What is a “Vintage Church?” PART TWO

Vintage describes a time-tested theology. Its roots are deep in Scripture – relevant in all generations because it is based on the timeless, unchanging truth of the Gospel.  It is a theology passed on to us by our fathers.  It is based on something far more profound than feelings or fads.  It is very old and very, very deep.  

As Baptists, we profess a living faith, a heritage rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ, who is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” The sole authority for our faith and practice is the Jesus Christ whose will is revealed in Scripture.

Vintage evokes a strong sense of community. It says our church family endeavors to connect with each other, to encourage one another as we continue the mission Jesus began.  Over the past quarter century, America has experienced a significant loss of community.  In many ways, churches have reduced people to numbers, while Christ commanded us to love people as neighbors.

Vintage speaks to a need for authentic Christianity – Aren’t you tired of the show?  Shouldn’t there be somewhere we can go every week that isn’t a performance?  A place where we can hear the truth and find real answers? We believe people are looking for a place to hear God’s honest Truth, spoken in love, without the pretense or ritual of empty religion.

Vintage speaks to the need for a simpler Christianity. We live in an over-programmed world.  In some ways, this attitude has crept in to our churches.  We contribute to the hectic pace of life, rather than giving frazzled people a calm place to encounter the Living God and experience community with one another.

Vintage is timeless and relevant to all generations. We will endeavor to apply the timeless truths of Scripture in timely ways to the challenges of everyday life.  It does not grow stale like man-made religion or human philosophy.  It is fresh and timeless.

A living faith must experience a growing understanding of truth and be continually interpreted and related to the needs of each new generation. Throughout their history, Baptist bodies – both large and small – have issued statements of faith that succinctly describe a consensus of their beliefs.

For my grandfather’s generation, “Independent, Fundamental, Bible Believing, Premillenial, Separated, KJV 1611, Soul Winning, Local Baptist Church” was a statement of faith. We embrace and believe each of these important theological points.  But those words don’t always communicate the right message with this new generation. For us, “Vintage” is a significant part of the statement of faith we want to share with our neighbors.

Pastor Clay

P.S.  I realize that the phrase “Vintage Church” is the title of a recent book by a pastor named Mark Driscoll.  I claim no originality of thought.  Our use of the word, however, is not an endorsement of Mark, his theology, or his preaching.  It does do a good job of describing what our church endeavors to be.