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To
contact us: |
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Phone:
706-556-6439 Fax:
706-556-6554 Email:
church@harlembaptist.org |
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About Us |
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History In 1874, a few families answered the call
of God to start a Baptist Church in Harlem, GA. Through commitment and
sacrifice over many genearations, HBC has grown in to a dynamic and diverse
congregation of worshippers, disciples, servants, missionaries and
family. From its humble beginnings, proven leadership and the grace of
God, HBC has become a Christ-like community of faith in Harlem, the CSRA and
around the world. Through nearly three decades of fruitful ministry,
Pastor J.E. Cook led the church to construct its current sanctuary and to
also purchase an old doctor’s building and turn into a youth building.
In the late 1970’s Pastor Gary Abbott led the church to expand its vision and
ministries beyond just Harlem and from the early 1980’s through the late
1990’s Pastor Robert Blankenship helped the church through major renovations,
enlarging its understanding and identity in Baptist life and helped give the
church stability. Beginning in 1999, current Pastor Philip Vestal has
led the church to reach children, youth and young families, passionately
pursue mission causes and is in the process of guiding the church in building
a new Family Life Center. The church is still located in its original
location, in the center of Harlem, and continues to be ‘the church on the
corner.’ Its membership has grown to a current enrollment of over
530 members and its Staff currently consists of a Pastor, Minister of Music,
Minister of Students and an Administrative Assistant. Core
Values WORSHIP. We value worship as the central
priority of our church. We believe God invites His people to worship
Him in spirit and in truth. Therefore, through the triune God we desire
to pursue the presence and power of God through practicing biblical worship,
both individually and corporately. DISCIPLESHIP. We value learning, studying and implementing
the teachings of the Holy Scripture. As students of Christ, we believe
the Bible to be our inspiring and authoritative foundation for daily living
and practice. In order to know God personally, to discern His will and
to know right from wrong and to apply biblical principles, discipleship is
encouraged and offered through every aspect of our church’s life and
ministry. MINISTRY. We value humbling ourselves, putting others
first and helping discover ways to meet the holistic needs of people within
our church and community. Through knowing and implementing our
spiritual gifts, we believe in the ministry model Jesus established when he
selflessly washed the feet of his disciples. To demonstrate
compassionate hope and unconditional care is a major component of our
congregation. MISSIONS. We value the Great Commission by obeying the
call of Christ to share the gospel with non-Christians locally, in our state,
throughout our nation and around the globe. By partnering with
mission-minded organizations, we seek to communicate God’s love to anyone,
anywhere, at any time by presenting the plan of salvation through our words
and deeds. FELLOWSHIP. We value the strength of healthy
families and nurturing the gift of committed friendships. Our sense of
community is extremely important at HBC and in order to harvest bonds of
loving unity we strive to create an environment and opportunities for getting
to know one another and learning to walk with each other along our journeys
of faith. Our Covenant As an individual member of the Harlem
Baptist Church, and as a member of the larger body of Christians called The
Church, I covenant with this church and with other Christians to fulfill my
commitment to God in Christ and to uphold the five Core Values of HBC: Worship, Discipleship, Ministry, Missions
and Fellowship. I WILL: Model my attitude and conduct according to the
teachings of the New Testament, and will seek the help of the Holy Spirit in
being faithful and obedient to God in Christ.
(Ephesians 4:1‑3) Practice the worship of God in daily life, in daily
devotions, in rendering justice, mercy and humility to God and to mankind,
and in participating in The Worship of God with others as so guided by this
church. (Romans 12:1‑3; Hebrews
10:24‑25) Study the biblical message for daily living for
myself and with others through the program ministries of this church. (II Timothy 2:15) Participate in the Christian nurture of life unto all
ages through regular presence and participation in the total educational
ministry of this church. (I
Corinthians 4:1‑2) Involve myself in the mission of this church
through presence, Christian witness, positive affirmation, and in service to
all mankind and the total person, "even unto the ends of the
earth." (Matthew 28:19‑20) Be a faithful contributor to the Kingdom's
work through this church in being a proportionate giver in tithes and
offerings. I will support the annual
budget of this church. (I Corinthians 16:1-2) Pray regularly for the fellowship of this
church and for my personal growth in Christian maturity and relationships,
"especially to the household of faith." (Ephesians 3:14‑21) In moving from this church, I will seek out and
identify with another church in faithful membership for the cause of God's
Kingdom. (Acts 2:42-47) Diligently uphold this covenant, with the help of God, and
if not, make amends to personally and cooperately fulfill this covenant in
repentive recognition and public rededication. (Hebrews 12:5‑11)
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