About Grace Baptist Church
Who we are, what we believe, and how we’re organized.
Grace is the reason that we exist to glorify God. It is in His sovereignty that He has assembled this body of believers to exalt His Son, Jesus Christ—the One whose death and resurrection gives us peace with God, spiritual gifts for edification of the church, and the hope of heaven. You’ll find that His grace is the common thread that runs through every ministry and expression of worship here.
Baptist is likewise significant. It suggests an urgency of obedience to identify with a genuine fellowship and become a part of a church family. As members of one body, the symbolic act of baptism expresses biblical understanding of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although the very act of baptism will not save anyone, it is an expression of love and obedience for those that are in Christ.
Church is God's designation for the assembly of people called by His name. As such, our course has been charted by God; our destiny has been planned by God; our members have been chosen by God; our purposes have been defined by God. We trust you’ll discover God’s grace among us as we choose to worship God in His glory.
We are a local assembly of believers who have one standard for faith and conduct—the Holy Bible. We stand uncompromisingly for the inerrant, inspired Word of God. It is what we preach, what we teach, what we believe, and what we strive to live.
Biblical in faith
We are Biblical in faith, as opposed to religious groups which reject the basic tenets of the Christian faith.
Independent in government
We are independent in government in that we are not controlled by any ecclesiastical body outside our own membership. The ruling power of the church resides with its elders, as guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
Evangelistic in character
We endeavor to speak the Good News of Jesus Christ to our own generation. We “reach them to teach them” and then “teach them to reach others.”
Educational in approach
We seek more than conversions to Christ. Our call is to make disciples for Christ. Our concern is for a membership that acts out of conviction and not mere convenience.
Missionary in spirit
We take seriously Christ’s command to go into all the world and make disciples. We desire to equip, send, and support missionaries to proclaim Christ and establish churches around the world.
“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”
When you look across the landscape at churches throughout the world, you find a few different models of how a church is governed. Different churches have adopted differing methods. It could be reasonably said that the majority of churches fall into one of two popular approaches to church government: an autocracy or a democracy.
Autocracy
- One person runs the church
- Decisions by personal opinion
- Focused on “my way”
- Power resides in one
- Goal: please the leader
Democracy
- Everybody runs the church
- Decisions by popular vote
- Focused on “our way”
- Power resides in the congregation
- Goal: please the majority
The Bible teaches that both of these models are deficient. They both lack Biblical support and although they may be appropriate in some other arena, the Bible teaches that they are not God’s design for the church. The Bible teaches that the church is Christ’s; He is the Head—not only of the universal Body of Christ, but also of every local congregation. This means that neither one individual nor the majority of the congregation are the proper arbitrator for the life and work of the church. As we look to the Scriptures, we do find one approach to church government that avoids the pitfalls of both the autocratic and democratic models and is in agreement with the teaching of the Scriptures on local church rule.
In the New Testament, the leaders of the local church are referred to by a variety of terms. Although each of these terms may highlight a particular aspect of the leadership role, they are used to describe those who lead the church.
“Elders”
Examples: Acts 20:17, 1 Timothy 5:17
“Overseers”
Examples: Acts 20:28, Philippians 1:1
“Leaders”
Example: Romans 12:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:12
“Pastor/teachers”
Example: Ephesians 4:11 (and see again Acts 20:28)
These elders are men gifted by the Spirit of God and given to the local church as special gifts by Christ—whom God has appointed to lead the church. As the New Testament speaks of these leaders, it is clear that local churches were to have a number of elders who served in leadership, seeking to hear from the Lord regarding the teaching of His will for the church in accordance to biblical doctrine.
How elders are recognized
Elders are not “voted in”; they do not serve because they won an election. Elders serve and lead (with input from the congregation of members) because they are recognized as those whom God has gifted, equipped, and empowered for this kind of service. The church does not elect elders—we recognize them.
These men are those whom God holds ultimately responsible for the life of the church. Theirs is the God-given authority for seeing that the church holds fast to the truth of the Scriptures, that the teaching ministry of the church is sound, that the members are appropriately shepherded, and that the church is growing in a Biblical way. Wise and loving elders are intimately connected to the members of the church and open to their concerns, hopes, and desires. But, ultimately, the elders do not rule by the will of the people, but by the will and Word of God.
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Scriptural Guidelines for Choosing Hymns and Praise Songs
For Corporate Church Worship – Grace Baptist Church
Compiled By: Pastor Alan Herd
These guidelines are designed to prioritize God's glory, biblical faithfulness, and the edification of the church above personal preferences, cultural trends, or emotional manipulation. Corporate worship must be offered in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).
Worship Music Exists To Glorify God, Not To Entertain People Or Cater To Individual Tastes.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
- Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- Ephesians 5:19 …addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart…
- Psalm 95:1 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
- Psalm 96:1-2 Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
Application: Ask of every song, Does this primarily exalt God's character, works, and gospel, or does it center human feelings and experiences? The church sings to the Lord and for the Lord.
Theologically Sound And Driven By God's Word
Songs Function As Portable Theology. They Must Teach Truth, Not Error.
- Colossians 3:16 (quoted above) — The content must be filled with the word of Christ.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
- Ephesians 5:19 (quoted above) Singing is a form of mutual teaching and admonition.
