Mt. Enon Baptist Church

Rev. John W. Harmon, Pastor

Member Orientation-Guidelines

Rev. R. Patten, BBA, M.Div.
Director of Christian Education
April, 2008
Revised: May, 2009

Click here to download handbook

Mount Enon
Members’ Orientation-Guidelines

Contents

1. Foreword 3

2. Welcome Statement 3

3. Mission/Vision/Motto 3

4. Letter from the pastor’s desk 4

5. Church history 5

6. Organizational Chart 7

7. The Two Ordinances of the Baptist Church 8

8. The Eighteen Articles of Faith 8

9. Stewardship 9

10. Modes of Admission and Dismissal in the Baptist Church 9

11. Member Support 10

12. Special Days 12

13. Guest Speakers, Teachers and Preachers 12

14. Ministries of the Church 12

1. Foreword

Our handbook will change as the church grows, and as ministries added, or dropped; or for other reasons that dictate that a change will be in the best interest of the Mt. Enon Family.

The creation of this handbook involved the work of several of the saints of God. No work like this can be done without the cooperation of contributors, and I want to thank, in particular, Minister Mary Sullivan who used her experience to edit, and to offer suggestions. I want to also thank Sister April Hale, a young college student who wrote the welcome to new members. Others contributed in numerous ways to support this effort.

2. Welcome?

On behalf of our Pastor, Rev. John W. Harmon, and the entire congregation we want to welcome you with open arms, to Mt Enon Baptist Church, "a growing church with a big heart". We are pleased that you have decided to continue your path toward righteousness and salvation with our church family.

Here at Mt. Enon, we practice H.E.A.R.T. Ministry, Healing, Evangelizing, Anointing, Reclaiming, and Teaching God's Word. Everyone here has a voice; your ideas, thoughts, and concerns are more than welcomed.

Again, we want to not only thank you for joining Mt. Enon Baptist Church to continue your path towards the Christian life, but to also say welcome, Welcome Home!

3. Mission/Vision/Motto:

Mt. Enon Church Mission: Our Mission is to assist in the “Healing, Evangelizing, Anointing, Reclaiming, and Teaching of GOD’s Word.”

Mt. Enon Church Vision: Our vision is to empower the community through H.E.A.R.T. Ministry.
Matt. 28:19-20; Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mt. Enon Church Motto: We are A GROWING Church with a BIG HE.A.R.T.

 

4. LETTER FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK?

 

 

From the Pastor’s Desk;

As we look to the future we see a change in the concepts of the traditional church. We are just at the beginning of learning how to manage changes in the church and the community of its membership. Our communities are changing due to the influx of different cultures and backgrounds. We have a new challenge of appealing to those cultures, having systems in place to address theirs needs, and relating to today’s non-churched environment.

We are now serving in an age of paradigm shifts. In other words, church is not what church used to be. People who come to church now are not like the people who used to come in terms of issues and needs. We have transitioned from community to global and this age is more transient. It has been reported that this generation will change major careers at least five times. Loyalty for the sake of loyalty is not the mindset of this millennium. Look at the cell phone and microwave. In the beginning only doctors had the privilege of cell phone use; and microwaves were thought to be cancer agents. Now, we pack first graders off to school with cell phones in their backpacks; and, we prepare microwave meals for the family in the evening. On the other hand, if it were not for cell phones and microwaves, many simply could not function.

To define paradigm shift is to suggest that things are changing without our personal permission. It is as if God has made the change and he did not consult any of us as members of the church. In Isaiah 43:19, God said, “See! I am doing a new thing.” So your only decision is to decide if you are getting on the train or are you going to be left at the station. For example: we must use the technology of today to aid in the ministry of God. Such as the use of Overhead Screen Projectors to show the announcements, Scriptures, Responsive Reading and Sermon notes to all who attend the worship service.

So I challenge you catch hold to the vision that God has for Mt. Enon Church Family. Vision is what God wants the church to look like when it is completed. Vision is a completed picture of ministries, a completed picture of leadership, a completed picture of evangelism, discipleship, and stewardship. Vision is directional knowledge from God. It is impossible to have vision that is not theologically empowered. Vision required seeing through knowing which is to say that vision knows where it is going but trusts God to get there.

So I stand ready assisted by the leadership and membership of this church to begin to build the capacity for the future. God has given us the vision now it’s up to us to make it happen. God is doing a “new thing” in the history of Mt. Enon Church.

