Welcome to
Spence Baptist Church
Our Pastor
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Ken Elligson has been the Pastor of Spence Church since January 1990. He met Mary Rabon Elligson while they were students at Columbia Bible College (now Columbia International University) where they both graduated. Ken and Mary were married in 1979 and have four children, Karen, Amy (and her husband Charles), David and Stephanie. They are also the proud grandparents of 2 grandsons and a grand daughter. Besides Spence Church, Ken has served churches in South Carolina, Ohio and Maryland.
church History
In the year of 1914, residents seeing a need for a Sunday School in the community, obtained permission to hold classes in the public School building. This Sunday School became known as the Neighborhood Sunday School. The need for worship services was felt a short time later. Mrs. Laura Fitzsimmons, contacted the Maryland Baptist Union Association in Baltimore. After an investigation, the Rev. David Peebles of Pocomoke Baptist Church came to preach at Spence after being called to the field of service. Several months later, Rev. William Witt of Girdletree Baptist Church, followed Rev. Peebles in the work at Spence. A revival was held resulting in 29 professions of faith in baptism. It was during this period that the Neighborhood Sunday School became a Baptist mission. On August 27, 1916, the mission became Spence Baptist Church.
our Beliefs
Spence Baptist Church is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention and holds to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
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About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22 Psalm 90:2 Matthew 28:19 I Peter 1:2 II Corinthians 13:14
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22-23 Isaiah 9:6 John 1:1-5 & 14:10-30 Hebrews 4:14-15 I Corinthians 15:3-4 Romans 1:3-4 Acts 1:9-11 I Timothy 6:14-15 Titus 2:13
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.
II Corinthians 3:17 John 16:7-13 & 14:16-17 Acts 1:8 I Corinthians 2:12 & 3:16 Ephesians 1:13 Galatians 5:25 Ephesians 5:18
About Man
Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. He is the supreme object of God's creation. Man is scarred by disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates man from God.
Genesis 1:27 Psalm 8:3-6 Isaiah 53:6a Romans 3:23 Isaiah 59:1-2
About the Bible
The Bible is God's Word to all men. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.
II Timothy 3:16-17 II Peter 1:20-21 II Timothy 1:13 Psalm 119:105,160 & 12:6 Proverbs 30:5
About Eternity
Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God, through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.
John 3:16 I John 2:25 & 5:11-13 Romans 6:23 Revelation 20:15
About Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23 Ephesians 2:8-9 John 14:6 & 1:12 Titus 3:5 Galatians 3:26 Romans 5:1
About Eternal Security
Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this security.
John 10:29 II Timothy 1:12 Hebrews 7:25 & 10:10-14 I Peter 1:3-5