PURPOSE
To unite the ministers of the BMU in providing exemplary Christian service to the local church and community through faith-based or faith-driven activities and events.
MEMBERSHIP
The members shall consist of pastors and membership ministers of the Christian Faith, who are licensed or ordained through a recognized church establishment.
Any minister in good and regular standing (as defined by this body) with a local church may seek membership in the BMU after completing a membership application form, accepting the BMU Doctrinal Statement and paying the membership fee. All non-pastors (excluding retired pastors) must have the endorsement of their pastor even if the pastor is not a member. Membership dues are optional for senior members, age 80 and above.
(The BMU reserves the right to redirect all funds to events and/or special services where they are most needed.)
Doctrinal Statement
I. The Scriptures.
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.
II. The True God.
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
III. The Fall of Man.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
IV. The Way of Salvation.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.
V. Justification.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
VI. The Freeness of Salvation.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
VII. Regeneration.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life.
BAPTIST MINISTERS’ UNION MARRIAGE STATEMENT
The Baptist Ministers Union of San Antonio and Vicinity believe that Biblical marriage, as described in the Bible, is a covenantal relationship between one man and one woman, established by God in the beginning and the two form one new family.
God created marriage as a loyal partnership between one man and one woman. In Genesis 2:18, having made the man some time before the woman, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him”. That “suitable helper” was Eve, the first woman. Genesis 2:24. “Therefore, shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”