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What we believe shapes who we are

Since 1879 we have existed to worship God, teach the Bible, care for one another, and 
share the good news of Jesus Christ  with acts of love and words of truth.

What We Believe

Our faith is grounded in God's Word and centered on Jesus Christ.

Scriptures

We believe the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God and are the trustworthy and authoritative guide for faith, salvation, and obedience.

God

We believe there is one God, the Creator and Ruler of all things, who is perfect in every way and worthy of our love, worship, and obedience.

Trinity

We believe in one God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each is fully God, distinct in person, yet united as one.

Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit is given to every believer at salvation. He lives within us, seals us as God's own, comforts and guides us, and teaches us His truth until the day of resurrection.

Jesus Christ

We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. He became fully human while remaining without sin, perfectly fulfilled God's law, and died on the cross for our salvation. He rose from the dead, ascended to the Father, and now intercedes for His people.
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Salvation

We believe that sin separates us from God and that Jesus Christ died and rose again to provide forgiveness and salvation. Through repentance and faith in Jesus, we receive God's forgiveness, begin a new life of following Him, and are given the hope of eternal life.

Church

We believe the Church is a fellowship of believers with Jesus Christ as its Head. We follow His example and teachings through worship, fellowship, service, and sharing the Gospel. We believe baptism is an act of obedience that publicly identifies believers with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and symbolizes their new life in Christ.

Lord's Supper

We believe the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, given to His Church to remember His death and resurrection. Through the bread and cup, we reflect on His sacrifice, renew our faith, and celebrate our fellowship with Him and with one another.

Lord's Day

We believe the Lord’s Day is set apart for worship, spiritual growth, and devotion to God.

Judgement

We believe God has appointed a day when He will judge the world through Jesus Christ. Those who have placed their faith in Him will receive eternal life, while those who reject Him will face eternal judgment.

Baptism

What Baptism Is and Is Not

Baptism is an act that publicly identifies you with Jesus and his church. Those who witness your baptism know that Jesus saved you, that you want to continue to follow him in obedience, and you want to be part of his church. It symbolically tells two stories:
  1.  Jesus’ story of death, burial, and resurrection. Immersed in water, you symbolize death; when under the water, burial; coming up out of the water, resurrection.  [ 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ]
  2. Your story--how you were dead in sin, how through belief in Jesus you died to sin, and how through faith in Christ you were made alive in him.  [ Ephesians 2:1-10 ]
Once you have trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal savior, you should follow Jesus' command [ Matthew 28:19 ] and his example [ Matthew 3:13 ] by being baptized.

Baptism is not salvation, and it is not required in order to be saved. Baptism doesn’t make you a Christian, or gain your entrance into heaven. It is a symbol of the act of salvation God has already done in your life.

Getting Baptized at Olive Branch

We hold scheduled baptism services four times a year--in January, Easter, June (lakeside service), and September. But, our pastors are willing and able to baptize you on any Sunday of your choice. Before you are baptized, you will meet with one of the pastors who will hear the story of how Jesus saved you--your testimony. They  will explain to you the meaning of baptism and what to expect on the day you are baptized.

Who Can Be Baptized

We baptize people of any age who have placed their faith in Jesus and are able to understand the meaning and significance of baptism. When considering baptism for a child, our pastors rely on parents to help provide insight into their child’s faith and understanding as they prayerfully make that decision.

Our Purpose

We commit ourselves to...

Being active in worship, prayer, fellowship and Christian growth
Proclaiming to all that Jesus Christ is the way to eternal life
Living as a witness for Christ through the way we live
Serving our community and the world through missions

Our Partners

We believe we accomplish more when we work together with like-minded organizations.
Nationally we cooperate with the 50,000 Baptist churches of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).
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In Virginia, we partner with the 1,400 Baptist churches of the Baptist General Association  of Virginia (BGAV).
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Locally we partner with the 30 Southern Baptist churches of the Concord Baptist Association (CBA).
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