Statement
of Faith

Bereans, who were the focus of Luke's commendation in Acts 17:10-12, reflect the commitment of this local church. Chartered in 1973 and regrouped in 1993, we are a young church. 
istorically, Baptists have been known as a people (individuals) who accept the Bible as God's Word and the sole (dependable and all-sufficient) rule for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16). This focus has a price in terms of commitment, but Baptists see the price of worldly alternatives, for individuals and society, to be much higher. The Berean Baptist Church of Boone, Iowa, holds the following Baptist distinctives:

B - Biblical Authority
     The Bible is the final authority in all matters of life. Because the Bible is inspired by God, it has absolute authority in a believer's life.
     (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

A - Autonomy of the Local Church
​     The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ only. Local churches may fellowship with other local churches, but are not to be influenced or dictated by any governing bodies or hierarchies.
     (Colossians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 19, 23)

P - Priesthood of the Believer
     Jesus Christ is our Great High Priest, and through Him alone we have access to God. There is no need for any other mediator between God and man.
     (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 5:9-10)

T - Two Ordinances
     There are two ordinances that the local church should practice: believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper. 
     (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32)

I - Individual Soul Liberty
     Every individual, whether saved or not, has the ability to choose for himself or herself what he/she believes concerning the things of God. However, all individuals are accountable to God and are responsible to the Bible.
     (Romans 14:5, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9)

S - Saved Church Membership
     Church membership is limited to individuals who have publicly professed personal faith in Jesus Christ and have been obedient in believer's baptism. 
     (Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 4:3)

T - Two Church Offices
     The two recognized offices of the local church are pastor (elder, bishop, or overseer) and deacon. 
     (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Acts 20:17-38; Philippians 1:1)

S - Separation of Church and State
     God has established both the church (Matthew 28:19-20) and civil governments (Romans 13:1-7), each with its own responsibilities and purposes. 
     (Acts 15:17-29)

Baptist's Understanding of the Great Commission:

1. Evangelism - Winning Souls to the Savior, Jesus Christ
2. Church Fellowship - Loving and Supportive Friends
3. Training - Teaching Believers to Walk in the Counsel of God
4. Strengthening Families - Teaching God's plan for the Home

Statement on Bible Translation:

   Because we believe that the King James Version is the best translation of the original manuscripts, and in order to provide consistency in our services, the King James Version of the Bible will be used in the preaching and teaching times in our church.