Frequently Asked Questions
So we are a Satellite Church? What does that mean?
Simply, one web definition of a satellite church is, “in which smaller churches and ministries revolve around a bigger church for resources, staffing and support.” For us at LifeSpring and SPBC it is a much deeper connection than that.
Practically speaking, LifeSpring is a ministry of the South Parkersburg Baptist Church. When a person joins LifeSpring, they have all the rights and privileges of a member at SPBC. But still it goes deeper than that.
LifeSpring and SPBC are connected. Each week they join together to help people connect 2 God in worship, connect 2 others in smaller group settings and connect 2 the world and serve their fellow man. This is a deep God-given vision for us all to become committed followers of Jesus. It guides our ministry, it connects our communities, it builds God’s kingdom.
There are many benefits of being a satellite campus. You know that another group has “got your back.” You have the resources of the other church and support of their leaders. You have the freedom to live out the vision that God has given to us to be connected. You have your own identity as a church and at the same time are a part of a church that is making a difference.
What is the benefit of being a satellite church?
There are many benefits of being a satellite campus, the main one being support. As you begin a new church, many times you are out on your own. In fact, the majority of “start up” churches fail relatively quickly. With a satellite campus you have the full resources of the parent church (SPBC). No matter what problems that arise you can draw on the wisdom, skill and staff of the parent church
So is LifeSpring a church or not?
Of course it is! If you are a follower of Jesus Christ and a part of His kingdom, you are a part of His church.
Not only is it a church that shares the gospel of Christ with the world, it is uniquely connected member of the SPBC family. You have your own identity with the benefit of proven pastoral leadership at your side.
So who is the pastor here at LifeSpring?
Being that lifespring is an extension of the pastoral ministry of the South Parkersburg Baptist Church. So simply, the pastoral staff of the SPBC is the pastoral staff of LifeSpring. Although they rely on the leadership team here at LifeSpring to do a big portion of the ministry. That allows you to connect 2 the world and serve the people in the body of Christ as well as in the Mason County community.
Also, periodically a member of the staff comes to LifeSpring for meetings, special events and much more. In fact, once a month one of the pastoral staff will come to LifeSpring and help with worship. Our pastoral staff is very active in helping us connect here at LifeSpring
Who is the SPBC?
The SPBC has been called a “big church with a small church feel.” Just over 100 years ago, a small church was planted as a church by the First Baptist Church of Parkersburg. To get a good picture of the SPBC, you have to start all the way back at the beginning. It is there in those pioneer days of what would mold SPBC into who it is today.