- Deuteronomy 6:4-7 and Matthew 22:37-40 Worship must reflect the full counsel of God (the Shema and the Greatest Commandment).
- Revelation 5:9-10 Heavenly worship centers on the worthiness of the Lamb who was slain.
Key Tests:
- Are the lyrics biblically accurate, clear, and faithful to the meaning of Scripture?
- Do they proclaim the full gospel (creation, fall, redemption in Christ, new creation)?
- Do they present a balanced view of God (holiness, love, justice, mercy, sovereignty)?
- Are they God-centered rather than overly subjective or man-centered?
Recommendation: Regularly sing the Psalms (God's inspired hymnbook) and other songs saturated with direct Scripture or faithful paraphrases. Reject songs with vague, erroneous, or imbalanced theology.
The Musical Setting Exists To Support The Truth Of The Lyrics, Not To Overshadow Or Contradict Them.
- Ephesians 5:19 …singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.
- 1 Corinthians 14:40 But all things should be done decently and in order.
- Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
- Psalm 33:3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. (Excellence serves worship.)
- 1 Chronicles 16:29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.
Application:
- The melody, rhythm, and arrangement should help the congregation sing together with understanding and reverence.
- Music must be congregational (accessible vocal range, clear beat, not performance-oriented).
- Style should support the lyrical content (joyful for praise, contemplative for confession/lament) and avoid worldly or sensual associations that undermine holiness.
- Strive for excellence without turning worship into a concert.
- Ephesians 5:19 Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…
- Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Preferences)
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (Love chapter) Unity and love for the brethren must guide song selection.
Application: Songs should enable the whole congregation (all ages, musical abilities) to participate. Balance preferences for the sake of unity. Include a variety of themes: adoration, thanksgiving, confession, lament, assurance, and mission.
- Holiness and Reverence: 1 Peter 1:15-16 But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.
- Order and Decency: 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
- New and Old Songs: Psalm 96:1 and Psalm 98:1 Command to sing new songs, while treasuring the rich heritage of historic hymns and psalms.
- Testing Everything: 1 Thessalonians 5:21 But test everything; hold fast what is good.
- Read every lyric line-by-line against Scripture.
- Ask: What does this teach? Who is glorified? Is it singable by the congregation? Does it edify the body?
- Pray for wisdom (James 1:5).
- Aim for a balanced diet of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that lets the word of Christ dwell richly.
- Choosing songs for corporate worship is a serious pastoral and leadership responsibility.
- May every selection be offered for the glory of the Triune God, in submission to His Word, and for the good of His people.
- Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! (Psalm 96:1)
- These guidelines transcend traditional vs. contemporary debates. The unchanging standard is faithfulness to Scripture.
Leadership & Ministry Teams
Those serving Christ and His church at Grace Baptist Church
The pastors of Grace Baptist Church serve in the biblical role of shepherding, teaching, and caring for the church. They seek to lead faithfully according to God’s Word and for the good of the congregation.
Alan Herd
Before being called to Grace Baptist Church in June 2000, Alan served the Lord as Associate Pastor of Students & Education at Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN (1996–2000); as Associate Pastor of Students at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lebanon, TN (1994–1996); and as Area Director of the Middle Tennessee Fellowship of Christian Athletes (1987–1994).
Alan is thankful and excited about being back home where he is serving the Lord and the community where he was raised. He and his wife Lisa have been married for forty one years and have four children: Alan & Rose, John & Anna, Anna Grace & Jordan, and Jacob & Kate. They also have eight grandchildren: Paisley, Clayton, Cassidy, Trace, Wesley, Jackson, Truett, and Emmett.
Jim Mudd
As Pastor of Family Ministries and Discipleship, Jim oversees many aspects of family life within the body of Grace. He directs the Deacon ministry, teaches the Men’s study on Sunday mornings, and is involved in church-wide teaching ministry each Wednesday. Jim and his wife Renee have three boys: Kevin, Caleb, and Garret.
Doug Harris
As Pastor of Children Ministries, Doug oversees ministry to children up through 6th grade at Grace. He directs Awana, Vacation Bible School, and other children’s teaching ministries. Doug teaches a Sunday Adult Couples class and is involved in teaching on Wednesday evenings. He and his wife Angie have two sons: Justus and Landon.
The deacons serve the church through Christlike, practical care and support so that the needs of the body are met in an orderly way. They aim to strengthen unity and help the church devote itself to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
Ben Montgomery
David Mudd
Jason Crosby
Alan Herd, Jr.
John Herd
Chris Hayes
This team serves the church by leading musical worship and supporting each service through sound and media. Their goal is to help create a Christ-centered atmosphere where God’s Word can be clearly proclaimed and joyfully received.
David Hale
Leading our congregation in musical worship and coordinating worship ministry.
These leaders and teachers are dedicated to teaching God’s Word and discipling believers of all ages. Through Sunday School, Awana, and youth ministries, they seek to encourage spiritual growth and biblical understanding.
Awana Director
Overseeing Awana and helping children learn and treasure God’s Word.
This ministry serves families by providing a safe, caring, and Christ-centered environment for young children. Through nursery care and our Mother’s Day Out program, families are supported and children are lovingly taught and nurtured.
Mother’s Day Out Director
Leading our Mother’s Day Out program and supporting families in our community.