OUR HERITAGE
What Is a Free Will Baptist?
A biblical, evangelical people committed to free grace, free salvation, responsible faith, and the mission of Christ.
A FAMILY OF CHURCHES
Historic Faith With a Distinctive Emphasis
Free Will Baptists are evangelical Christians who embrace the historic doctrines of the Christian faith and the Baptist conviction that the local church should be composed of believers who personally confess Jesus Christ.
The distinctive name highlights the sincere Gospel invitation extended to all people and the meaningful human response of repentance, faith, obedience, and perseverance made possible by the grace of God.
01
Free Grace
God’s grace is not earned, purchased, or deserved. Salvation begins in the loving initiative of God and is made possible entirely through the life, death, resurrection, and continuing reign of Jesus Christ.
Key Scriptures: John 1:16–17; Romans 3:23–24; Ephesians 2:8–10; Titus 2:11–14.
02
Free Salvation
The Gospel is genuinely offered to every person. Christ’s saving work is sufficient for all, and everyone who repents and believes in Him may receive forgiveness, reconciliation with God, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and everlasting life.
Key Scriptures: John 3:16–18; Romans 10:9–13; 1 Timothy 2:3–6; 2 Peter 3:9.
03
Free Will and Responsible Faith
Human beings do not save themselves, yet God addresses us as responsible persons who may receive or resist His gracious call. Repentance and faith are not works that earn salvation; they are the God-enabled response of trusting Christ.
Believers are called to continue in faith, depend upon divine grace, pursue holiness, and remain faithful to Christ.
Key Scriptures: Deuteronomy 30:19–20; Joshua 24:15; Acts 17:30; Hebrews 3:12–14; Revelation 22:17.
04
The Authority of Scripture
Free Will Baptists receive the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the final written authority for doctrine, worship, ethics, ministry, and Christian living.
Creeds, catechisms, covenants, and denominational documents are useful only as they faithfully summarize and apply the teaching of Scripture.
Key Scriptures: Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:14–17; 2 Peter 1:19–21.
05
The Local Church
Each local Free Will Baptist congregation is self-governing under the lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture. Churches voluntarily cooperate in district, state, national, and international efforts without surrendering the responsibility of the local congregation.
This cooperation allows churches to accomplish together what would be difficult to do alone, including missions, education, church planting, publishing, and compassion ministries.
06
A Missionary People
Free Will Baptists believe the Great Commission belongs to the whole church. We are called to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, baptize believers, teach obedience to Christ, plant churches, and serve our neighbors with compassion.
Key Scriptures: Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21.
CONTINUE LEARNING
Explore Our Beliefs Library
These pages provide additional background, official resources, and practical tools for discipleship.
START HERE
What We Believe
Read the biblical convictions that guide Pine Hills in worship, preaching, discipleship, and church life.
Free Resources
Free Will Baptist Resources
Obtain official Free Will Baptist resources to help you better understand the faith.
LEARN THE FAITH
Free Will Baptist Catechism
Discover a practical question-and-answer tool for teaching Christian doctrine to children and adults.
FAITH & PRACTICE
The Free Will Baptist Treatise
Understand the denominational document that explains Free Will Baptist doctrine, ethics, and organization.
LIFE TOGETHER
Church Covenant
Explore the commitments Free Will Baptists make to God, one another, the church, and Christ’s mission.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Beliefs FAQ
Find clear answers about salvation, free will, perseverance, ordinances, church government, and more.
COME AND SEE
Experience Our Faith in Worship and Community
The best way to understand Pine Hills is to worship with us, hear the Scriptures proclaimed, and meet the people who call this church home.