About Us
Our Mission
REVITALIZE- New life for myself and the community around me. Ephesians 2:4-5
This statement is at the core of our vision. We believe that it starts with the work of God. The only way that a person can experience new life is through a personal relationship with Jesus. Through his atoning sacrifice on the cross, he not only gives us a new chance to live, but he remakes us and gives us full life through the Spirit. He transforms us into his likeness as we grow and walk with him. This new life is the ultimate driving force behind all that we do. Our desire is to experience new life in Christ and to help others experience the same new and full life. Though this is a work from God apart from our works, we do believe that we have a role in this new life. As we journey through this new life, we are called to love God, reach others, and give generously.
Love God- Be active in Church. Matthew 22:36-40
This call comes from the great commandment. Jesus says that we fulfill all the commandments in scripture if we can live out this one. Likewise, we believe that if a person is loving God, they will be living out their kingdom purpose. What does it look like to love God? That is why we followed the call to love God with the statement, "be active in church". This does not mean that the only way to love God is to attend our worship services. Rather, it means that a person who is actively involved in a body of believers will be growing in their love for God. If this person is connecting with believers on a deep level, there will be discipleship and accountability to live a life that honors and loves God. If they are regularly gathering with believers, then together the different gifts of the members can work together to love God and the community in a way that is just not possible on their own. Together we learn to love others the way that Jesus did. Together we learn to pray and connect with the Father as Jesus did. Together we grow in our knowledge of Scripture and in our understanding of who God is. Together we fulfill the great commandment.
Reach Others- Share the Gospel. Matthew 28:18-20
This statement is driven by the Great Commission that Jesus gave his followers just before he ascended into heaven after his resurrection. He calls us to "go and make disciples." We believe that this is not just an activity that is done, but that it is a lifestyle. All that we do and say should be driven by this commission. We are called to love the people around us and see them as potential brothers/sisters in Christ. We believe that the only way that a person can know God and spend eternity with Him in heaven is to accept and believe in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross. In our conversations, we strive to meet people where they are at and help guide them one step closer to Jesus. Our church ministries are intentionally designed to help you engage with the lost people around you. Our goal is to better equip you to carry out this commission and to continue to make disciples.
Give Generously- Give of yourself. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
In our striving to be like Christ, we see that He is characterized by an attitude of abundant generosity. We see him freely giving of his time, resources, and power to heal others and to bring them into the kingdom of God. We see him freely giving his life for all who will believe in him. The early church imitated this attitude of abundant generosity as they shared all things and gave freely to those in need (Acts 2:44-45). Our church believes that each member is called to live a life of generosity. This is more than just giving financially, but giving of ourselves to others and to God's kingdom work. This concept is rooted in the knowledge that all that we have and all that we are is from God, therefore, we are called to use it all for his glory. We encourage all of our members to be continually growing in generosity and learning what it means to be more Christ-like in our giving.
Affiliations
Guadalupe Baptist Association (GBA)
A collection of Baptist churches in the Victoria area all working together for the glory of God.
Our statewide convention that supports and grows churches and ministries with a common goal.
Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)
A collective of churches that hold to the tenants of the Baptist Faith and Message.
Our Staff
Pastor Jeremy Prichard
Pastor Jeremy was born and raised in the Victoria area and knows the community well. He served as youth pastor at First Baptist Church of Lolita for seven years and served as director of our local Baptist Student Ministry (BSM Victoria) for 1 year. In May of 2020, he graduated with his Masters of Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has a BBA with a concentration in marketing from UHV. Jeremy has been pastor of Baptist Temple Church in Victoria since September 2020.
Administrative Assistant, Melanie Elkins
Melanie was raised in Bloomington and went to Baptist Temple from the late 1980's until 1996 when she moved to west Texas. She has a BS in education and a Masters of Education in technology. She taught for 30 years before retiring in 2018 when she moved back to the Victoria area. She came back to BTC in 2019 and became the administrative assistant in early 2020.
Committees
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is charged with overseeing the church financial records and practices, and creating the budget. It is an elected committee that includes the Church Treasurer, but every church member has input. The committee meets quarterly and on an as needed basis. Contact any member of the Finance Committee, the Pastor, or the office with any questions, concerns, or ideas you may have about our income or expenses.
Ministry Teams
Prayer Team
We believe that prayer is at the core of what it means to be a follower of Christ. The prayer team both gathers to pray and encourages prayer among all of our members. When a prayer need arises, the prayer team is contacted via email and begins praying immediately. The prayer team maintains our prayer list to ensure that it is up to date each month. The team also leads a church-wide prayer meeting on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
Building & Grounds Team
Our mission is to make our building inside and out pleasing to God's eyes and ours. In order to do that, we need to maintain the equipment to optimal performance, saving money whenever we can, and utilizing the space we need to cut down on expenses. It is also about maintaining a safe, comfortable, and inviting environment for everyone to come worship with us.
Fellowship Team
The responsibilities of this team are administering church-wide fellowships, recreational activities, and church meals.
Contact the Fellowship Team Leader
Missions / In-reach
Our Missions / In-Reach Team is multi-faceted. We work to find ways members can reach out to others and fulfill their command for the Great Commission....things they can do at home, at church, and in the community. We have people writing cards from the comfort of their own homes. Some are going to the local college campus handing out coffee and donuts to students and staff. Some are working at the local Christ's Kitchen helping to feed those locally who need a meal. Some are packing Christmas boxes for children around the world. We also give to state, national, and world-wide missions.
Music
As the Music Team it is our goal to lead people in the worship of God through Christ-centered, God-exalting and Spirit-led music. Music has a unique power to engage believers and non-believers alike in worshiping God. It can help people begin, grow and deepen a relationship with God. In the Psalms, the Bible talks about making a joyful noise unto the Lord. The Music Team works alongside the Pastor to provide singing, instrumentation and videos to enhance the worship experience and to encourage each individual to praise the Lord with gladness no matter their personal musical ability.
