Welcome and thank you for visiting our website!

Here you will find information about our church and its ministries. We hope you find your time spent here a blessing. Our church is a warm and loving church, and we want you to feel comfortable and at liberty to call on us for anything you need. Feel free to browse through the various areas of our website and learn about our fellowship.

"Pursuant to a call of 16 members of the Berean Baptist Church a council was called for the purpose of organizing a Baptist church at the Independence School House on Sunday, April 24, 1921." This quote, taken from the original minutes and history of the Independence Baptist Church, is record of the beginning of God's working that has lasted for 88 years. On June 28 we are calling all current and former members to come together to celebrate the goodness of God throughout the history of IBC. We will have Sunday School at 10:00 am and Worship at 11:00 am, followed by dinner on the grounds at 1:00 pm and a special Worship service at 3:00 pm with evangelist and former pastor, Dr. Paul Miller opening the Word of God to us. This service will also include a presentation from the Mt. Gibson Puppet Ministry, special music, and a video presentation originally viewed at the 75 year anniversary of IBC. This will be the kick off for our Homecoming Revival running June 28 through July 1. We are calling the Body of Christ together in renewal of our commitment to worshiping, serving, and honoring Jesus Christ. God has done many great things for and through this church and we beleive the best is yet to come!

Please join us for our Homecoming Celebration and Revival!

We are just approaching the beginning of a season full of opportunities and anxieties! If Jesus comes back tomorrow will my family be ready? What about my neighbors? What about you? It is a fact that Jesus is going to return! The Bible promises it. As a church we need to be busy about the Father's work. Revival is rekindling the spiritual fires within our lives and refreshing our relationship with Jesus so that we can be more effective in our lives for Him. There are needs for reconciliation and renewal within the family of God. Vacation Bible School is a wonderful week of study, worship, crafts, and much more. More young people are brought to Jesus through Vacation Bible School than any other single evangelistic effort. A Crusade is for going out into our community to reach those who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. It may seem bold to try all 3 within weeks of each other. But, if we are serious about growing as a church, reaching the lost, reconciling the wounded, and being ready when Jesus returns it is not unrealistic! We are called to live and serve with urgency! Our present circumstances calls for faith, active faith. James challenged us to show our faith by our works. What do our works say about our faith?

Our economy seems to worsen with each passing day. Unemployment keeps rising, businesses continue to fail, bankrupcies, repossessions, foreclosures and other troubles control the news and our thoughts. Some are voicing, "Where is God in all of this?" I don't have the answer to today's struggles; but I do have the answer to that! He is right where we left Him! 2 Chronicles 7:14 explains it like this, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land." Even within the church we find that programs have outranked prayer; passivism has overshadowed righteousness; and self-indulgence has overthrown evangelism. We are seeking entertainment instead of real worship. We want permission to live the way we want to rather than persuasion to a better and holier life. There is hope! There is a way to make it through the troubles! If we will turn our hearts to God, He will pour out His richness on us! It is His greatest desire to bless is people. The Bible is full of promises just waiting for sincere believers to call out for. It all depends on us! A change in Washington, D.C. is not near as important as a change in each of us. I have heard the cry, God bless America; I believe it is time that America blesses God!

 No matter what time of the year it may be, it is the right time to praise the Lord! It is easy to praise Him when times are pleasant and everything is going the way we want it to. The real challange comes in times that are difficult. God loves us and promises that He will not abandon us in troublesome times. Life does not always go the way we wish. But God assures us that we can trust in Him to help us through the rough spells life throws at us. Of course, in order to enjoy His presence and help we must have a personal relationship with Him by accepting Jesus into our life by faith. Our sins are forgiven and He guides us into a better way of living when we allow Him into our lives. He does not enter a life without being invited. When we invite Him into our life He will never disappoint us.

Even when life stays on schedule it is very important for our personal and family spiritual growth to have family and personal devotions.  A daily time with God enhances our regular time of study, worship, and fellowship together. Both are vital to our growth in our relationship with Christ Jesus our Lord. 

 As we continue to experience God's blessings in our own lives we should share the goodness with those we come in contact with. The media spends enough time sharing the dark side of life; we as believers need to dedicate ourselves to being the light that Jesus calls us to be. The Good News is that Jesus makes it possible to be forgiven. He will give purpose and meaning to life if we only believe!  At IBC we have enjoyed many rich blessings, and look forward to seeing God continue His good work. As a church family we look forward to continuing together in worship, study, and fellowship. As we follow the example of the early New Testament church we will continue to see great things happening.

At IBC we are striving to live above the mediocrity that many are satisfied in relationship with Jesus Christ. He has such wonderful plans and purpose for us as His sons and daughters.  God's Holy Word, the Bible, tells us everything we need to know to live in victory. Satan fears and trembles at the Name of Jesus. As a Christ-centered body we offer support. love, and guidance in the way to find victory in Jesus.

If you are considering relocating to our area, we would love to have you be our guest for Sunday School and worship.

When you visit our church, you will find:

• A caring congregation that will gladly welcome you
• Preaching/teaching that is centered on the Word of God
• Ministries to meet the spiritual needs of every age
• A corporate outlet for truth-filled and moving praise and worship

In His Care,
Pastor John Dinwiddie