MDBC is positioned within the Evangelical and Baptist traditions. We believe the Holy Spirit is still active in the work of His church and plays a discernible role in the lives of His people. MDBC closely aligns itself with the Baptist Faith & Message 2000.

Though you do not have to identify as Baptist to join MDBC, we ask that you seriously consider the following doctrinal positions:

Doctrine of God
We believe that there is One God, who exists eternally in three Persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). We believe these Persons are equal in divine perfection, executing distinct but harmonious offices while remaining One.
(Genesis 1:1-3, 26, John 14:16)

Doctrine of Holy Scripture
We believe that God has made Himself known to the world in and through all creation and the Holy Scriptures. The sixty-six books of the Bible are the inspired Word of God and are without error in their original writings. We understand that translation discontinuity exists, but it does not alter or discount the reality of His power through His Word nor the integrity of the original documents. The Bible is the most scrutinized work of literature in all human history and yet it stands.
(2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21, Hebrews 4:12, Proverbs 30:5, Psalm 12:6)

Doctrine of Salvation
We believe that salvation is received by recognizing our sin, receiving the perfect work of Jesus on the cross as payment for our debt, and responding through the surrender of our life to Him.
(John 14:6, Luke 6:46-48, Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 2:8, Hebrews 9:15)

Doctrine of Sin
We believe that sin has twisted and fractured all things good and beautiful within Creation, including humanity. Therefore, the world and man are in desperate need of restoration and salvation which can be received through the perfect work of Christ alone.
(Genesis 6:5, Romans 3:23, Romans 7:14-15, 23-25)

Doctrine of Humanity
We believe that all of humanity is created in the image of God and possesses intrinsic dignity and worth. MDBC believes that
God created humanity as male and female. MDBC also believes that the primary purpose of humanity is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.
(Genesis 1:26, Genesis 2:18, Genesis 5:2, Matthew 19: 4-6, Ephesians 5:22-33)

Doctrine of Baptism
We believe that baptism is fulfilled by full immersion in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This act symbolizes the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior. It also symbolizes the believer’s death to sin, burial of their old life, and resurrection to walk in newness of His life and work.
(Matthew 3:13-16, Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:41, Romans 6:1-4)

Doctrine of the Lord’s Supper
We believe that the elements of the cup and bread are representations of His blood and body and that they are more than just symbols, having a real spiritual effect on those who partake. The apostle Paul warns of drinking and eating, related to communion, in an unworthy manner. Scripture tells us the result for some being illness and even death.
(Mark 14:22-24, I Corinthians 11:23-32)

Pastor Led – Deacon Governed – Church Affirmed

Pastor Led
We recognize that Christ is the head of His Church universally and Christ is the head of MDBC, specifically. The senior pastor is recognized as an undershepherd of Jesus Christ. He seeks to discern God’s will and cast vision for the church.

Secondly, MDBC’s senior pastor also serves as the primary teaching elder.

Thirdly, the senior pastor oversees the administration ofordinances of the New Testament.

Fourthly, the senior pastor provides guidance, counsel, and care to church staff, members, volunteers, and MDBC’s deacon board. The senior pastor may set forth biblical correction and discipline with the cooperation of and accountability to the deacon board. The senior pastor is submitted to the authority of the deacon board but is recognized in his distinct role as a leader among equals.
(I Timothy 3:1-7)

Deacon Governed
This group of men pass the scriptural requirements to inhabit the positions of deacon and elder. Here at MDBC, this group of menplay both roles but are referred to as deacons. It is a position of high honor and a call to great service. The primary role of MDBC’s deacon board, along with the senior pastor, is to protect our flock. Deacons strive to be aware of the needs and concerns of MDBC’s membership. These men regularly give their time and treasure to strengthen and affirm the congregation. They are voted into position by the congregation and provide accountability and prayer protection to the senior pastor. The deacons oversee the use of church funds in conjunction with the staff and offer transparency and accountability to the church membership during business meetings or anytime financial information isrequested.
(I Timothy 3:1-7, I Timothy 3:8-13)

This part of the class is intended to focus on areas where modern culture is attempting to act as a change agent of the church.
Our intention is to clarify our position on these matters so that you can make informed decisions on membership.

Same Sex Attraction and Marriage
We believe that marriage is instituted by God and is between one man and one woman. We do not believe that same sex
marriage is biblical or blessed by God. We acknowledge that same sex relationships can facilitate sincere affection, monogamous faithfulness, and can even feel right and true to those in and those exposed to these relationships. We have no desire to dehumanize or disregard the thoughts and feelings of those who affirm this lifestyle. We love people who are attracted to same sex relationships and more importantly, we acknowledge that God loves them. However, MDBC cannot and will not overlook or disregard God’s clear instruction through His Word on same sex relationships. Scripture identifies the relationship as sin and a position that will not be blessed by God.

Abortion
We believe that life begins at conception. We also recognize that the purposeful termination of a pregnancy has impacted
nearly everyone in some capacity. We love mothers who have made the decision to have an abortion and more importantly, we acknowledge that God loves them. If you have had an abortion, you are welcome at MDBC, however we see abortion as sin in the eyes of God according to His Word. There is complete forgiveness available in Christ for any who haveparticipated in this sin.

Politics
At MDBC, Christ is our hope, not a political personality or party. Neither the senior pastor nor any member of the deacon board will publicly endorse a political candidate or party on behalf of Mission Dorado.

Democrats need to repent and turn to Jesus. Republicans need to repent and turn to Jesus.

Politics do matter to us, but we set aside political allegiances in our classroom Bible studies and sermons for the glorification of Christ.

Men’s and Women’s Roles In The Church
We believe both men and woman are called to lead within the body of Christ, and both are given the same dignity and honor.

MDBC believes that the position of overseer (defined as deacon or pastor) alone is uniquely delegated to men, but this has nothing to do with skill set, capability, or value. We view all other roles within MDBC open to men and women, depending on God’s gifting and personal character. The influence of our brothers and our sisters are vital to the health of His body.