Principles We Value

First Baptist Church of Etowah seeks to be a free and faithful voice of the Gospel, witnessing with integrity to Jesus Christ and the mission of the church.  The church believes in and dedicates itself to preserving and practicing historic Baptist principles, freedoms, and traditions.  Among these are...

• Soul Freedom (The principle belief that each human being is created with dignity, and as such, embodies the capacity to enter into relationship with the creator on his or her own free will.  Historically, baptists have referred to this freedom as The Priesthood of All Believers.)

• Church Freedom (The principle belief that each local church has the freedom and responsibility to interpret scripture, select its own leaders, and make its own decisions in matters related to church governance. Inherent in this freedom is a strong support of the Separation of Church & State, for which Baptists have historically been champions.)

• Bible Freedom (The principle belief that individuals and congregations have the freedom and the responsibility to interpret sacred scripture for themselves.) 

• Religious Freedom (The principle belief that every individual has the right to freedom of religion...freedom for religion and even freedom from religion.)  

We value worship, religious education, missions and evangelism, theological depth and diversity, intellectual openness, social consciousness, responsible stewardship, and warm fellowship.