Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does it mean to be a Baptist?

Being a Baptist means being free under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This does not mean being free to do whatever one wants, but it does mean that there is no higher authority to a Baptist than Jesus Christ. As Baptists, we uphold four basic freedoms, outlined in Walter Shurden’s book, The Baptist Identity: Four Fragile Freedoms.

2. Is UBC a Southern Baptist Church?

UBC’s primary affiliation is with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. We also provide major funding to the Mississippi Baptist Convention. The Southern Baptist Convention and the Alliance of Baptist are also included in our church budget. Members are free to designate their giving to these groups.

3. What about Baptism?

UBC practices believer’s baptism by immersion. This means that when any person makes an informed, deliberate decision to profess faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we offer to baptize him or her by immersion. However, UBC respects all other modes of previous baptism.

4. Who can take Communion?

UBC practices openness in our observance of the Lord’s Supper. All professing Christians are welcome to participate with us. We observe the Lord’s Supper at least quarterly on Sunday mornings and at other Holy times, such as Christmas Eve and Good Friday. In addition, we have a Communion Room open every Sunday morning from 9-12 for anyone who desires to take communion privately.

5. How do I become a Member?

Any person may become a member of University Baptist Church when he or she professes faith in Jesus Christ and is baptized. The church also accepts members transferring from other Baptist churches or from Christian churches of other denominations who have been baptized according to the practices of that church. A “New Member Orientation Class” is offered periodically to help new members learn more about the history, organization, and Missions and Ministries of the church.

6. How do I become involved?

Involvement takes many forms at University Baptist Church. It starts with relationships: making friends, having a heart for marginalized communities, teaching, making music, the list goes on. Look at our Missions and Ministries pages and you will find a place of service.

7. How do I contribute to the Church?

Jesus Christ declared, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Here we strive to be good stewards of the time, talents, and possessions God has given us. The Ministries and Missions pages highlight ample opportunity for sharing those gifts with others. In addition, members and friends of the church are encouraged to make financial offerings to the General Offering, the Building Fund, the University Baptist Church Foundation, or memorials honoring family members or friends. Offerings may be made during our worship services or by mail to the church office, University Baptist Church 3200 West Arlington Loop Hattiesburg, MS 39401. To have your contributions recorded for tax purposes contact Connie Benedict, Financial Secretary, 601-264-6908.

8. What is the role of the Pastor?

My role is that of a servant. As pastor of University Baptist Church my responsibilities are to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, teach the Bible, and provide pastoral care to the congregation. While I serve as an advisor and encourager to committees, councils and Deacons, the committee structure is strong at our church and exercises real responsibility and authority in their respective areas of ministry, as governed by the church body.

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