Church Policies

Ministers

Mount Olive Baptist Church is not currently receiving ministers as a part of the ministerial staff. If you are a minister and you want to join the church, you are welcome to participate in the worship services. However, the ministerial staff is at full capacity and we will not be able to facilitate your ministerial services.

The Bible teaches that God has specific roles for men and women in the church. The office of minister as defined by the word of God has been exclusively assigned to the men of the Church. For this reason, the Mount Olive Baptist Church does not recognize nor ordain women preachers, pastors or ministers of any denomination. (I Timothy 2:12-15; 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9)

Weddings

Couples must complete marriage counseling with one of the staff ministers before the wedding. The marriage license must be recognized by the state and received by the minister prior to the wedding ceremony. Because the bible states that Christians are not to marry non-Christians, the Mount Olive Baptist Church does not perform inter-faith marriages (II Corinthians 6:14). Couples who were formerly married may only utilize the main sanctuary for their ceremony if both parties former spouse is deceased, however, other facilities are available. (Romans 7:2)

Wakes & Funerals

There are no funerals or wakes on Sunday. Wakes will begin no later than 7:00 PM and will continue to no later than 8:00 PM. Caskets are opened during wakes and at the start of the actual funeral service. After the service has begun and the family has been seated, the casket will be closed and will not be reopened. (I Corinthians
15:51-58; I Thessalonians 4:13-18)

The ministerial staff attends funerals (schedule permitting) for church members and their immediate families. The ministerial staff doesn't attend funerals that are more than 3 hours (driving distance) from the church.

 

Baptism

At the Mount Olive Baptist Church water baptism is by immersion. Baptism is not to be regarded as a means of salvation but as evidence of obedience, identification and fellowship with the Lord. We do not baptize anyone (adult or children) until they have made a formal profession of faith.

Those who are going to be baptized must complete baptism orientation before being baptized. On the day in which you will be baptized, we ask that you bring an extra set of clothing (clothing for baptism and clothing for the remainder of the ceremony). Baptism orientation for those 12 yrs old or older is held in Room 107 at 9:30 a.m. every first Sunday (unless otherwise specified). Youth Baptism Orientation for children 12 years or under, is held at the Children's Church every third and fourth Sunday. Parents are required to attend with their children. (Matthew 3; 28:19-20; Acts 2:38, 41, 8:12, 35-38)