1. Where is "Headquarters"?
   Because we are Baptists, our tradition is "Free Church" and our polity is "Congregational." This means that every Baptist Church is free to choose its own affiliations and that there is NO hierarchy that the church reports to.
   Baptist churches, associations, institutions, and denominational organizations are independent and self-governing; however, we are also interdependent in that we freely choose to affiliate and cooperate with each other. We meet and discuss issues with each other, but all our decisions are our own.
   So, we can truthfully say our "headquarters" is here, in our local church, as we govern ourselves, determine our own policy and practices, and direct our own ministries.

2. Tell me more about "Free Church."
   A "Free" Church is free to determine its own methods of worship, study, witness, work, and affiliation, without "outside interference." A Free Church, in its worship is able to be as formal or informal as it desires, to use or not use "prayer books," to recite or not recite statements of faith, to use no music or to use one or more styles of music, to have its leaders dress in shirt sleeves, business suits, or formal vestments as the situation, taste and propriety call for.

3. Tell me more about "Congregational."
   Over the centuries several ways have developed by which churches, associations, and denominations have chosen to govern themselves. Though there are variations within types, the three basic types of organization are: hierarchical, presbyterial, and congregational.
   In hierarchical denominations (such as Roman Catholic or United Methodist), individual leaders (called 'bishops') are chosen to interpret doctrine, relocate clergy, and, generally, direct the work of that part of their denomination under their jurisdiction. The structure is "top-down."
   In presbyterial denominations (such as Presbyterians, some Congregationalists, and Reformed Evangelicals), individuals elected by local churches come together as a legislative assembly (sometimes called presbytery, synod, convention, or council) to make decisions and arbitrate issues which are binding on member congregations. The presbytery governs in a "top-down" manner, though members of the presbytery are elected from the "bottom-up."
   In congregational denominations (such as Baptists, some Congregationalists, and some 'baptistic' Evangelicals), each organization within the denomination (whether church, association, school, etc.) governs itself. Though congregations may affiliate into associations, each association is considered a congregation of congregations with its own governance, but does not govern or direct the work of its member congregations. In the congregational design, organizations and individuals work "alongside" each other, rather than "above" or "below" each other.

4. So who makes decisions and decides where money goes, etc?
   Each congregation makes all its own decisions, raises and spends its own budget and also decides what "outside" organizations/ministries will receive contributions made in the name of the congregation. The congregation may delegate some of its internal authority to boards, committees, or elected leaders, but always retains "final say" in all its doings, as it truly believes it has the guidance of God's Holy Spirit in all it does.
5. What if I want to join FBCTV?
   As in any Baptist church, after coming for worship, study, and fellowship for a time, you would ask the pastor or a member of the Core Team to become a member. If you're a member of another Baptist or Trinitarian Christian church, you would ask for your membership ("letter") to be transferred. If you have never been Baptized and Received into the Church ("confirmed" or "given the hand of fellowship"), you would apply to become a member on profession of faith and Baptism. Because FBCTV is a "mission church" at this time, you would be a member here, but your formal record of membership would be through our sponsor, First Baptist Church of Gainesville.

(Use the contact form on the "Contact Us" page to submit your own questions. Those which are asked the most will be summarized and posted here.)