - "The Great Mistake" Mk 12:18-27 Mar 26th - "Integrity in Leadership" 2 Cor 1:12 Mar 19th -"Deliverance and Prayer" 2 Cor 1:8-11 Mar 12th - "Our Confidence and Comfort in Trouble" 2 Cor 1:1-7 Mar 5th - "The Essential Thing About Our Faith" 1 Cor 16:15-24 Feb 26th - "Taking Our Mission Seriously" 1 Cor 16:1-14 Feb 19th - "A Wonderful Change" 1 Cor 15:50-58 Feb 12th - "The Promise Driven Church Continued" Matthew 16:13-15 Feb 5th - "The Promise Driven Church" Matthew 16:13 Jan 29th - "What Will Our Resurrected Bodies Be Like? 1 Cor 15:35-49 Jan 22nd - "The Mind Matters" 1 Cor 15:29-34 Jan 15th - "Help of the Helpless" 1 Cor 15:20-28 Jan 8th - "Certainty or Vanity" 1 Cor 15:11-18Jan 1st - "Purposes and Promises" Phil 3:13-14 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:17:25 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=41 Butch Alford has lived in N. Ft Myers since 1963 and is a charter member of Northside Baptist. He works for Embarq Telecommunications as a Central office/special circuits supervisor in LaBelle, Clewiston & Lehigh Acres. His focus in ministry is to encourage the local body of believers in fullfillment of I Thessalonians 5:11 which says "Encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." Butch is married to Linda, who works at Northside as the church bookkeeper. They have two married sons, Bill and Mike and three grandsons. Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:31:41 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=69 Our Mission Statement Our Mission Word: The key word in our mission statement is MERCY: We want to express our love for God's mercy by becoming an expression of his grace and mercy in Christ through our church. Our Mission Statement: "Ministering God's Mercy in Our World by Sharing Christ Under the Authority of God's Word and By the Power of His Spirit" (Acts 2:42, 47) Our Mission Goal: "MERCY" Mission: A holy worldliness through which we share Christ Evangelism: Loving, leading and linking people to Christ and His Church Renewal: God preserving His church by His truth, in unity, holiness and fruitfulness Community: The presence and power of God made visible in the love and life of the church Yahweh: The crucified and risen Christ at the center of our ministry Sat, 26 May 2007 21:06:40 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3&article_id=54 The Abstract of Principles I. The Scriptures. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God, and are the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience. II. God. There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in and of himself, all perfections, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience. III. The Trinity. God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being. IV. Providence. God from eternity, decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events; yet so as not to destroy the free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures. V. Election. Election is God's eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting life -- not because of foreseen merit in them, but of his mere mercy in Christ -- in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified. VI. The Fall of Man. God originally created man in His own image, and free from sin; but, through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; whereby his posterity inherit a nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God and His law, are under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral action, become actual transgressors. VII. The Mediator. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man. Having taken upon Himself human nature, yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled the Law, suffered and died upon the cross for the salvation of sinners. He was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended to His Father, at whose hand He ever liveth to make intercession for His people. He is the only Mediator, the Prophet, Priest and King of the Church, and Sovereign of the Universe. VIII. Regeneration. Regeneration is a change of heart, wrought by the Holy Spirit, who quickeneth the dead in trespasses and sins enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the Word of God, and renewing their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness. It is a work of God's free and special grace alone. IX. Repentance. Repentance is an evangelical grace, wherein a person being, by the Holy Spirit, made sensible of the manifold evil of his sin, humbleth himself for it, with godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self-abhorrence, with a purpose and endeavor to walk before God so as to please Him in all things. X. Faith. Saving faith is the belief, on God's authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, and is accompanied by all other saving graces, and leads to a life of holiness. XI. Justification. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal of sinners, who believe in Christ, from all sin, through the satisfaction that Christ has made; not for anything wrought in them or done by them; but on account of the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith. XII. Sanctification. Those who have been regenerated are also sanctified, by God's word and Spirit dwelling in them. This sanctification is progressive through the supply of Divine strength, which all saints seek to obtain, pressing after a heavenly life in cordial obedience to all Christ's commands. XIII. Perseverance of the Saints. Those whom God hath accepted in the Beloved, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end; and though they may fall, through neglect and temptation, into sin, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the Church, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be renewed again unto repentance, and be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. XIV. The Church. The Lord Jesus is the Head of the Church, which is composed of all his true disciples, and in Him is invested supremely all power for its government. According to his commandment, Christians are to associate themselves into particular societies or churches; and to each of these churches he hath given needful authority for administering that order, discipline and worship which he hath appointed. The regular officers of a Church are Bishops, or Elders, and Deacons. XV. Baptism. Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus, obligatory upon every believer, wherein he is immersed in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as a sign of his fellowship with the death and resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins, and of his giving himself up to God, to live and walk in newness of life. It is prerequisite to church fellowship, and to participation in the Lord's Supper. XVI. The Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to be administered with the elements of bread and wine, and to be observed by his churches till the end of the world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate his death, to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of their communion with him, and of their church fellowship. XVII. The Lord's Day. The Lord's Day is a Christian institution for regular observance, and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, resting from worldly employments and amusements, works of necessity and mercy only excepted. XVIII. Liberty of Conscience. God alone is Lord of the conscience; and He hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary to His word, or not contained in it. Civil magistrates being ordained of God, subjection in all lawful thing commanded by them ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. XIX. The Resurrection. The bodies of men after death return to dust, but their spirits return immediately to God -- the righteous to rest with Him; the wicked to be reserved under darkness to the judgment. At the last day, the bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised. XX. The Judgment. God hath appointed a day, wherein he will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when every one shall receive according to his deeds; the wicked shall go into everlasting punishment; the righteous, into everlasting life. Sat, 26 May 2007 21:03:56 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=2 Our church is a community of believers with Jesus Christ as its head. We seek to love, respect and care for one another as a demonstration of our love for God. Our outreach is to those who have no church home. Many in our area are disillusioned with religion. They have felt the sting of legalism with its impossible demands. Some have seen hypocrisy. Others have had no religious background and therefore see Christianity as irrelevant. The missing element has been healthy relationships with mature believers in Jesus. We seek to minister God's MERCY to those people in our community. Sat, 26 May 2007 20:59:37 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=66 Constitution For Northside Baptist Church, Inc. Of North Fort Myers, Florida Preamble We declare and establish this constitution to preserve and secure the principles of our faith and to govern the body in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the freedom of action of this body in relation to other churches. I. Name This body shall be known as the Northside Baptist Church of North Fort Myers, Florida, located at 8250 Littleton Road. II. Objectives This church glorifies God by loving Him and obeying His commands through Worshipping Him. Our touchstone statement is: Ministering God’s Mercy in Our World by Sharing Christ Under the Authority of God’s Word and By the Power of His Spirit, for the glory of God and the joy of all people. Mission: A holy-worldliness through which we share Christ. Evangelism: loving, leading and linking people to Christ and his Church. Renewal: God preserving his church in truth, unity, holiness and fruitfulness. Community: The presence and power of God made visible in the love and life of the church. Yahweh: The crucified and risen Christ at the center of our ministry. III. Statement of Basic Beliefs We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired word of God and the basis for our beliefs. We voluntarily band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers to Jesus Christ and are personally committed to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. The ordinances of the church are believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper. This Church’s doctrinal statement is the Abstract of Principles and the Baptist Faith and Message as printed in the following pages. IV. Church Covenant Having been led as we believe by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, And, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, We do now in the presence of God and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, doctrines, and discipline; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations. We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children, to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to encourage abstinence from the use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay. We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. V. Polity and Relationships The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. Persons duly received by the members shall constitute the membership. (See polity manual) All internal groups created and empowered by the church shall report to and be accountable to the church, and subject to evaluation of the Elders. This church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation, which are common among Baptist churches of like faith. Insofar as is practical, this church will cooperate with and support the Royal Palm Baptist Association, the Florida Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention. VI. Church Leadership and General Principles of Church Life Elders (1) The elders shall be comprised of men who satisfy the qualifications for the office of elder set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. A majority of the active eldership shall be composed of church members not in the regular pay of the church, and no elder shall hold the office of deacon during his tenure. Prospective elders shall be nominated by the existing elders, and approved by the church. (2) Subject to the will of the congregation, the elders shall oversee the ministry and resources of the church. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1-6 and I Peter 5:1-4, the elders shall devote their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word (by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine), and shepherding God’s flock. (3) The church shall recognize men gifted and willing to serve in this calling, in accordance with its polity on elections. These men shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as elders. This recognition shall be reaffirmed by the church triennially. After an elder, (other than the senior pastor, or associate pastors) has served two consecutive three-year terms, he may only be re-elected to the office of elder after at least one year off. (4) An elder's term of office may be terminated by resignation or by dismissal. Any two members with reason to believe that an elder should be dismissed should express such concern to the elders and, if need be, to the congregation. