Our History

What began 150 years ago with Swedish immigrants as First Baptist, joining together years later with Eden Baptist, is an active local body of believers. Today, Stromsburg Baptist Church remains faithful to the Bible as the infallible Word of God. We are part of the Converge Heartland Conference, and believe in The Great Commission and in missions to the community of Stromsburg, the surrounding areas, and to the ends of the earth. We value global missions and have relationships with missionaries all over the globe. We are a growing congregation who welcome all to join us and be transformed by Our Lord. Sunday mornings, we gather together to be encouraged, edified, and ultimately to glorify God through gathering, prayer, singing songs of praise, and sound biblical preaching.

What We Believe

Statement Of Faith 

WE BELIEVE IN THE WORD OF GOD - We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

WE BELIEVE IN THE TRINITY - We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption.

WE BELIEVE IN GOD, OUR FATHER - We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, hears and answers prayer, and saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.

WE BELIEVE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth.

WE BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT - We believe in the Holy Spirit, who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide.

WE BELIEVE IN REGENERATION - We believe that man was created by God in His own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual, and eternal death, which is separation from God; that as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and sin by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent, forsake sin, and trust Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life.

WE BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH - We believe in the universal Church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local Church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship.

WE BELIEVE IN CHRISTIAN CONDUCT - We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ.

WE BELIEVE IN THE ORDINANCES - We believe the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local Church: baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ to commemorate His death. These two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

WE BELIEVE IN RELIGIOUS LIBERTY - We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other.

WE BELIEVE IN CHURCH COOPERATION - We believe local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether a regional or district conference, exists and functions by the Church's will. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time.

WE BELIEVE IN THE LAST THINGS - We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked.

Our Church Constitution

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STROMSBURG BAPTIST CHURCH OF STROMSBURG, NEBRASKA

ARTICLE 1. NAME AND ORGANIZATION

Section 1 - Name: The name of this organization is the Stromsburg Baptist Church.

Section 2 - Organization: The organization of the First Baptist Church of Stromsburg, Nebraska took place on July 12, 1873. The Eden Baptist Church was organized in Stromsburg on September 18, 1895. On October 6, 1933 these two merged to become the Stromsburg Baptist Church.

Section 3 - Affiliation: The governing body of Stromsburg Baptist Church is vested in the Body of Believers who compose the membership of the church. SBC is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body but is affiliated with Converge and the Converge Heartland District.

Section 4 - Incorporation: The organization is incorporated in the County of Polk, State of Nebraska.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

Section 1 - Purpose: The purpose of this Church shall be the worship of God according to the teaching of His Word, the administration of the ordinances of the New Testament, the spiritual growth of its members, and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ here and throughout the world.

Section 2 - Statement of Faith:

I. THE WORD OF GOD

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; Mark 13:31; John 8:31-32; John 20:31; Acts 20:32

II.  THE TRINITY

We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption. Gen. 1:1, 26; John 1:1, 3; Matt. 28:19; John 4:24; Rom. 1:19-20; Eph. 4:5-6

III.  GOD THE FATHER

We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Luke 10:21-22; Matt. 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27; Rom. 1:7;  1 Tim. 1:1-2; 2:5-6;  1 Pet. 1:3; Rev. 1:6

IV.  JESUS CHRIST

We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. Matt. 1:18-25; 20:28; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:28, 30-31; Acts 1:11; Rom. 5:6-8; 6:9-10; 9:5; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 7:25; 9:28; 1  Pet. 2:21-23                       

V. THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:9-14; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Gal. 5:22-26

VI. REGENERATION

We believe that man was created by God in His own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual and eternal death, which is separation from God; that as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and sin by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent and forsake sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures, delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life. Gen. 1:26; 2:17; 3; Ps.51:7; Prov. 28:13; Ecc. 2:11; Jer. 17:9; John 1:13; 3:14, 16; 5:24, 30; 7:13; 8:12; 10:26; Rom. 3:19; 5:19; 8:1; 9:22; 2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Thes. 1:9; James 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Rev. 19:3, 20; 20:10, 14, 15; 21:18

VII. THE CHURCH

We believe in the universal Church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work and fellowship. Acts 1:8; 2:42; Eph. 2:19-22; 5:19-21; Heb. 10:23-25

VIII. CHRISTIAN CONDUCT

We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. John 14:15, 23-24; Rom. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 4:2; 10:31; 2 Cor. 9:6-9; Col. 1:9-10; Heb. 12:1-2; 1 John 2:3-6

IX. THE ORDINANCES

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 11:23-26

 X. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

 We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other.  Rom. 14:7-9, 12; 1 Tim. 2:5

 XI. CHURCH COOPERATION

We believe that local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether a regional or district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Acts 15:36, 41; 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:1; Gal. 1:1-3; Rev. 1:4, 10, 11

XII. THE LAST THINGS

We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous and the endless suffering of the wicked. Matt. 16:27; Mark 14:62; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Cor. 4:5; 15; Phil. 3:20; 1 Thes.4:15; 2 Thes. 1:7-10; 2 Tim. 4:1; Titus 2:13; Rev. 20:4-6, 11-15

ARTICLE III. CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, and on the confession of our faith, having followed the Lord's example in the waters of baptism, thus demonstrating our identification in His death, burial, and resurrection; we do now in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church, in knowledge, holiness, and influence; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as the Lord has prospered, to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.

 We also engage to encourage one another in family and private devotions and the instruction of our children in the Christian faith; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul; to abstain from all appearances of evil, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to abstain from backbiting, slander and excessive anger; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Lord.

 We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Lord, to secure it without delay.

We also engage to reverence the house of worship, not to willfully forsake the assembling of ourselves together; and to prohibit everything that is worldly or that is not within the spirit of this covenant or that would not bring praise and glory to God.

