What do you believe?
We believe Jesus Christ became man, without ceasing to be God. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, to reveal God and redeem sinful man. He accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice. Our redemption and salvation are guaranteed by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (John 1:1, 14, 18; Luke 1:35; Romans 3:24-26; 4:25).
We believe He is now at the right hand of God in heaven where He fulfills the ministry of intercession and advocacy (Hebrews 1:3; 3:1; 7:23-25;
I John 2:1-2).
We believe salvation is a gift of God received by man through personal faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for sin. We believe man is justified by grace through faith apart from works (Acts 13:38-39; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 1:4-5 & 2:8-10). We believe all true believers elect of God, once saved, are kept secure in Christ forever (Romans 8:1, 29-30, 38-39; John 10:27-30).
What is a Baptist church and how is it different from other types of churches?
Rather than compare ourselves to other churches, what follows is an explanation of who we are.
We are people who believe that the Bible is inspired by God, bears his absolute authority and is therefore the final authority in all matters of belief and practice. Our church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ. All human authority for governing the local church resides with the local church itself. The offices of pastor and deacon exist in the local church, not as a hierarchy outside or over the local church. We also believe that God established both the church and civil government giving each its own distinct sphere of operation. Neither should control the other nor should the two form an alliance.
We believe we can enter into God’s presence in prayer directly through Jesus Christ. No other mediator is needed between God and people. We practice two ordinances – the baptism of believers by immersion in water and the Lord’s Supper or communion. We believe that everyone has the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm, but that liberty doesn’t exempt one from accountability to God or responsibility to His Word.
Those who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and who have been baptized are eligible for membership.
What should I wear to church?
Jeans and sneakers or a suit and tie – whatever you’re most comfortable in, although most people prefer to wear casual clothing.
What time is your service and what is it like?
We have a passion for the arts, so music and media are a big part of the way we communicate in the Modern Contemporary Services. If you prefer a more traditional approach to worship, our Classic Service may be just what you’re looking for!
You’re sure to feel at home at one of these 3 services:
Modern Contemporary – featuring adult contemporary Christian music in the Worship Center at 9:30am
Classic – featuring hymns and traditional elements in Allen Hall at 9:30am
Modern Contemporary– featuring adult contemporary Christian music in the Worship Center at 11:00am
Do you have Sunday school for kids? Yes.
In our second floor classrooms:
Discovery Sunday School takes place at 9:30am for children in grades K – 5
Celebration Children’s Church takes place at 11:00 for children in grades K – 5
In the Student Ministry Center (under Allen Hall):
Junior High (grades 6 – 8) and Senior High (grades 9 – 12) 'Journey' classes meet at 9:45am
Do you have Sunday school for adults? Yes.
Adult Bible Fellowships (ABFs) are offered at 9:45am and 11:00am. 3 ABFs are offered during each timeframe. One is for all adults, the other two are based on life stage. There is also an ABF offered at 10:00am that is specifically for college students and recent college grads.
Click here for more details on each ABF.
Do you have a nursery for small children? Yes.
We offer an infant nursery for children from newborn to 24 months and a toddler nursery for children from 24 months up to 4 years. Both nurseries are staffed by capable, loving volunteers.
Do I have to leave my child in the nursery? No.
You are not required to leave your child in the nursery, however it is encouraged in order to allow you and those around you an uninterrupted time of worship. Pagers are provided to all parents should the need to contact you arise.
What kinds of women's programs do you have?
We have a variety of women's Bible studies that meet throughout the week - both day and evening - including a class run by Women's Ministries on Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm - 8:30pm during Wednesday Night Alive! Our Women's Ministries team also plans an annual prayer walk in January, an annual retreat in March, and a number of other special events throughout the year. For more information on women's programs, contact Teri Van Schoick at teri@cbcnj.org.
What kinds of men's programs do you have?
