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We Are Baptized Believers We believe that Jesus was God in the flesh and that he came to us. He dwelt among us to show us how to live, how to die, and how to live again. He lived a sinless life and, as a result, was able to offer himself as perfect sacrifice. He gave his life on the cross for us. John 3:16 — "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Jesus rose from the dead, proving that he was who he said he was and showing that he has power over death. Everyone who comes into a relationship with Jesus will experience new life–a life of resurrection, life eternal. John 11:25, 26 — "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" We believe this! Our faith in Jesus leads us to embrace a new way of thinking and living, turning away from a life and a lifestyle that is contrary to what God desires for his creation. Acts 2:38,39 — Peter said, "Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites." [The Message] We embody our faith in Jesus as we are immersed in baptism. Our baptism is a beautiful picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. We die to sin, are buried in water, and rise to live a new life. Romans 6:3,4 — Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. This is a simple look at why we call ourselves baptized believers. We would love to explore more with you if you would like to contact us. Baptism is beautiful, mystical, and multifaceted—God does a lot of things in baptism, some of which are beyond our comprehension. When we are baptized we are baptized into the body of Christ or the church. God's design is for his people to live in relationship with him and with other baptized believers." Jesus is the head of the church, but God partners with humans to accomplish his will. The church is supposed to continue the ministry that Jesus began. Our church is a part of the Restoration Movement or the Stone-Campbell movement (Restoration Movement) . We are a unity movement that strives to call all believers in Jesus back to simple biblical teaching. We try to keep our understanding of God's will simple and practical. The church is to have leaders, and their purpose is to teach, equip, and lead the congregation in works of service. Here are the folks who have embraced leadership positions in our church family: Ministers Allen Burris Allen is married to Kedra, and they have four children, Lester, Luke, Rebecca, and Benjamin. Allen graduated from Mitchell High School, Lipscomb University, and Abilene Christian University. He has worked for the church in Tasmania, Australia; Shady Grove, TN; Auckland, New Zealand; Shoals, IN, and Mitchell. He serves as the preaching minister and is involved in other aspects of ministry, especially serving the poor locally and in Honduras. Gary Spear Gary is married to Michelle, and they have three children, Colin, Elsa, and Judah. Gary graduated from Paoli High School and Indiana State University. He worked in several areas before entering ministry at the Central Church of Christ in Bedford. He has been with the Mitchell Church of Christ for several years and works in various capacities, with a focus on youth and worship. Elders Anthony Edwards Anthony is married to Diana. They have two sons, Michael and Chad. They have one granddaughter. Anthony graduated from Mitchell High School and attended Indiana University and has taken classes at Ivy Tech. He works for B & B foods. He preached for the Fairview Church of Christ for more than 25 years. Anthony serves in several capacities, with a strong interest in small group ministry. Duane Embree Duane is married to Doreen. They have three children, Luke, Neil, and Jennifer. They have four grandchildren. Duane graduated from Bedford High School, Purdue University, and Indiana University. He is the Technical Director of NSWC Crane Division. Duane serves in several capacities, especially in the area of benevolence. Wayne Gaither Wayne is married to Neva. They have three sons, Brad, Scott, and Steve, who died several years ago in accident. They have five grandchildren. Wayne graduated from Morton High School (Hammond, IN) and Harding University. Wayne has worked in food distribution business for many years. Wayne is a popular adult education teacher and ministers to many in various ways. Steve Gilstrap Steve is married to Linda. They have two children, Scott and Lisa, and four grandchildren. Steve graduated from Shawswick High School and Purdue University. He is a retired engineer from Crane Naval Base. Steve now manages and operates a garden center owned by his son. Steve is active in missions and makes regular trips to Honduras and Poland. Tom Sowders Tom is married to Paula. They have two sons, Matthew and Jeremy. They have two granddaughters. Tom is a graduate of Shawswick High School and Indiana University. He has taught school for many years and has coached basketball most of those years. Tom enjoys teaching adult classes, and he preaches once a month for the Fort Hill Church of Christ. Fred True Fred is married to Evelyn. They have two children, Jennifer and Phillip. Fred is a graduate of Mitchell High School and Indiana State University. Fred taught school for a few years before beginning a career with Cummins Engines. Fred serves the church is various ways and especially ministers to the senior members of the congregation. Deacons Brent Fields Brent is married to Tracy, and they have two children, Maddie and Marty. Brent graduated from Bedford North Lawrence High School and from Ivy Tech. Brent is a design engineer. Brent serves the church in several capacities and areas including building and grounds, preschool, and the youth advisory board. Ryan Roberts Ryan is married to Rhona, and they have two children, Darci and Bret. Ryan graduated from Mitchell High School, Oakland City University and attended Evansville University. He serves as the Facilities Sustainment Branch Manager for NAVFAC MW at NSA Crane. Ryan has served the church in various ways through the years including education and benevolence. Matthew Sowders Matthew is married to Jean, and they have two daughters, Emma and Anna. Matthew is a graduate of Mitchell High School, Lipscomb University, and Tennessee Tech. He is a school teacher and basketball coach at Shoals High School. Matthew serves the church in various ways, with a focus on children's education. Troy Young Troy is married to Jamie, and they have three children, Landon, Lauren, and Elizabeth. Troy is a graduate of Mitchell High School and is employed at GM Powertrain as an electrician. Troy serves the church in many ways, with an emphasis on worship preparation and ministry to pre-teen children. |