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17 and I Timothy 5:17-21. Any of the elders may be dismissed by a two-thirds vote of the members at any members’ meeting of the church. (5) The elders, under the direction of the senior pastor, shall take particular responsibility to examine and instruct prospective members, examine and recommend all prospective candidates for offices and positions, oversee the work of the deacons and appointed church agents and committees, conduct worship services, administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, equip the membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, admonish and correct error, oversee the process of church discipline, coordinate and promote the ministries of the church, and mobilize the church for world evangelism and missions. The elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental convictions. (6) The elders may establish ministry positions or committees to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities. The elders may also propose paid staff positions to the church, and shall present a job description for each position to the membership for approval. The senior pastor shall have the authority to hire or dismiss paid staff as needed under the advisement of the elders. (7) The elders shall share the responsibility of employment, supervision, and evaluation of staff members with the senior pastor. This responsibility may, on a case-by-case basis, be delegated to the deacons or other staff member. (8) The senior pastor shall serve as chairman of elders’ meetings and as moderator of members’ meetings. In his absence, the elders shall appoint another elder to fulfill these duties. (9) Resolutions adopted by the elders shall be reported to the church at members’ meetings and may be reversed by the church. Deacons (1) The office of deacon is described in I Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-7. The church shall recognize, in accordance with its polity on elections, men who are giving of themselves in service to the church, who possess gifts of leadership, and who are called to further service. These members shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as deacons. They shall be elected to one term lasting for three years. This time may be extended by the recommendation of the elders and upon congregational approval. When deacons have finished their term, they may be re-elected after one year off. (2) Deacons shall give leadership to the ministering and care of the church body under the counsel of the elders. They will be assigned families to pray for and minister to. The deacon families will be organized by Sunday school classes, whenever possible, so as to allow the deacon to mobilize the class members in ministering to one another. (3) Deacons will serve in helping with the worship ordinances and offering under the direction of the elders and the servant leader of worship. Servant Leaders Servant leaders provide leadership to the various ministries of the church. They may form such leadership teams as is necessary under the counsel of the elders to accomplish their work. The servant leaders will keep the elders informed concerning the needs of the various areas they are individually responsible for so that the elders as a group can give oversight to the ministry and encouragement to the servant leader. General Principles of Faith and Life (1) Our doctrinal statement is the Baptist Faith and Message and the Abstract of Principles. These statements do not replace the Bible as the authority of all matters of faith and practice for us as a church. They are not a requirement for church membership. These doctrinal statements affirm what we as a church believe and promote in our teaching ministry. The purpose of a doctrinal statement is to define and defend the truths that we believe and love thus preserving God’s truth and promoting unity and harmony in our fellowship. It is a statement of faith that all who are in leadership are asked to affirm. (2)We shall conduct regular members meetings during the second month of each quarter, and other members meetings as needed. (3) The Sunday School ministry shall be the main structure through which we seek to teach, communicate the ministry of the church, accomplish member care and outreach and promote missions education and involvement. A ministry manual for the Sunday School will be provided which explains the goals, objectives and strategies of our Sunday School ministry. (4) A polity manual shall be maintained which provides the necessary details for our regular church operations and policies. (5) Each year the servant leaders will give input to the Elders and stewardship committee concerning budgeting for their area of ministry. The elders and the stewardship committee along with the servant leaders will approve the budget and present it to the church for approval. No money shall be solicited by or on behalf of the church or any of its ministries without the approval of the elders. (6) The Stewardship committee shall be responsible for communicating regular reports of the account balances, revenues, and expenses of the church to the elders and to the church. They shall also seek to promote stewardship in the church throughout the year. (7) The Benevolent committee shall receive, hold, and disburse a fund for benevolence, reporting on its use to the elders at their request, and reporting to the church its total receipts and total disbursements only. (8) The servant leaders, with the agreement of the elders, may establish unpaid administrative positions or committees of members to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities in the church. (9) Recommendations adopted by any internal group shall be reported first to the elders and thereafter to the church at members’ meetings. All such recommendations may be reversed by resolution of the elders, or by the church. Sat, 26 May 2007 20:55:08 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=64 Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:07:18 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=59 Sunday sermons are available for you to listen to online or to download to listen to later. Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:05:43 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=12 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=12&article_id=52 Note for Mac Users: To Listen to the message click on the link. To Download the message hold the alt option key and click on the link. Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:35:14 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=43 Sat, 25 Mar 2006 08:03:43 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=44 Sat, 25 Mar 2006 08:03:43 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=45 Sat, 25 Mar 2006 08:03:43 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=42 Sat, 25 Mar 2006 07:59:41 MST http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.northsidebc.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=13 We minister God's MERCY in the world through all of our ministries. Please browse our website to see what ministries we have available to meet your individual needs or gifts. Thu, 29 Sep 2005 04:04:41 MST