History, Mission, Vision, Values, and Beliefs

History

Grand Avenue Baptist started as a small mission church in December 1959, with Jim Phillips serving as pastor. In July of 1960, this work was formally established as a mission, and a full program of church training and service began.

In September 1960, with the help of the Missouri Baptist Building Fund, a 2.5 acre plot of ground was purchased at the corner of 24th and Grand Avenue. The first anniversary of this congregation was celebrated on January 15, 1961. At that time there was a Sunday School attendance of 77.

On February 23, 1964, the “mission” congregation was constituted as a church (with 148 charter members).

Mission

We are a family in service together for the gospel of Jesus Christ so that the glory of God may be displayed in all things for the joy of all peoples.

Vision

Grand Avenue Baptist Church exists to glorify God as a gospel-centered church in Ames, Iowa.

Core Values

Core Values are the main beliefs that are at the heart of who we are and what we do. These core values, along with the doctrinal beliefs outlined in our Statement of Faith, represent what we believe about God, ourselves and our church. They represent how we will interact with each other to accomplish our mission and vision.

core-values-truthTruth

We are committed to teaching the Bible for what the Bible is — Truth. More ›

core-values-discipleshipDiscipleship

We believe that every born again believer is a disciple of Jesus Christ that should be growing in the sanctifying grace of God. More ›

core-values-worshipWorship

We value putting Christ and His cross at the center of all we do. More ›

core-values-communityCommunity

Life lived in Christ is a gospel-centered life that is lived in gospel-centered community. More ›

core-value-familiesFamilies

We believe that church should be a place where families can connect with one another in order to center their families on the gospel of Jesus Christ. More ›

core-values-service1Service

We desire to follow our Lord’s example by living a servant lifestyle in light of the gospel. More ›

core-value-gospel-growthGospel Growth

The heart of gospel growth is to be a gospel-centered church that is used to spread a passion for the glory of God in all things to all people, tribes, tongues and cultures. More ›

Statement of Faith

Our statement of faith, the Baptist Faith and Message (2000), summarizes what we believe the Bible teaches about several areas of doctrine.

Covenant

Our Church Covenant summarizes what we believe about how to live together in a local church. (Church Covenant with Scripture references.)

Bylaws

Our bylaws outline how we govern ourselves as a local congregation.

Polity Principles

Our Church Polity Principles document summarizes what we believe about local church government.

This ongoing study will cover four aspects of church polity:

Affiliation

Grand Avenue Baptist Church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Baptist Convention of Iowa.