WE ARE REFORMED
We use the word “Reformed” in our name to identify ourselves with the key ideas of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. The Reformers of the Reformation period sought to apply the Bible to every area of faith and life. They believed that true Christians must always be striving to bring their lives into conformity with the teaching of the Scriptures. That is what we seek – a continual “reformation” of our churches and our lives according to the apostolic model.
The Reformers also emphasized salvation by faith in Christ. This doctrine was virtually lost during the previous 1200 years. This doctrine says that we are not saved by our works or through a human priesthood, but solely by God’s grace (unmerited favor) and solely through faith in Christ, who is our one and only Great High Priest. It is only by the sacrificial offering of Himself which He made “once for all” on Calvary’s cross that we receive the forgiveness of sins and are made right with God.
WE ARE BAPTIST
We also identify ourselves as “Baptists” in the historic sense of that word. We believe that all who come to faith in Christ should be baptized as a public testimony of their faith. The only proper subjects for baptism are believers and the only proper mode is immersion.
We have adopted the 1689 London Confession of Faith as our own statement of faith. This confession of faith has been the basis of many other Baptist confessions of faith in the United States and throughout the world. (Copies of our confession of faith and our church constitution are available in our church book room and on this web site.)
WE ARE INDEPENDENT
Our church is “independent,” by which we mean we are free from any outside human control. Our own members, under the leadership of our Elders, make decisions on what is to be taught and what literature is to be used in our Sunday School or other authorized Bible studies. We also decide where our offerings are to be spent. No outside agency administers our monetary affairs. Our constitution lays out the framework of our church practice.
While we are independent, we also work closely with other churches of like faith on various ministry projects such as youth camps, retreats, conferences, missions, literature, speakers, etc.
MISSIONS
We believe in the spread of God’s kingdom through personal evangelism and the preaching and teaching of His Word. As a result, on a regular basis we support various works here in Texarkana, in other parts of the United States, and throughout the world. These include works of charity, foreign and home missionaries, the translation and distribution of Christian literature, various Christian foundations, and other special works.
PASTORS/ELDERS
In keeping with the pattern and instruction of the New Testament, TRBC has a plurality of pastors or elders who equally share the authority and responsibility of shepherding the church. The elders preach and teach, direct the spiritual work of the church, and actively carry on a counseling ministry. The elders welcome your questions or comments concerning our church.
DEACONS
It is the responsibility of the deacons to aid the elders in whatever ways possible so that the elders can devote themselves to the ministry of the Word of God and to prayer. Likewise, the deacons serve the congregation by ministering to both regular and special needs. Our deacons are true servants of Christ and His church.
MEMBERSHIP
If you are interested in our church and would like more information on membership, contact one of the elders. They would be glad to answer any questions you might have.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We have Bible classes for ages four and up. Our teachers are both qualified and capable teachers of God’s Word.
BOOK ROOM
The TRBC Book Service has a room devoted to the display and sale of a variety of Christian books. These books may be purchased at a substantial savings to you. This is a nonprofit ministry to aid in the distribution of quality Christian literature in our community. Our Worship Services are recorded and are posted on SermonAudio and more consistently on YouTube.
PERSONAL COUNSELING
Our church provides counseling for both members and nonmembers. If you are having a problem with which you need help, our elders will be glad to meet with you and confidentially discuss the matter.