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 (Rom 15:4; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21).
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption (Deut. 6:4; Matt 28:19; John 1:1-3; Acts 5:3-4; Col 1:16).
We believe in God, the Father, and 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 that come to Him through Jesus Christ (Lev 11:45; Is 6:3; John 4:24, 6:40; Rom 1:20; 1 John 4:7-9).
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 (Luke 1:34-35; John 3:16; Acts 1:11; Rom 5:8, 8:34; 1 Cor 15:3-5; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 7:25). .
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 3:3-7, 14:26, 16:7-11; Acts 10:44-45; Rom 8:1-11; Eph 1:13-14; Titus 3:5).
We believe that all men are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit (Ps 14:1-3; Mark 1:15; John 3:3-15, 6:40; Acts 2:38, 3:19, 26, 16:31; Rom 3:23, 5:12, 18, 6:23, 7:19).
We believe that the true church is 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 the credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 1:8, 2:42-47, 8:36, 38, 10:47, 16:31-34; Eph 1:22-23, 2:19-22; 1 Pet 2:4, 5).
We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellowmen; and 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 (Lev 19:18; Luke 10:27-28, 12:13-21; 1 Cor 10:31; Heb 5:11-6:3; 1 Pet 1:13-25).
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 a believer in water in 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 28:19; Luke 22:14-22; Acts 8:34-39, 16:30-34; 1 Cor 11:23-26).
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 Sate must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other (Rom 13:1-7, 14:22; Heb 10:19-22).
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 blessedness of the righteous and the endless suffering of the wicked (Dan 12:2; 1 Cor 15; 1 Thess. 4:16; Heb 9:27; Rev 20:11-15).
In subscribing to this Statement of Faith we do not set aside or undervalue any of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, but believe all to be God's inerrant Word, but the knowledge and belief of the truth as stated in our Statement of Faith we deem necessary to sound doctrine and thereby requisite for Christian fellowship.
North Scott Baptist Church seeks to glorify God and uphold his righteousness in all areas of life including the area of marriage and human sexuality. For that reason, we make this statement regarding marriage and human sexuality both to glorify God for his good design and to instruct his people in righteousness.
We regard marriage as a part of God's good creation and marriage within the Church as a rite and institution tied directly to our foundational belief of God as Creator who made us male and female. We also regard marriage as a sacred institution which reflects the mysterious and wonderful bond between Christ and His Church. Marriage is more than a contract between two persons (a secular notion). It is a covenant based upon promises between one man and one woman and finds its divinely intended expression in the "one flesh" covenant union of husband and wife. We therefore will only authorize and recognize heterosexual marriages.
We are committed to the home and family as set forth in Holy Scripture. We believe God has ordained and created marriage to exist between one man and one woman, with absolute marital fidelity. The Bible sets forth specific home and family values, which include the distinct roles of husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, and children. It is our firm conviction that we uphold the dignity of each individual as we embrace the unchanging and longstanding principles of scriptural truth.
(Genesis 1:26-28, 2:18-24; Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 18:7-23, Leviticus 20:10-21; Deuteronomy 5:18; Matthew 5:27-28, 11:28-30, 15:19, 19:4-9; Mark 10:5-9; Romans 1:26-32, 3:23, 12:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-13, 10:13, 12:12-13; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 2:1-10, 4:17-19, 5:25-27 and 31-33; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Timothy 5:1-2; Hebrews 2:17-18, 4:14-16, 13:4; Revelation 19:7-9, 21:2)
Marriage - North Scott Baptist Church believes that Scripture defines marriage as the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal "one flesh" covenant union between one man and one woman, intrinsically ordered to procreation and family, and in furtherance of the moral, spiritual, and public good of binding father, mother, and child (Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:18-24, Matthew 19:4-9, Mark 10:5-9, Ephesians 5:31-33). We believe that a man and woman become married when they are joined together in ceremony by a duly-authorized officiant, according to the laws of the State government under which they live, which God has instituted for our good (Romans 13:1-7). Furthermore, those marriages that are authorized and solemnized by the State that are not between one man and one woman, or otherwise do not conform to God's intention for marriage, we do not recognize as marriages. (Acts 5:29)
Sexual Immorality - North Scott Baptist Church believes that sexual acts outside marriage are sinful. Consequently, North Scott Baptist Church members should resist and refrain from any and all sexual acts outside marriage - including but not limited to adultery, fornication, (including cohabitation; living together while not legally married), homosexuality and the use of pornography. (Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 18:7-23, Leviticus 20:10-21, Deuteronomy 5:18, Matthew 15:19, Matthew 5:27-28, Matthew 15:19, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Hebrews 13:4, Galatians 5:19, Ephesians 4:17-19, Colossians 3:5)
Sexual Identity - North Scott Baptist Church believes that God created mankind in His image: male (man) and female (woman), sexually different but with equal personal dignity. Consequently, North Scott Baptist Church members should affirm their biological sex and refrain from any and all attempts to physically change, alter, or disagree with their predominant biological sex. (Genesis 1:26-28, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
