What Kind of Church is Anthem Church?

What kind of church is Anthem Church? That's easy! We are a "Christian" church. We are a God-honoring, Jesus-imitating, Spirit-filled, Bible-believing, Kingdom-focused, gospel-centered, mission-minded, disciple-making, neighbor-loving, community-impacting church. 

Typically, when a person asks, "What kind of church is Anthem Church?" what they are really asking is, "Is Anthem Church non-denomination or baptist?" The answer is YES. Let me explain. 

When I am asked, "What type of church is Anthem Church?" I'd love to be able to offer a quick and simple answer, but the truth is that there is no quick and simple answer. The answer to the question isn't as straightforward as one may hope. It's a puzzle inside a riddle wrapped in an enigma. Okay, that may be an exaggeration, but the truth is that the question requires a little more than a single-word answer. 

If you really want to know what kind of church Anthem is, then let me begin by making a personal invitation for you to come and join us on a Sunday morning. After all, there's nothing better than seeing it for yourself. But between now and when you can join us, let me take a little time to explain why Anthem is both non-denominational and baptist. Because the question is loaded with a lot of assumptions and presuppositions, I'd like the opportunity to address the matter in hopes of minimizing confusion and misunderstanding. Experience has taught me that when it comes to answering this question it's best to explain the answer rather than casually throwing out terms without first defining them. I hope what follows helps you to better understand what type of church Anthem Church is.

First, it's important to note that it is very difficult to neatly define what is a non-denominational church and what is a Baptist church. Both come in all types: big and small; traditional and contemporary; theologically liberal and theologically conservative; liturgical and informal; welcoming and stuffy; and so on. The lines are so blurred that you can sit through a church service and afterwards assume that it is a non-denominational church when in fact it's a Baptist church (and vice versa). To make things more confusing some Baptist churches distinguish themselves as Independent Baptist. All that means is that they are "non-denominational." Given the difficulty in neatly delineating what is precisely a non-denominational church and what is a Baptist church, we must be careful not to allow stereotypes and caricatures (especially the negative ones) to define what we believe them to be. We should instead respectfully evaluate individual churches on their merit rather than impose unfair and unjustified labels.

Second, it can be said that Anthem Church is both non-denominational and Baptist in that we believe in the autonomy of the local church. In other words, we believe that each local church governs itself. Both non-denominational and Baptist churches hold that no governing body outside of the local church exercises control over a local church.  Our position is that Jesus Christ is the Head of individual churches and that He provides each church with all it needs to function as it should.

Thirdly, it can be said that Anthem Church is both non-denominational and Baptist in that we believe in believer's baptism. However, it must be noted that not all non-denominational churches hold to believer's baptism. Believer's baptism refers to the practice of baptizing individuals post-conversion. Our position is that a person is to be baptized after they personally make the decision to place their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Fourthly, it can be said that Anthem Church is both non-denominational and Baptist in that stylistically we are more contemporary than traditional. Some may find this hard to believe, but not all Baptist churches are traditional. Some are very contemporary in how they conduct their worship service. For the most part, non-denominational churches utilize a contemporary approach in their worship. However, some are traditional. If you were to join us for one of our worship services, you'll probably assume we're a non-denominational church. Stylistically, we are less baptistic than most people's stereotype of a Baptist church. We are a casual, come as you are, informal church. Our music is contemporary, but we do sing hymns. We don't yell and scream (no fire and brimstone). We simply teach the truth from God's Word and do so as lovingly, graciously, and thoughtfully as possible. Our goal is not to be either contemporary or traditional, but to be eclectic in implementing modern elements alongside historical ones. In so doing we hope to connect with the here and now while also acknowledging our Christian heritage.

Fifth, Anthem Church is baptistic in that we emphasize the importance of church membership. Church membership is a great benefit to the spiritual health and growth of individual Christians as well as that of the local church. Many different types of churches have church membership (Methodists, Presbyterians, Catholics, some non-denominationalists, etc). However, Baptists have historically placed a greater emphasis on the importance of church membership.

Sixth, Anthem Church is Baptist in that we believe in the separation of church and state. A little known secret is that if not for Baptists we would not have separation of church and state in this country. Back in the day the government subsidized the Anglican Church with taxpayer dollars. Baptist churches in New England complained and sent letters to Thomas Jefferson who agreed that it was not proper for the government to utilize tax funds to support one church over another.

Seventh, Anthem Church is not Baptist in that we do not conform to many of the negative stereotypes many individuals have about Baptist churches. We are not backwoods, sexist, racist, ignorant fundamentalists. We are a church made up of people who love God and love others. Our desire is to worship alongside all people regardless of ethnic background, race, national origin, sex, age, socio-economic status, educational level, etc.

Eighth, Anthem Church is technically non-denominational. I say "technically" because even though we are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the SBC is not a denomination. It is merely an association by which churches partner together for the sake of worldwide missions. The fact is that churches can do more together than they can by themselves. The SBC offers a great way for churches to pool their resources together and thus accomplish more in the world. This is called the Cooperative Program (CP). The CP funds seminaries and colleges, disaster relief, orphanages, and so on. The CP funds church planting in the U.S and throughout the world. And the CP funds the International Missions Board (IMB)...one of the best missions organization on earth.

It is important to note that our affiliation with the SBC is voluntary. The SBC exercises no authority over Anthem Church, and, if ever it would be necessary, Anthem Church is able to remove itself from affiliation. Furthermore, our affiliation with the SBC does not limit our ability to partner with other churches and groups. We are very actively involved with other networks and associations both locally and internationally for the cause of Christ.

What kind of church is Anthem Church? We are a God-honoring, Jesus-imitating, Spirit-filled, Bible-believing, Kingdom-focused, gospel-centered, mission-minded, disciple-making, neighbor-loving, community-impacting church. Our mission is to fill Angier, NC and the world with love filled, faith filled, hope filled followers of Jesus. You can learn more about our beliefs and values by visiting our website anthem-church.org.

If you're still not sure what kind of church Anthem Church is, I encourage you to join us at one of our worship services (Sundays at 10:30 AM - 455 W. Depot St., Angier, NC 27501). After all, it's better to see it for yourself.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Rick