5. CHURCH HISTORY?

Rev. Ben Gardner, Rev. L.H. Hawthorne, Rev. John Williams, and Bro. Gilbert Clinton, Sister Lucille Clinton and Sister Rose A. Marshall founded and organized Mount Enon Baptist Church in November of 1869. The Church's structure was destroyed by fire on two occasions, and a great deal of its recorded history was lost. Members of the early church recreated much of Mt. Enon’s history based on their own recollections and research.
Being loyal members, the initial members of Mt. Enon gathered under brush harbors to worship keeping their faith and praying through their many struggles, trials and tribulations. They settled on the region of land where the current Church stands today, and mutually agreed that they would assemble for worship on the fourth Sunday of each month.
During the past one-hundred and thirty-nine (139) years, Mount Enon has been blessed with eleven (11) pastors; Rev. A. Walker; Rev. T. M. Robinson; Rev. Wilson; Rev. C. S. Watkins; Rev. I. M. Taylor; Rev. C. L. Moore; Rev. H. W. Phinizy; Rev. T. H. Glasker; Rev. A. C. Brown; Rev. James Dunn and our current Pastor, Rev. John W. Harmon. During these 139 years, Mt. Enon has also ordained several Ministers and Deacons.
In our continued pursuit of work for Christ and under the leadership of our current Pastor, Rev. John W. Harmon, we have achieved numerous accomplishments throughout the years, which have included, for example:
• Our first Bible Study on November 4, 1999. Mt. Enon continues to conduct Bible Study each Wednesday night from 7 P.M. until 8 P.M. for adults and youths;
• Becoming a full time church conducting Sunday School at 10 a.m. and, at 11 a.m. worship;
• Initiating Quarterly Communion for Sick and Shut In Members as well as Candlelight Communion;
• Development of a Church Web Page: www.mtenonbaptistchurch.org

• The baptism of several individuals who have accepted Christ as their Savior and have subsequently joined the Mt. Enon family
• Establishment of a Department of Educational Ministries to include Conducted Choir Worship, Rights of Passage Training for Youth Ministry Team Members, Youth Ministry, and New Members Orientation; and
• Vacation Bible School has achieved new heights. Crawford Grove, Mt Olive, Mt. Sinai Deliverance Worship Center, Oakey Grove, and Mt. Enon have formed an alliance and participate in the Vacation Bible School Program.

Pastor Harmon’s vision of ministering to the physical, as well as spiritual needs of the body and of the community has resulted in Mt. Enon becoming very active in community activities designed to address prevalent health awareness issues and programs. Through Reverend Harmon’s efforts, not only is Mt. Enon continuing to secure its 501-C3 status but has formed an active alliance with the Morehouse School Medicine, and the NBLIC III Cancer Awareness Initiative’s local chapter in Richmond County which has resulted in several health-related seminars. As a result of our Pastor’s initiative and drive, Mt. Enon is on the frontier of fostering the sponsorship of grant-supported funding for a cancer awareness-training program for the greater Columbia County community. Several churches in the Evans, Columbia County community have agreed to support our Pastor and Mt. Enon in this project.
As we reflect on Pastor Harmon’s ministry and the things that Mt Enon has achieved in Jesus' name, we have been and continue to be "Rebuilding for Christ" and we extend our hand as an opportunity for you to "Come, Join, and Grow with Us through Christ".
God has blessed us with the addition of two associate Ministers: Rev. Robert Patten, Minister of Christian Education and Minister Bob Hale Youth Ministry Director.
In 2008 we have had the following changes to our leadership ministry of the church: March 30, Ordination Service was held for the now Rev. Bob Hale. April 27, Consecration Services was held for Sister Barbara Broome, Sister Sylvia Harmon, Sister Ganale Patten, and Sister Joanne Watts. On June 21, 2008, Brother Jerome Wilkins presented his Sermon of Origination and the council gave him a favorable recommendation. He was then licensed as Minister Jerome Wilkins.
Our motto: A growing church with a Big H.E.A.R.T. our worship services are as follows: Sunday School 10:00 a.m. and Worship at 11 a.m. each Sunday.


6. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART?

(THIS PAGE PURPOSELY LEFT BLANK)

 

 

7. THE TWO ORDINANCES: BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER

1. Baptism
A. Only believers are to be baptized. This excludes anyone who is an unbeliever (even babies, who neither believe nor disbelieve). Cf. Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:14-16. Acts 8:36-37 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

B. Baptism is not a step to salvation but it is a testimony that one has already received Christ Jesus as Savior. Baptism is a wonderful picture of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

2. The Lord’s Supper
Any Christian who is a member of a church may participate in the Lord’s Supper. But, before taking it the believer should have searched his own heart and make sure all his sins are confessed to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:28-31 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

The Baptist position concerning the Lord's Supper is that it is a memorial table that pictures the body and blood of Jesus and serves only as a reminder of His death, burial, and resurrection for us.

8. THE EIGHTEEN ARTICLES OF FAITH
For a complete exposure of The Articles of Faith listed here, see number 606 in the back of the New National Baptist Hymnal.

1. The Scriptures
2. The True God
3, The Fall of Man
4. The Way of salvation
5. Justification
6. The Freeness of Salvation
7. Regeneration
8. Repentance and Faith
9. God’s Purpose of Grace
10. Sanctification
11. Perseverance of Saints
12. The Law and Gospel
13. Gospel Church
14. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
15. The Christian Sabbath
16. Civil Government
17. Righteous and Wicked
18. The World to Come

9. STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship is recognition that as children of God we have been created and commissioned as caretakers of the earth and all that is therein. Stewardship includes our time, our talent, and our tithes. Our tithes support Ministries both in the church and our Outreach Ministry.