Sexual Orientation - North Scott Baptist Church believes that God created and ordered human sexuality to the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal "one flesh" marital covenant union of man and woman. We further believe that God's design for the union of man and woman in marriage is rooted in his eternal nature as One God in three distinct Persons and is therefore unchangeable. Consequently, North Scott Baptist Church members should affirm the sexual complementarity of man and woman and resist any and all same-sex sexual attractions and refrain from any and all same-sex sexual acts or conduct. (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, Matthew 28:19, Mark 10:5-9, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 21:2)
Sexual Redemption - North Scott Baptist Church believes that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and encourages all to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ by grace alone through faith in Him and to live holy lives strengthened by grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As members of North Scott Baptist Church, we are all broken by sin and each of us struggles with its effects in our lives and relationships. Yet, the regeneration, sanctification, and justification that are ours by faith in Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, allow us to walk in complete forgiveness and provide true hope that in Christ our lives can be transformed and redeemed (I Corinthians 6:9-11). In grace, North Scott Baptist Church members should welcome and treat with respect, compassion, and sensitivity all who experience same-sex attractions or confess sexually immoral acts but are committed to resisting sexual temptation, refraining from sexual immorality, and conforming their behavior to be consistent with the teaching and admonition of Scripture as affirmed in the North Scott Baptist Church Statement of Faith. (Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:1-10, I Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:17- 18, Hebrews 4:14-16)
Celibacy - North Scott Baptist Church believes that Holy Scripture grants two life-enhancing options for human sexual behavior: (1) the conjugal "one flesh" marital covenant union of one man and one woman, and (2) celibacy. Both are gifts from God, given as He wills for His glory and the good of those who receive and rejoice in His gift to them. Celibacy and faithful singleness is to be celebrated and affirmed. (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18, 21-24; Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:5-8; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-8; Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 12:10; 1 Timothy 5:1-2)
Religious Ceremony - North Scott Baptist Church, for itself and its pastors, reserves the right to refuse to participate in any religious ceremony of any kind, or to facilitate or recognize any union or other conduct, that involves a relationship or other conduct contrary to these biblical tenets.
In the winter of 1858-59 a number of Christians in the rural townships of Scott and Marcellon, Columbia County, Wisconsin, determined to have a church and pastor for their community. One Sunday evening Freeman Clark and his uncle, John Pratt, walked ten miles to interview Reverend D.C. Miller about starting services. Ten weeks later he came and commenced evangelistic meetings during which many were converted. From this beginning "The Scott and Marcellon Free Will Baptist Church" was organized on February 18, 1859.
For twenty years services were held alternately between two one-room schoolhouses in Scott and Marcellon townships. In 1879 the members purchased land for their own church building and the first worship service was held in the new structure in May, 1880.
Between 1895 and 1905 attendance languished, but then Rev. H.H. Rottman held evangelistic services which resulted in revival and renewal of the church. Summer evangelistic services became the usual practice. A tent would be raised next to the church where nationally known evangelists would come and hold up to four weeks of campaigns. By 1909 the church had 98 resident members, 11 associates, and 50 non-residents.
Following the merge of the North Marcellon and North Scott congregations in 1968, a general contractor was engaged to oversee construction of a new building in 1969. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 1, 1969 and the current church building was dedicated on June 7, 1970.
Sunday School has been an important part of the church from its earliest days. Need for more classrooms prompted two building expansions, and then the construction of a new building in 1969. Vacation Bible School has been held in the summer since 1922. Various youth ministries have been recorded since 1912. Summer camps in the early 1900's were attended by adults. Teen camps have been well attended since the 1930's.
Missions support has been an integral part of the church's focus since 1909 with regular monetary and prayer support supplemented by personal correspondence for missionaries serving in foreign countries and in the U.S. Additionally, the annual Pardeeville Community Car and Truck Show, a unique local project whose purpose is to be a witness for Christ and raise funds for various missions and charities, is actively supported by the congregation.
The church has been blessed with gifted musicians in its 150-year history and remains committed to a strong music program. Numerous children's musicals and a fondness for men's quartet music are part of its musical tapestry. Current highlights include an active choir ministry (grades 8 and older), seasonal hand chime choirs and children's choirs, and varied opportunities for instrumentalists and budding musicians to participate in congregational worship.
Initially organized as a Free Will Baptist church, the Scott church cooperated closely with other churches of that persuasion through its first fifty years. In the early 1900's, differences between the Free and Regular Baptist churches were gradually forgotten and they became associated with the Northern Baptist Convention, known today as American Baptist Churches USA. North Scott Baptist Church severed ties with the ABC on May 30, 2000. From 2006-2011 the church was associated with Great Lakes Baptist Conference (Converge Great Lakes). The church is now independent.
