JESUS & KIDS Jesus was very clear, kids are important to him and his kingdom. That means that kids are important to us too! This has led us to make some very important decisions on how we function as a community of believers. First, we are a Family-Integrated Church. This means that we try to keep age segregated activities to a minimum. Kids in worship, Bible Study, or any other context is not a problem to be solved. It is a gift to be embraced. Second, we are protective of any child entrusted to us. This means we have set-up some ways to help you as a parent know that we are looking out for both the spiritual and the physical safety of your kids. CHECK-IN & PICK-UP The first time you come you may discover everyone has not met you yet. So to ensure that you leave with the same kids that you brought we check-in every child from birth through 6th grade. Please enter the front of the Main building to check-in your kids. A friendly greeter will be there to help you with this process. Check-in usually begins about 15 minutes before class (about 9:30 AM) and each kid needs to be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of class (before 11 AM). The person who checks-in the child will also need to pick up the child. To speed up the check-in process, please consider providing us with your kid's information in advance by filling out the form below. REGISTER HERE LOOK FOR TAGS When you first arrive you may notice that the teaches have printed tags with their name. Anyone with a "TEACHER" tag is safe to leave your child with. Every person who works with children is a member of FBC Fortuna, has gone through an application process, and has passed a background check. RUNNING LATE We've been there. You're running late because the shoe clogged the toilet and you're not even sure you brushed your teeth. That's okay! We have restrooms and no one will notice you eating breath mints like candy. However, we do lock the doors to the t wo-story building at 10 AM. After this time you will need to enter through the main entrance (large brick building with the cross on top). We want to make sure we are aware of any guests on the church grounds so someone will greet you and make sure you make it to the right class. If you have any questions please contact Lexi (Kids Sunday School Coordinator) or Pastor John.

How We Serve We are called to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:26-28; 1 Corinthains 14). In fact, all Christians have spiritual gifts so that they can serve one another. Serving one another is done primarily in our everyday life. However, there are also many ways to serve one other within the church. No Christian should ever wait for an ‘official’ program, position or title before they begin to be obedient to the commands of Jesus to serve. Therefore, these areas of service should be seen as possible entry points to serving others and not as the only way to obey the word of God. The church exists to glorify God. Serving others is one way this is done. These opportunities offer different ways to serve as you become steeped in the lives of others. We know that there are many ways and opportunities to serve. We know this because although the harvest is plentiful the workers are still few. “Community” Ministries and Teams The church is a body of believers gathered for the sake of worshiping the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Here are some ways to serve when we are normally gathered for worship. Worship: Psalm reader (men), music/singing, sound board, slides/lyrics, worship guide, baptism assistants, communion. Member Care: visitation & prayer team; hospitality: kitchen, meal trains; safety: a-frames, parking lot, greeters, ushers/security, lock up. “Discipleship” Ministries and Teams Discipleship begins in the home, but there are still many ways to disciple or be discipled. Here are some ministries that facilitate formal discipleship opportunities. Small Groups: Sunday School (teachers, assistants, check-in, etc.), mid-week groups, library, resource table. Ministry Training: elder training, deacons training, families, children, etc. Sound Doctrine Conference: The planning team will announce serving opportunities. “Serve” Ministries and Teams Being part of a community comes with a lot of moving parts. Facilities, Finance, Communication, and Administration teams help ensure that the small details of church life and the responsibilities of having a building are not neglected. Whether you like crunching numbers, posting on social media, moving a heavy object, or dusting, there is always something to do behind the scenes. Although a church does not need a building, we have been entrusted with a building. Therefore, we desire to show excellency in stewarding our facilities to better facilitate ministry and to leave these facilities in better condition for future generations. Finances: Counters, Benevolence, Finance Team. Facilities: Building and grounds, Cleaning, Maintenance, Remodel Work, Quarterly Work Days, aesthetics (decorating), event coordinating (weddings and other facility). Administration: Office, communication, digital content, bulletin boards/signage, calendaring, documents, print media. “Go” Ministries and Teams Evangelism begins in the home. As a church here are some additional ways to continue to share the gospel and support those who are devoted to that end. Visitor Follow-up: cards, emails, phone calls, visits. Evangelism Teams: street teams, “Serving Food. Serving People,” outreach. Missions (Sending/Supporting): Mission Trip (national/international), point of contact, pulpit fill. Sanctity of Life Church Officers Elders The Elders (also known as overseers or pastors) serve primarily through the word and prayer. They also oversee the vision of the church and seek the welfare of the church. Men are considered for the role of Elder based on the qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Deacons The Deacons assist the Elders by managing certain physical, material, or service needs of the church. Men are considered for the role of Deacon based on the qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3. These men lead ministry or stewardship teams under the oversight of the Elders. The deacon ministry exists to protect the unity of the church. Kids and Safety All adults working with children are required to pass a background check and participate in regualr mandatory training.

