About

Who We Are

We hope you feel right at home in our loving, progressive, and inclusive family of faith. We believe the way of Jesus is loving and inclusive, and that each person is made in God's own image. We whole-heartedly affirm and welcome the beautiful rainbow of humanity into our community as full participants, members, and leaders. We're far from perfect, but we try to live out God's lovingkindness together. You are wholly welcome here.

What We Believe

Central Baptist welcomes folks from many different faith traditions. We honor our heritage as a Baptist congregation by trusting each person to interpret scripture and God's call in their life through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. So rather than a statement or creed, our faith is rooted in our shared confession of Christ, honoring the conscience and liberty of each person. We may have a diversity of opinions on many subjects, but we seek to let the life and work of Jesus and the leadership of the Holy Spirit in each person guide our work together.

In seeking to follow the radical inclusivity and love of Christ, our congregation celebrates the full inclusion and participation of all persons regardless of gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, or nationality. We welcome and affirm LGBTQ+ folks as members and ministers and seek equality for all genders in ministry and leadership in our congregation.

It's our sincere hope that we are guided by the lovingkindness of God as expressed in Jesus Christ to be a part of God's work of healing, justice, and peace in our community and our world.

We are affiliated with the Alliance of Baptists and are a member congregation of AWAB (Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists). These partnerships reflect our commitment to a progressive, justice-oriented expression of the Christian faith.

Our Affirmation

Throughout our history, Central Baptist Church has been and continues to be a progressive voice for dignity and fairness for all persons, especially regarding issues of race, gender, economic equality, sexual diversity and religious affiliation. We believe each person is created in the image of God and affirm, wholeheartedly welcome, and include all persons in the full life of our congregation, irrespective of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. We gladly offer our welcome and affirmation to LGBTQ+ individuals, including families with same-sex parents. If you have more questions, please speak with one of our ministers.

Visiting With Us

We have Sunday Small Groups for children and youth of all ages. A nursery is also available for children 0–5 years of age on Sunday mornings. Middle and high schoolers meet for Bible study and other activities most Sunday evenings. For more information on children or youth activities, feel free to reach out to us at info@lexcentral.com.

Support and Care

Part of sharing life together is being present with one another in times of questioning, stress, grief, and loss. Whatever the life issues we face, we are committed to walking through the difficulties of life together. Many folks find mutual care and support by joining one of our small groups. At times you may wish to speak with a minister. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance or just a listening ear, ministers are always available to talk.

Membership

Membership at Central is open to anyone who desires to join in our common love and hope in Christ with us. You are welcome here as we commit to hearing God's call of love in Christ and responding with lives lived in compassion, peace, and justice. Folks joining from other Christian traditions may join on their personal decision and confession in Christ. Immersion baptism is not required, though re-baptism is available for those who desire it. New believers are invited to participate in baptism by immersion as a way to publicly proclaim their love for God and embrace a new reality of life and resurrection. If you're interested, we invite you to reach out to one of our ministers. We'd love to talk.