When I first moved to North Carolina, having ministered in New Jersey for most of my life, I was surprised at the number of Baptist churches in the area, in contrast to the number in the Northeast. I wondered to myself, does this area need this church? But I also discovered that “Baptist” on the sign does not necessarily mean Baptist in doctrine. Baptist churches are quite diverse in both doctrine and polity.

    Agape Baptist Church was founded as an independent Fundamental Baptist congregation by Rev. Lewis Zachary and the Lord blessed this work with many conversions to Christ. Over the course of its history, Agape has seen wonderful days and difficult days, as has every congregation more than a few years old. I am the fourth pastor of this faithful congregation, following the fruitful ministries of Rev. Floyd Repass and Rev. Steve Hinton. Each of the former pastors brought to the work his own unique gifts and vision. Each made invaluable contributions as the providence of God worked through their faith and convictions. My desire is to lead Agape Baptist Church to a healthy future, blessed by our Lord, for our good and His glory.

        A church is not a building, Christians often say. Congregations come and go, prosper and decline, depending on a multitude of factors. Each congregation needs to ask itself, “Why should we continue to exist? Could the work of the Lord be better served by the members ministering in other congregations, in the interest of good stewardship of the wealth and abilities with which we have been entrusted.”?

        I believe there is a place of Agape Baptist Church as an independent congregation of believers, joined together for the purpose of making disciples to the glory of God. I believe doctrinal integrity, evangelistic zeal, and “one another” ministry are crucial to our future as a congregation. We want to be Baptist not in name only but also in practice. We desire not only to be “Bible believing” but Bible practicing. We would love to have you become part of what God is doing here!

Pastor Cornette