Head & Chief Shepherd Jesus is the head of the Church and the Chief Shepherd (Pastor). Under his authority will the church grow and be led. Lead Elder/ Pastor John Carter Serving as the Lead Elder, it is Pastor John's responsibility to Oversee the spiritual health of FBC Fortuna. His responsibility also includes overseeing the preaching and teaching, as well as the vision of FBC Fortuna. You can learn more about Pastor John by going to musicatheologica.com. Elder/ Pastor Steven Fetters Serving as an Elder, it is Pastor Steven's responsibility to Oversee the spiritual health of FBC Fortuna. In addition to pastoral care he is also responsible for evangelism, Sunday School, and communication. Deacon of Worship Services & Communications Ben De Leon To allow the Elder's to remain focused on the ministry of the word and prayer, the worship services deacon serves by helping to manage the administrative needs of the Sunday Morning Worship Services. If you would like to help serve in this area, please contact the worship services deacon. Deacon of Visitations Michael Murphy To allow the Elder's to remain focused on the ministry of the word and prayer, Michael serves in organizing visitations to church members who are widows, home bound, or hospitalized. If you would like to help in visitations, please contact Michael. FBC Church Member Every church member is responsible for the health and future of our church. This means no church member can sit back and 'let the professionals' do their job. The Elder's equip the saints for the work of the ministry. Consider this, every book in the New Testament is written to churches, not just Elders. Elder/ Pastor Jon Szabo Serving as an Elder, it is Pastor Jon's responsibility to Oversee the spiritual health of FBC Fortuna. He is responsible for teaching and overseeing pastoral care of the church. Deacon of Finances & Benevolence Vince Braigia To allow the Elders to remain focused on the ministry of the word and prayer, Vince serves (deacons) by helping to manage the finances of FBC Fortuna. Deacon of Facilities Luke Piehl To allow the Elder's to remain focused on the ministry of the word and prayer, Luke serves by helping to manage the facilities. If you would like to assist in caring for the building (cleaning, upkeep, repairs, gardening), please contact Luke.

