About Rockport Baptist Church

…when you arrive

You’ll be welcomed by our congregation. We love to have new people join with us whenever we gather in Christ’s name. We have Sunday School/Bible Study classes for all ages beginning at 9:30 AM. If you need help finding a class just ask anyone. Our people will be happy to help you. Once the Bible Study hour is over, we then gather for worship as a congregation at 10:40 AM.

…before the worship service

You should be given a welcome packet by one of our greeters as you enter. If not, please ask any of our members and they’ll be glad to provide one. Once you’re seated, you’ll notice that we come together as one church family for worship. There is no “children’s church” or separate youth meeting. We believe it is important for children to learn to worship together with their families. (We do have a nursery available for children, ages two and younger, and a ‘video feed’ of the service in the downstairs fellowship hall for nursing moms or those whose children may be having a rough morning.)

You will likely be greeted by several of our people before the service begins (but we don’t expect you to remember all our names!) And though we take worship very seriously, our gathering time will be anything but solemn. There is usually a rumble of joy to be heard as the saints are gathering.

…during the worship service

Singing. At 10:40 AM, one of our elders will call us together, share a few announcements, and then lead us in prayer. The goal of our gathering is to consciously acknowledge and respond to the God of all grace as He makes Himself known through the Word and testimony of His People. We believe in congregational participation. The songs we sing will be God-focused, and may reflect any number of musical styles (though style is not the issue, truth is). We try very hard not to do anything in the service that would be a distraction from our goal of seeing each of us draw near to Christ in Word and song.

Confession, Prayer and Sharing. At some point during the service, there will be an opportunity for us as a congregation to confess our sins together and hear the promise of the Gospel concerning the forgiveness of our sins through faith in Christ.  The service will also include the reading of Scripture as well as responsive readings that include the congregation. Following that, one of our pastors will lead in a pastoral prayer. Occasionally there may also be a testimony or exhortation from one of the members of the congregation. Once a month, on the last Sunday of each month, we will also share in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

Preaching. We are committed to Biblical, expositional preaching.  Most of the time this means a series of sermons taking us through a book or section of the Bible. Our commitment is that the message you hear will always be anchored solidly in the truth of God’s Word. We will not waste your time with mere entertainment or personal opinion.  Our Lead Pastor preaches most Sundays, though we also have other faithful elders who share in the preaching. We believe God designed the church to be led by a group of committed and accountable elders rather than a single pastor alone.   Those who preach are committed to the Reformation principle of “Sola Scriptura” or “Scripture Alone” as the source of all Christian faith and practice.

…after the worship service

Though we gladly invite men, women and children to repent and believe the Gospel of Christ for salvation, we do not use man-centered manipulation techniques to do so.  Instead, you will be exhorted to look to Christ, and given an opportunity to speak to one of our elders after the service if you so desire. If you need prayer or anything at all, please feel free to take advantage of this time.  Also, plan on sticking around when the service is over. Most of our congregation enjoys this time after the last “amen” for sharing in each other’s lives. This is when many friendships are formed. Many of our people fellowship together for an hour or more.

…Sunday evening

We do not have a regular evening worship service.  Instead we use this time for special classes and an occasional special event.   Please inquire about our current study(s).

…during the week

We will not force ourselves on you during the week, though one of our elders or deacons would love the chance to come visit with you in your home if you want us to (If so, please fill out a card in your welcome packet and let us know). We do not currently have a mid-week meeting at the church building, though we do have a monthly prayer meeting. We also meet bi-weekly in Discipleship Groups (D-Groups) in various members’ homes scattered around the area. There is likely one that meets near you! For more information, please ask one of the pastors.

…special meetings and events

Men’s Breakfast. Once a month, on the second Saturday of every month, our men gather for breakfast at 8 AM, followed by a devotional given by one of our men or a special guest.   This is a great opportunity for men and young men to get to know one another.

Women’s Meetings are held at various times throughout the year.  Watch the weekly bulletin for information

Family Camp. Each Fall our congregation takes a weekend “retreat” together that is filled with fellowship, games, activities, worship and the teaching of God’s Word.

Grace Bible Conference. Each Spring, we host a three day weekend conference with special preaching and worship.  This has become one of the highlights of our year.

Other Meetings and Activities happen throughout the year.  Please watch the church bulletin for information

That’s what to expect. I believe we have a warm, loving family in Christ who would love to get to know you better. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.