How does a church become a family? Hampton Park Baptist Church strives to be just that a family living life by the book.
Hampton Park Baptist Church exists to share the good news. It proclaims this news to all people everywhere. God is calling people to His name. He is gathering them from every nation through Jesus Christ.
The church’s mission comes from Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus says all authority is His. He commands His followers to make disciples. They are to baptize them and teach them. Jesus promises to be with them always.
Hampton Park Baptist Church envisions a congregation living by the New Testament. They aim to display what the church should be. This applies whether they are gathered or scattered.
Acts 2:41-47 guides their vision. It describes early believers. They devoted themselves to teaching fellowship and prayer. They shared everything. They worshiped together with glad hearts.
Life by the Book is Hampton Park Baptist Church’s core value. It means the Bible guides every aspect of life. This value has five characteristics drawn from Acts 2:41-47.
First, believe. The church desires a regenerate membership. This means being rooted in gospel truth. They want to grow in gospel-filled thinking and living. The gospel transforms sinful rebels into Christ-like saints. Hampton Park Baptist Church makes the gospel central. It is in their preaching counseling and lifestyles.
Second, learn. They love learning and living God’s Word. They delight in its transforming power. They believe the Bible is God’s Word. They deliver its truth in context. They pay attention to God’s intent. The church equips families to disciple. Parents teach God’s Word to their children.
Third, love. They grow together in Christ-like character. They serve one another in love. The Spirit controls their church life. This brings unity and humility. They confront correct and confess with love. They demonstrate Christ-like humility. They count others as more significant. They serve one another.
Fourth, worship. They encourage Christ-centered worship. It should be zealous reverent and God-exalting. This worship happens in large and small gatherings. It occurs in public and private devotion. They worship with loving awe. They humbly submit to God. True worship engages minds emotions and actions.
Fifth, witness. Everyone actively spreads the good news. They create a culture of evangelism. Every believer is a light in the darkness. They sow gospel seeds constantly. Sharing Christ is a feature of their lives. Members share the gospel through all their contacts.
John Lehman served as a pastor at Hampton Park Baptist Church for 30 years. He arrived in 1994. The campus looked different then. The office extension and upper school building were under construction. The Yearick Center and Mizell Pavilion did not exist.
The first church members to greet him were Scott and Cheryl Koenke. Jon and Debbie Peery invited his family to dinner. Mike Cruice fixed a plumbing leak with him. Ray and Sarah Shaffer took them on the lake. Karis Wickensimer prepared them a meal.
Lehman served in various roles. Missions and counseling were his main responsibilities. He also helped with membership. He oversaw Sunday School Men and Women for Missions and counseling.
One of the most fulfilling parts of his ministry was seeing others take over his positions. He appreciated their better qualifications and ideas. He enjoyed the fellowship of the saints. He drove buses for school field trips. He assisted in the counseling ministry. If needed he visited missionaries.
Hampton Park Baptist Church is a place where faith grows community thrives and the gospel is shared.