The Bible
The Bible is the Word of God: inspired, preserved and without error. It is our final authority for what we believe and how we live, and it is preached plainly, book by book and verse by verse.
2 Timothy 3:16Ordinary people. An extraordinary Savior.
Peoples Church of Batavia is an independent Baptist church in Jefferson County, Iowa. We believe the Bible is the Word of God and that salvation comes through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Here is who we are and what we are about.
Why Peoples Church exists
Peoples Church of Batavia was founded for the purpose of glorifying God through furthering the Gospel and discipling believers in their spiritual walk. That sentence has guided the church from the beginning, and it still describes a normal week here: the Gospel preached on Sunday, believers taught on Wednesday, and children reached on Thursday.
We are an independent Baptist church. Independent means we are not governed by a denomination, convention or outside board; the congregation is self-governing under the authority of the Scriptures. Baptist describes what we hold: the Bible as the inspired Word of God, salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, believer's baptism, and a local church made up of people who have trusted Christ.
We desire to minister to families and to anyone seeking a local church. Our congregation is made up of people from Batavia and from the farms and towns around it in Jefferson, Wapello and Van Buren counties. Some have been here for decades; some walked in last month. All of them would tell you the same thing: you are welcome here.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15
What we believe
These are the convictions you will hear from the pulpit at Peoples Church. A fuller statement of faith is available from the church office.
Sin
All of us are sinners. Sin began in the Garden of Eden and has been passed down to every generation, and its penalty is death and separation from God in a real place called hell.
Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23Jesus Christ
God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to shed His blood on the cross for our sins. His sinless sacrifice paid the penalty for sin once and for all, and God raised Him from the dead.
Romans 5:8; Hebrews 9:22Salvation
Eternal life is a free gift. It is received by repenting of sin and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, not through church membership, baptism, good works or any other means.
Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-13The Church
The local church is a body of baptized believers gathered to worship God, preach the Gospel and disciple one another. Peoples Church is independent and self-governing, led by its pastor and a Board of church members.
Acts 2:41-42The Great Commission
Christ commanded His church to carry the Gospel to every creature. We do that in Batavia and, through the missionaries we support, in Paraguay, Brazil, Thailand and beyond.
Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20Pastor Jack
Pastor of Peoples Church of Batavia for more than twenty-five years
Pastor Jack has shepherded Peoples Church for more than a quarter of a century. The congregation recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his pastorate, a milestone that says as much about the faithfulness of the church family as it does about his.
[Placeholder: two or three sentences from Pastor Jack about his background, how he came to Batavia, and his family. His wife's name and a line about their children or grandchildren would fit well here.]
Pastor Jack is the church's only staff position. He preaches on Sunday morning, leads the Wednesday evening prayer meeting and Bible study, and is glad to meet with anyone who has questions about the Bible, about salvation or about Peoples Church.
Overseen by the people who belong here.
Peoples Church is overseen by a Board composed of church members. Working alongside Pastor Jack, the Board is responsible for the practical life of the church so that the congregation can give its attention to worship, the Word and one another.
Ministry activities
Sunday School, Kids Bible Club, VBS and the outreach the church takes on each year.
Finances
Stewardship of the offerings entrusted to the church, including missions support.
Building & grounds
Care and maintenance of the church building on Apple Boulevard.
Church functions
The other practical matters that keep a congregation running well.
Questions about Peoples Church? Ask away.
Pastor Jack is glad to talk about the church, the Bible or anything you have read here. Call, send a note, or just come on Sunday.