Who We Are

Inclusiveness

Inclusivity was the number one reason given by church members as to why they attend Northside. From our founding, Northside has attempted to be a place that welcomes all persons who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord to live into the fullness of who they are as a person within the body of Christ. That stance has been constant, but has evolved during our history. We began by welcoming persons of all races into the fellowship of the church. As the church grew and listened for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we began to acknowledge the gifts and the calling of the women in our midst. We came to understand that God calls who God wills into service in the church. In recent years we have considered how we feel led by God to live in relation to our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ+ community. In 2014, Northside voted to amend our constitution regarding membership: “The mission of Northside Baptist Church is to celebrate God’s grace and follow the movement of the Holy Spirit, allowing any person, without exception, who professes Jesus as Lord to participate in any capacity with this fellowship.” We cherish our openness to the world around us. We honor the diversity of the body of Christ. 

Comfortable with Questions and Diversity of Thought

We are a congregation that knows we do not have all the answers. We do not march in lock step to a dogmatic set of principles. We cherish being a place where serious people of faith can have serious disagreements about their faith, and yet still live in peace and care for one another. Questions are always welcome at Northside. We often find our brother or sister struggles with the same questions. We take comfort in knowing we are able to not know together. 

Worshipful

For Baptist life in our corner of the world, we worship in style that is uncommon. We follow the church lectionary, uniting our scriptural focus with the larger church around the world. The rhythm of the church year is one with which we feel very comfortable. We appreciate music in the service as led by a piano and organ. We honor the gifts of our members as lay leaders in our corporate worship. Above all we believe our worship time together is focused on God, and not ourselves. 

Congregationally Compassionate

One of the major themes that emerged from the responses to our church survey was how much the membership feels cared for by one another. We cook meals. We say prayers. We share laughs. We shed tears. We send cards and hand-written notes. We each find our unique way of caring, and we do not hesitate to share that with one another. 

Missional

The heart of Northside cares for those inside our congregation, and it also reaches beyond our walls into the world around us. Our annual advent offering is distributed among a variety of local, state, national, and international efforts. Our mission is not only measured in dollars, but also in the everyday lives of our members. Each member leaves our doors and enters into their own mission field. Every office, social organization, classroom, and soccer field is an opportunity to carry the love of God out into the world.  

Historically Baptist

At Northside Baptist Church, “Baptist” is our middle name. Historic Baptist principles give us steady footing as we continue to seek God’s call for us in the world. Historic Baptist principles, also called the “Four Fragile Freedoms” include soul freedom, church freedom, religious freedom, and Bible freedom. The standard of faith is what is set forth in the Old and New Testaments and the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message may serve as a guide to the faith. Northside affiliates with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Alliance of Baptists. And while Northside is Baptist, Northsiders from other Christian traditions continue to find a home here.