A different kind of Baptist...
ESIC Baptist Church is part of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. While we value and cherish our Baptist heritage and practices, you'll find that we differ from some Baptists in the following ways:
On social issues, ESIC does not issue position statements. Our motto is unity on essential Christian doctrine, diversity on non-essentials, and in all things, charity (love). We practice believer baptism, but welcome and embrace those who were baptized in other traditions and different ways, and women may be ordained as ministers or deacons and serve as pastors of churches. In all church matters, we seek to be faithful to God's revealed word and truth.
We also strive to be Christ-like, innovative, authentic and reaching out. We are a small church with big dreams about how we can faithfully live out God's calling in Edwardsville. Some things that set us apart:
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Soul freedom - an individual's ability to relate directly to God,
Bible freedom - the Holy Spirit's power to help individuals interpret Scripture.
Church freedom - the local church's autonomy and ability to choose its leaders and direct its affairs.
Religious freedom - the autonomy of the local church from governmental oversight.
PRAISE COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP (PCF)
Praise Community Fellowship is a very Joyful, Prayerful church! We meet on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am at the Esic Worship Center located at 1000 University Drive Edwardsville near the old YMCA. We believe in teaching all of God’s truth with love and compassion. PCF is a 100% volunteer church. Come be part of a Joyful Christian Family. We have a Sunday school program and a nursery for the little ones.
GRACE, SPIRIT, AND TRUTH MINISTRIES (GST)
God birthed Grace, Spirit, and Truth Ministries in Pastor Julian E. Smart in the midst of COVID-19. We had our first service on September 20, 2020, at The Fuller Dome located on Southern Illinois University campus in Edwardsville, IL. We worshipped there for ten months. In July of 2021 we were blessed to begin having our worship services at ESIC Worship Center located at 1000 University Drive, Edwarsville, IL.
Grace, Spirit and Truth Ministries’ mission is to show God’s love and forgiveness to all humanity and to teach that He saves us because of our faith in the finished work of the cross. We strive to grow in grace, mature in the faith and be led by the Spirit of God in truth. We have Sunday Worship at 1:00PM, and Prayer on Tuesday at 12:00PM and Thursday bible study at 6:30PM. Come as you are and let us worship together!
Kids Zone
On Sundays, children's Sunday School at ESIC Worship Center offers a safe, engaging, and fun environment where faith and fun collide. Through interactive lessons, music, and activities, children learn about the Bible and apply biblical values in their lives. Classes cater to different age groups, from preschool to preteen, and are designed to support families in raising faithful followers. Bring your child on Sunday and give them the gift of a strong spiritual foundation, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories!"