Our Growing Identity

What is our worship style and philosophy?

Our services are contemporary in nature. You will see people singing loudly or quietly assuming an attitude of prayer, clapping or raising their hands, standing reverently or kneeling, or possibly even dancing. We encourage all genuine expressions of biblical worship during our services. Our goal in corporate worship is to effectively lead others into the presence of God where they can respond appropriately to His greatness and glory, be intimately touched by His nearness, and be powerfully changed into His likeness. Yet our worship should never cease. Worship is best viewed as our response to God, both personally and corporately, for who He is and what He has done, expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live.

What is our denominational affiliation?

When The Village began, three groups gave our church financial support to help us start, with which we remain in partnership:

• The Denton Baptist Association (DBA)
• The Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT)
• The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)

Why remove the word "Baptist" from our church name?

The name of the corporation is Highland Village First Baptist Church. However, as a means of eliminating obstacles that prevent people from exploring the claims of Christ through a local church, Highland Village First Baptist Church operates publicly under the name "The Village Church". This in no way separates us from our Baptist heritage but enables us to be more effective for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Why not just be an independent church?

We are, in essence, an independent church! Every SBC church is completely autonomous. We are not subject to the hierarchical control of any ecclesiastical or denominational body. Each church is self-governed and determines its own affairs. For example:

• Every SBC church chooses its own pastor.
• Every SBC church owns its own buildings and assets.
• Every SBC church determines its own programs and polity.

What are the advantages of affiliating with the SBC?

Affiliation with the SBC allows our church to participate in the largest missionary organization in the world. Through the SBC “Cooperative Program” we help support over 7,500 missionaries in 104 countries around the world. While we support the SBC in missions, we do not send delegates to the annual convention.