10. MODES OF ADMISSION AND DISMISSAL

MODES OF ADMISSION

1. By Baptism: A person may be admitted to the church on a profession of faith in Christ, by baptism.

2. By Letter: Members often remove from the vicinity of the church with which they have united. Then it becomes their duty, and should be their desire, to connect themselves with a church of the same faith near their new home, where they can conveniently work and worship..

3. By Christian experience: It sometimes happens that persons who have been baptized, but by some means have lost their membership, desire to unite with a church. These candidates bring no letters, nor are they re-baptized; but they give an account of their conversion and Christian life. They may then be received on the basis of their confession.

MODES OF DISMISSAL

1. By letter: A member may, on application, receive a letter of commendation and dismissal from his/her church, with which to unite with another of the same faith. A letter of commendation is granted that member who is a member in good standing. (See “Note on Member In Good Standing” note, below.)

2. By Exclusion: - When the church, in the exercise of its lawful authority and discipline, withdraws fellowship from a person proven to be an unworthy member, his/her connection with the body is dissolved and thenceforth ceases.

3. By Death: The death of members, of course, dissolves the relation, and transfers them from the church on earth to that above.

Note on Member in Good Standing: A member in Good Standing at Mt. Enon is considered one who:
1. Has not harmed the church spiritually or materially.
2. Has attended regularly three months before a specific date. Heb. 10:25
3. Note: Members who have not attended, or supported the Church for three consecutive months are moved to the inactive list.

11. MEMBER SUPPORT

Communion: Communion is held on the second Sunday of each month. It is our custom to commune the sick and shut-in at home and in nursing facilities.

Church-Family Meetings: Church-family meetings are held twice a year: January, and July.

Sickness, Hospitalization, Special Needs: In times of sickness, or hospitalization, a member or a member of the family should contact their ward deacon first. The ward deacon will provide assistance in a timely manner, and will contact the pastor.

Weddings: In the Joining of a man and a woman in holy matrimony, the pastor should be contacted. Counseling is required prior to marriage.

Funerals: Upon a death, both the ward deacon and the pastor are to be contacted.

Use of Fellowship Hall and Kitchen: For members’ use of the Fellowship Hall and/or the Kitchen, please call both the Church Clerk, Brother Lewis Avery, Jr., telephone 706-650-9075; and, the Chairman of the Trustees, Brother Johnnie Lowe, telephone 706-863-7957

Membership Support Team
Ward Assignments

Members are assigned to the Membership Support Team by Zip codes. Locate the zip code of your residence and then read across for your Member Support Team Members. Note: The Chairman of the Deacon’s Ministry is the Coordinator of all activities.

Ward (Zip Code) Assigned Deacon,
Deacon Aide / Deaconess Contact Tel. Number

Ward 1
30815 30816 30907 30909 Deacon Lewis Avery, Sr.
Deaconess Bettye Avery
706-863-8715
Ward 2
30802 30813
30311 (Atlanta, Ga)
29406 (Charleston, SC) Deacon James Casey
Deaconess Karen Casey 706-860-4819

Ward 3
30901 30904 30906 30809 Deacon Herbert Lowe
Deacon Glenn Harris
Deacon Freddie Winfrey
Deaconess April Harris
Deaconess Sylvia Harmon
Deaconess Ganale Patten
706-504-8409
706-814-5939
706-284-8866
706-814-5939
706-860-0859
706-798-4233
Ward 4
30809 Deacon John Norman
Deaconess Barbara Broome
Deaconess Josephine Mason
Deaconess Joanne Watts 706-863-6693
706-854-8296

James 5:14
Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; KJV

Deaconess Not Assigned:
Deaconess Christine Dent – Illness 30802
Deaconess Geneva Johnson – Illness 30909

12. SPECIAL DAYS AT MT. ENON
(Also, see the Church Calendar)

Ushers’ Anniversary
Spring Revival
Sunday School Anniversary
Adult Choir Musical
Mothers’ Day
Fathers’ Day
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School Activity (Saturday)
Youth Recognition Day
Men/Women’s Day
Fall Revival
Pastor’s Appreciation
Youth Choir Anniversary
Church Anniversary

13. Guest Speakers, Guest Teachers, and Guest Preachers

Any Minister or Teacher who is to be invited to speak, teach, or preach at Mt. Enon MUST be approved by and invited by the pastor, personally. The pastor is responsible for the doctrine of everyone who teaches or preaches.

14. Ministries at Mt. Enon

The following Ministries are ministries presently active at Mt. Enon.

* New Member Orientation
* Deacons’
* Deaconess’
* Sunday school
* Youth Ministry
* Bible Study
* Youth
* Choir
- Youth
- Adult
* Missions
* Food Pantry
* Health
* Health Care Awareness
* Evangelism
* Cemetery
* Ushers
* Christian Education
* Vacation Bible School