Ministries
Sunday School at Lake Shore Drive Baptist Church is a vital part of our ministry. The Bible says "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 TImothy 2:15. We have classes for every age group--from nursery through adults. Each class has a very special teacher who is dedicated to helping the students come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and then grow in their Christian lives. The Bible teachers in the teen and adult classes develop their own Bible studies which focus on the practical application of God's truth.
Childrens and Junior Church is exactly what it says--church for the "juniors"--ages 4 through the 6th grade. Dick Smith, who has been working with kids for over 27 years, along with his daughter Karyn Scott, teach our Junior Church. In conjunction with the adult worship service on Sunday mornings, Junior Church provides a special setting for our juniors to pray, sing, and learn the Bible on their level. During this time they also memorize Scripture verses, play games, color, and do fun craft projects. Our Junior Church is not just a game time, or a babysitting time. It is a time dedicated to teaching our youngsters the Word of God. We believe that we have a responsibility to teach our "little children" the things of God while they are young and tender hearted. "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14. Our goal is to see lives changed and souls saved--even the lives and souls of the "little children." We also strongly believe that the "little children" need to truly understand the Gospel message so that they might come to a genuine saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, and then grow up into Him.
Christian Charactor Club is another ministry we provide for our youngsters--ages 3 through 6th grade. The C-Club ministry centers on teaching the children how to build Christian character traits into their lives through Scripture memorization and Bible lessons. The theme verse for C-Club is I Corinthians 3:10. "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buldeth thereupon." In Conjunction with our Midweek Bible Study & Prayer Meeting, C-Club meets every Wednesday at 7:00 PM during the school year. The children and their group leaders assemble with the adults for an opening chorus, prayer, and pledges to the American flag, Christian flag, and Bible. After singing the C-Club theme chorus, they are dismissed to their "guilds"=Little Builder's Guild (3's-5's), Apprentice Guild (1st thru 3rd grade), and Journeyman's Guild (4th thru the 6th grade). Each group then recites their memory work from the previous week, and is taught a Bible lesson on the particular Christian character trait for that meeting. Following the Bible study, the kids enjoy game time, craft time, or a trip to the C-Club store where they can purchase fun stuff with the points they've earned through good attendance and doing their memory work.
Teen Ministry Youth Group is made up of 7th through 12th graders. Youth Group meets every Sunday morning for Sunday School where the teens are challenged and encouraged with relevant, helpful lessons from the Bible. The main purpose of the Youth Group is to help our teenagers to know the Lord, to grown in the Lord, and to be equipped to serve the Lord. "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12. The teens then are encouraged to put this into practical action by being involved in Teen Visitation on Tuesday afternoons once a month, and by helping out in various church ministries. Youth Group also provides an opportunity to demonstrate to our teens that Christians can have fun too. Fun fellowship times for the teens are regularly scheduled with Teen S.N.A.C. (Sunday Night After Church), along with a major activity monthly. (Examples: "shoppers in Disguise," Paintball, Camping trips, Whitewater rafting, just to name a few.)
Bus Ministry Lake Shore Drive Baptist Church believes that its purpose for existence is to reach others with the gospel, and one of the ways that it endeavors to reach people is through the bus ministry. The bus has been providing transportation for boys and girls so that they may attend church where they are taught the Bible in Sunday School by trained and experienced teachers and where they can learn about the things of God through meaningful Children's Worship times. "And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled. " Luke 14:23 Brother Dick Smith is in charge of our Bus Ministry. He keeps our bus, nicknamed "stubby" in perfect running order. Brother Smith is a true blessing to this ministry.
Nursing Home Ministry The Nursing Home Outreach is an outreach to lonely and elderly people, some of whom are near eternity. "When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matthew 25:28-30 We have the privilege of being able to visit with and minister to these people by conducting "church services" on a regular basis.
Visitation Ministry The purpose of the visitation program is to use the methods of door-to-door, follow-up and witnessing to fulfill the commands of Christ: "Go ye therefore and teach all nations" Matthew 28:19 and "ye shall be witnesses unto me" Acts 1:8. Several types of tracts and brochures are used in the program. They contain information on how to be saved, the purpose of our church and specific times and activities of the church. Material is always left with the individual that is visited.
Men's and Ladies Bible Study Lake Shore Drive Baptist Church conducts a Men's and Ladies' Bible Study on Monday Nights at 7:00 P.M. The Study alternates Monday nights with the Ladies outreach Look-C-Doers. So be sure to check the calendar for the correct dates.
We begin our study first by sharing any prayer requests or praise. The lesson begins after opening in prayer. The lessons encourage and strengthen us so we are better equipped for whatever role the Lord has for us to fulfill. Examples of applying the Scriptures to daily life are discussed. The Bible Study ends with a closing prayer and if time permits fellowship will follow.
Studying God's Word draws us closer to our Savior. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2nd Timothy 3:16-17. Studying with others enhances our spiritual growth, helps strengthen our faith and encourages us to trust God every day. The study sessions are always exciting as God faithfully reveals some new truth, as we see prayers answered and as we see how He is working in our lives.
Look-C-Doers This is the Ladies Outreach Group lead by Sister Tina Smith. This group meets on Monday evening at 7:00 P.M. The meetings are on alternate Monday evenings. Be sure to check the church calendar. "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." Proverbs 31:10. The Look-C-Does Ministry seeks to equip women to enrich their lives, their families and the lives of other women through Christ; to enable a woman to serve her church and community; and lead women to become women of faith with their entire lives based on the Word of God.
Our purpose is to enrich the women of our church with the power of God's Holy Word; to help each woman discover her God-given gifts: to lead other women to Christ; to live Godly lives; to be women of strong faith and prayer; to help fellow women in their times of need; and to spread God's message throughout the land.
Men's Prayer Fellowship It is the mission of the Men's Prayer Fellowship to present to the Lord through intercessory prayer the petitions of the Lake Shore Drive Baptist Church members, and the general public, as the prayer requests are presented to us. "...the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16 We meet in the Pastor's Study every Saturday at 9:30 A.M. We welcome anyone with a desire to serve in this ministry.
Missions Ministry is a fullfillment of the great commision left to us by Jesus Christ himself. "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 alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:19-20 The message is clear and the mission is vital, if we don't... who will tell them?
