Our Core Values

The Mission of First Baptist Church, Orillia is the same mission shared by every Christ following church. It is the mission given to us by Jesus:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20. NRSV)

Every church may have the same Mission, but the reason all churches are different is because they have different Core Values. Our Core Values are what make us unique. They are the deep, central, unchanging values implanted in us by God that shape who we are and drive us into ministry.

They are as follows:

• We deeply believe that lost people matter to God, and therefore, ought to matter to our church.

"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." (Luke 15:7 TNIV)

• We deeply believe that prayer connects us to God's purpose, peace and power for life and ministry.

"And the LORD said to Moses I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." (Exodus 33:17 TNIV)

• We deeply believe that it will take more than this church to accomplish God's purpose in our town.

 "Therefore, we are committed to team work.My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." (John 17:20-21a TNIV)

• We deeply believe that anointed, biblical teaching is the catalyst for transformation in individuals' lives and in the church.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that all God's people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16 TNIV)

• We deeply believe that our Gospel presentation to this culture must involve more than words. The Gospel must also be presented in tangible, fleshy ways.

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if people claim to have faith but have no deeds? Can such faith save them?" (James 2:14 TNIV)

• We deeply believe that as Christians we must maintain intentional presence within our streets and neighbourhoods in order to be salt and light.

"You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:13-14 TNIV)

• We deeply believe that the church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally true.

"I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." (1 Corinthians 9:20 TNIV

• We deeply believe that loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life.

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you." (1 Thessalonians 3:12 TNIV)