 We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

 ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP

 The membership of this Church shall consist of those who have professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and upon, such profession have been baptized by immersion and who have been received into its membership according to the By-Laws of this Church.

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH

The officers of this Church, whose election and responsibilities are given in the By-Laws of this Church, shall consist of the following:

• Chairman/Pastor

• Vice-Chairman

• Church Clerk

• Treasurer

• Financial Secretary

 ARTICLE VI. BOARDS

The Boards of this Church, whose election and responsibilities are given in the By-Laws of this Church, shall consist of the following:

• Deacon Board - A minimum of six members shall be elected by the Church. In addition, the Vice-Chairman of the Church will be an ex-officio member of the Deacon Board.

• Deaconess Board - A minimum of three members shall be elected by the Church.

• Trustee Board - A minimum of four members shall be elected by the Church. In addition, the Treasurer and Financial Secretary shall be ex-officio members of the Trustee Board.

• Christian Ministries Board - A minimum of four members shall be elected by the Church.

• The Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all Boards.

 ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES

The Committees of this Church, whose membership, election and responsibilities are given in the By-Laws of this Church, shall consist of the following:

• Executive

• Social

• Auditing

• Nomination

• Pulpit

ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS

Section 1 – The Regular Worship Meetings of the Church shall include, but not be limited to, a Sunday Worship Service.

Section 2 – Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the Church shall be from January 1 to December 31.

Section 3 – Congregational Business Meetings of the Church:

• The annual meeting of the Church shall be held during the month of January for the purpose of reviewing annual reports, electing the officers, board and committee members of the Church, and transacting any other business that may properly come before the meeting.

• The quarterly meetings will be held during the months of April, July and October.

• Special meetings of the membership may be called at any time by the Pastor, or the Vice-Chairman. Notice of special Meetings, unless otherwise required by law or other provision in this constitution, shall be given by public announcement from the pulpit at any regular worship service one week prior to such meeting and said notice posted on the bulletin board for that same week. Such notice shall include time, place, and purpose of the meeting. A quorum for the-transaction of business at any special meeting shall be 20% of the active resident membership.

Section 4 - Eligible Voters: Only active members of the Church shall be eligible to vote. Except where the legal requirement is affixed to action of the Church, the minimum voting age shall be 16.

Section 5 - Voting: Voting shall be by raise of hands or voice, unless a secret ballot is called for.

• The affirmative vote of a majority of eligible voters casting votes shall constitute favorable action on all regular business and election activity.

• Special business shall be governed by provisions of law or of this constitution.

• Voting by proxy shall not be permitted.

 ARTICLE IX. PASTORAL RELATIONSHIP

The leadership of this Church shall be vested in its Pastor, who shall be called to his office by vote of the membership of the Church as provided in its By-Laws. He shall be responsible for the ministration of the Word of God to the membership of the Church and to all others whom it may reach with that Word through its activities; he shall administer the ordinances of the Gospel; he shall have authority to act as moderator at any meetings of the Church membership held for the transaction of business, and perform the various other duties incumbent on his office. In the carrying out of his pastoral duties, the Pastor shall work together with the Board of Deacons as to the details of the operation of the Church.

ARTICLE X. AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1 - Approval: All organizations to be affiliated with the Stromsburg Baptist Church must secure the recommendation of the Deacons and the approval from the Church for said organization and be responsible to the Church.

Section 2 – Officers: The leader of an organization of the Church shall be a member of the Church.

Section 3 – Dissolution: If, for any reason, an organization ceases to function, all monies and properties of such

organization shall become property of the Church.

Section 4 - Annual Report: All organizations will be accountable to the Church by giving an annual report of activities and finances.

ARTICLE XI. ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNANCE

Section 1 - Government: The government of this Church is vested in the body of believers who compose it.

Section 2 - Rules of Order: Robert's Rules of Order. Revised, shall govern procedure at all business meetings.

Section 3 - Amendments: This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at an annual business meeting of the Church, provided that it has been approved at a previous quarterly business meeting.

Section 4 - Irrevocable Amendments: Article II (2) and Article XI (4) of this Constitution shall not be repealed, amended nor revised.

Section 5 - Finances:

Policy: The financial policy of this Church, and of all auxiliary organizations, is predicated upon personal, voluntary giving as an act of worship. All budgetary promotion and additional appeals shall yield to the free-will principle. All designated gifts shall be honored or returned to the donor.

Budget: At the annual meeting, after receiving the report of the budget committee, the Church shall adopt a dual budget for the next fiscal year.

• Part I shall include all anticipated expenditures of the Church for the next fiscal year on local ministries.

• Part II shall include the amount reasonably expected as designated contributions to ministries outside the local Church arena.

Expenditures; Appropriations are to be expended under the direction of the budget or as directed by the Board of Trustees.

Other Funds:

• A fellowship fund to be administered by the Board of Deacons.

• Special funds as determined by the Church.

• Memorial fund to be administered by the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE XII. CHURCH PROPERTY

Section 1 - Possession: This Church shall have the power to receive, either by gift or purchase, and to hold such real, personal, or intangible property as is authorized by the laws of the State of Nebraska. All such property shall be held m the name of the Church.

 Section 2 - Division: In the event of a division of this Church, from which may God in His mercy save us, the Church property shall belong to those members who abide by this constitution. In the event of question, the matter shall be presented to the Board of Overseers of the Heartland Baptist District for a decision.

 Section 3 - Dissolution: Should conditions arise so the Church work cannot continue, the Church property shall be transferred to the denominations with which the Church is then affiliated.

 ARTICLE XIII. RATIFICATION

This constitution was ratified on January 19, 2020. It supersedes all previous constitutions, agreements, and/or amendments.