Our Doctrine | Reformed Baptist We love God and we love His word. Therefore, our preaching and teaching is firmly rooted in the Bible. We are also confessional because of the confusion that many people have about interpreting the Bible. Therefore, we subscribe to The 1689 Second London Baptist Confession as our confession of faith. Even though there may be some disagreement among members about certain doctrines, the 2LBCF is the extent of disagreement that we can maintain while holding onto unity and fellowship. Level of Subscription to the Confession As a church we have adopted a “subscription of unity” for all church members. Our Church Officers (Elders and Deacons) are expected to have a “full subscription.” Subscription of Unity The goal of membership subscription is for all church members to agree wholeheartedly with the entire confession of faith. All church members should agree not to teach against the confession of faith, distribute literature against it, or campaign against it on social media, etc. They must agree not to cause divisions or strife in the church about anything in the confession of faith. And they must not be hardened in their opposition to anything in the confession of faith, but have a teachable spirit, willing to sit under and learn from those who teach everything in the confession of faith. Full Subscription Affirm every doctrine in our church’s confession of faith. Consistent with our confession and practice, we allow into membership those who are still working out their own understanding of our confession. At the same time, those who are in clear disagreement do not receive an Elder’s recommendation for membership. It should be noted that while incoming members may be still working on their understanding of the confession, the Elders and Deacons (office holders) are to be in full subscription with the 2LBCF. Our aim is to protect the unity of the church. Although reading the 2LBCF will provide a detailed explanation of our theology, below are five doctrines (teachings) that are fundamental to our theology. While we have clear boundaries of doctrinal agreement, we still find ways to be charitable in areas of disagreement. These five areas of doctrine give a clear understanding of the beliefs that influence the preaching, teaching, and ministries of our church. The Gospel of Jesus Christ We believe that in the beginning, God created everything. Not only did God create everything, but because he is good, he also gave us the law (explicitly and on the heart). The demand of the law was perfection. Failure to obey the law perfectly came with the penalty of death. But the reward of obedience was life. Instead of obedience we (through the first man Adam) chose to disobey the law. We chose to sin, and because of sin, the world was broken. Sin is any thought, deed, or action that opposes the will or law of God and is consequently worthy of death. Therefore sinners, who are condemned to death are in need of forgiveness of sin and salvation from death (the wrath of God). The good news (gospel) is that sinners can be forgiven of their sins and saved from death, sin, and God’s wrath through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone (see below). Those who have been saved from the consequences of their sin (death) must now obey the gospel in this way: Repent (turn from your sins to Jesus) Confess (make publicly known) your sins. Believe that Jesus Christ is God. Be Baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Commit yourself to a local body of believers (a church). Make Disciples of all nations as a part of the local church. Regenerate Church Membership The most significant mark of being Baptist is holding to believer’s baptism: the belief that only those who personally confess Christ should be recognized as saved and therefore baptized. Therefore, we also hold to the historic Baptist teaching that church membership is for the regenerate (new life). That means we affirm that every Christian must be a member of a local church to be obedient to Christ. Membership is not just a name on a list; it includes a confession, participation in the ordinances (baptism and the Lord's Supper), and evidences of grace (sanctification). Here are explanations of these three marks of a regenerate church member. A Confession of Faith Both a confession of sin and a confession (declaration) of who Christ is (See We Believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ). Acts 2:41, 47b. Participation in Baptism & Communion (Lord’s Supper) Baptism is the first act of obedience and the mark of entrance into the church. The Lord’s Supper is the mark of continued belonging to the church. The 1689 Baptist Confession reads as follows: Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ. To those baptized it is a sign of their fellowship with him in his death and resurrection, of their being grafted into him, of remission of sins, and of submitting themselves to God through Jesus Christ to live and walk in newness of life (2LBCF 29.1). The supper of the Lord Jesus was instituted by him the same night he was betrayed. It is to be observed in his churches to the end of the age as a perpetual remembrance and display of the sacrifice of himself in his death. It is given for the confirmation of the faith of believers in all the benefits of Christ’s death, their spiritual nourishment and growth in him, and their further engagement in and to all the duties they owe him. The supper is to be a bond and pledge of their communion with Christ and each other (2LBCF 30.1). Evidence of Grace (Sanctification) A Christian will bear good fruit. This does not mean that a Christian is presently perfect. But the call is to lead a life that is in step with the commands of Christ and his call for godliness. A Christian who bears no fruit is no Christian at all. But praise be to God, he promises to produce in us the fruit of sanctification through the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthains 6:9-11). The Five Sola's of the Reformation The Reformation of the 1500’s brought a renewed vision to what the Church is. Every ‘protestant’ church today is a result of this great reformation. Although many events occurred during the Reformation era, five beliefs can be summarized from those changes that still influence churches around the world today. We, too, believe in and hold to these Five Solas. Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) 2 Timothy 3:16–17 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (ESV) We Affirm: that the Scriptures have the full final authority on all our doctrines and practices. We Deny: that our confession or any church member (including the elders) stands in authority over the Scriptures. Also see: 2LBCF 1.10 Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) Ephesians 2:8–9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV) We Affirm: that God on his own free will offers salvation. We Deny: that man can save himself, or be saved, without this grace. Also see: 2LBCF 7.2 Solus Fide (Faith Alone) Galatians 2:16 - yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. (ESV) We Affirm: that man is saved by having faith (trusting belief) in the work and person of Jesus Christ. We Deny: that faith is alone; that faith does not produce good works. Also see: 2LBCF 14:1 Solus Christus (Christ Alone) Acts 4:11–12 - This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (ESV) We Affirm: that Jesus (truly God and truly man) is the only worthy mediator between God and man. We Deny: that anyone can be saved without a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Also see: 2LBCF 8.1 Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone) Ephesians 3:20–21 - Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (ESV) We Affirm: that God alone is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise, and is working all things to the praise of his glorious grace. We Deny: that God needs man or any created thing to be worthy of praise, glory and honor. Also see: 2LBCF 2.2 The Doctrines of Grace (Reformed Theology) Salvation is clearly taught in the Scriptures. However, there are certain doctrines that have caused theological division over the 2000 years of Church History. Although there is a certain amount of acceptable disagreement, we have come to believe that the Doctrines of Grace are the true and consistent teaching of the Scriptures. It is not necessary to completely understand the Doctrines of Grace when becoming a church member. However, you mustn't be strongly opposed to these teachings. We are patient with those who are taking time to fully comprehend and internalize these distinctives. The Doctrines of Grace are also known as Calvinism (so called after John Calvin). The doctrines of Grace have often been explained with the acronym of T.U.L.I.P. Total Depravity Ephesians 2:1–3 - And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind . (ESV) We Affirm: that, even though broken through sin, man still reflects the image of God (imago Dei). We Deny: that man is either able or willing to save himself. Also see: 2LBCF 6:2; 9:3 Unconditional Election Matthew 22:14 - For many are called, but few are chosen. (ESV) Romans 8:29–30 - For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (ESV) We Affirm: that God freely chooses to save some. We Deny: that God’s election limits man’s responsibility or is based on some attribute of those elected. Also see: 2LBCF 10:2 Limited Atonement (Particular/Definite Redemption) John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life . (ESV) John 10:11 - I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (ESV) Leviticus 16 (Day of Atonement) We Affirm: that Jesus’ substitutionary atonement on the cross is sufficient to save all but is only applied to the elect. We Deny: that blood is applied to all before they are born again, or any form of universal salvation (universalism). Also see: 2LBCF11:4 Irresistible Grace (Effectual Calling) John 6:37–40 - All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. (ESV) John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day . (ESV) We Affirm: that those whom God effectually calls will be saved, while his general call demonstrates the weakness of man to save himself. We Deny: that the gospel call to the whole world is insincere. Also see: 2LBCF 20:4 Perseverance of the Saints John 10:27–29 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. (ESV) We Affirm: that those whom God has saved can have assurance of their salvation which cannot be lost. We Deny: that man, who did not earn his salvation, can lose his salvation. We also deny cheap grace, which is a license to sin (antinomianism). Also see: 2LBCF 17:1 The Great Commission In light of these first four (4) doctrines, we can now go with greater boldness and confidence in proclaiming the gospel. This confidence does not come from man-centered evangelism, but with an assurance that the gospel call will be heard and responded to. In fact, there is no salvation without the preaching of the Gospel (special revelation). This makes God’s commands to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20) and to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:6) a freedom and not a weight. We are called to be faithful, not to produce “results.” Nevertheless, we still proclaim the gospel with boldness, conviction, and sincerity. We do this in faith that God will produce the fruit of regeneration. We believe both of these commands (to proclaim and disciple) are still applicable for the church today. Any teaching that affirms God’s sovereignty and election can never be applied in contradiction to man’s responsibility to proclaim and respond to the gospel message. Any theology that divorces election from evangelistic fervor is corrupt. Any teaching that opposes God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility is anti-Christ. Therefore, we unashamedly and wholeheartedly participate in evangelism at home, in the community, and through evangelistic missionary work abroad (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:6; Romans 10:13-17; and 2 Timothy 4:1-5). Also see 2LBCF Chapter 20