A variety of mentoring and Bible study groups are available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Activities include the Men Only Breakfast on the third Saturday of every month, an annual men’s retreat and sports such as basketball, softball and golf. For more information on these activities contact Chip Cash at ccash@comcast.net.
What kinds of children's/youth programs do you have?
Ongoing programs include Wednesday Night Alive! from 7:00pm–8:30pm on Wednesday evenings. Programs are available for children from age 3 (as of August 31st of that school year) through Grade 5 including Awana Cubbies (children ages 3 – 5), Awana Sparks (children in Grades K–2), Pioneer Girls (girls in Grades 3–5) and Stockade Boys (boys in Grades
3–5). Contact Tim Loesch at timploesch@yahoo.com.
Junior and Senior High students meet during the school year for crazy games, a quick snack, awesome music,
and honest talk about real life issues. Senior High students meet Tuesdays from 7:00pm – 9:00 pm and Junior High students meet Thursdays from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Contact Jeremy Bell at jbell@cbcnj.org.
Special programs include Kids Camp and Children's Choir. Kids Camp meets evenings the week of July 19th – July 23rd. Kids learn Biblical truths in a fun atmosphere complete with games, crafts, songs and treats. Contact Beth Canterberry at njheeler@aol.com or Kim Gay at richardandkimberly@comcast.net. The Children’s Choir performs at special events throughout the year and is open to children ages 5–12. Contact Jim Smith at james.smith5@comcast.net.
What kinds of singles' programs do you have?
We offer a Young Adult Ministry to provides single adults the opportunity to engage with God, His Word, and other believers in the same life stage through worship, Bible study, and fellowship. Contact Pastor Anthony Gilmer at agilmer@cbcnj.org.
Single, widowed and divorced adults in their 40s, 50s and 60s meet every Friday evening for Bible study, discussion and fellowship. They also enjoy group social outings periodically throughout the year. Contact Teri Van Schoick at teri@cbcnj.org.
What if I'm divorced?
You are welcome at Central regardless of your marital status. We do offer Divorce Care on Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm - 8:30pm during the school year. Divorce Care is a 13 week community outreach support group which includes a video and discussion period facilitated by people who understand the pain of divorce. For more information, contact Paul Disbrow at pdisbrow@hotmail.com.
Will I fit in?
We welcome and attract all generations and nationalities. Our desire is that the Holy Spirit will bless us with a rich diversity of ages, life-stages, religious, racial, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. We desire to foster an atmosphere of unity that communicates warmth and acceptance of all who care to join us. It is our hope that the things that ultimately define us are those that speak to the needs of the entire human race, not only specific ethnic or demographic ones. Therefore, we stress such universal concerns as forgiveness, redemption, significance, peace, meaning and truth above styles, tastes and preferences.
Do you have regular Bible studies and prayer meetings? Yes.
Growth Groups are Bible studies offered throughout the week. Contact Dan and Lynn Libby at dblm306@aol.com to find a group near you. Wednesday evening from 7:00pm - 8:30pm Bible study is also offered in the Worship Center. The current study is on the book of Psalms.
Prayer meeting is held on the last Wednesday of each month in the Worship Center.
How can I get in touch with someone?
All pastoral and church staff can be reached through Central's main number - 609-882-0337. Our fax number is 609-882-7115.
Ministry head emails are listed below:
Richard Gay, Senior Pastor dgay@cbcnj.org
Anthony Gilmer, Pastor of Spiritual Development agilmer@cbcnj.org
Jeremy Bell, Pastor of Worship and Student Ministries jbell@cbcnj.org
Jackie Maina, Business Administrator jmaina@cbcnj.org
Irene Knott, Office Administrative Assistant iknott@cbcnj.org
Joseline Capre, Director of Sunday Children's Ministries jcapre@cbcnj.org
Gem Perkins, Worship Ministry Coordinator gperkins@cbcnj.org
Elizabeth Goida, Director of Classic Worship Ministry egoida@cbcnj.org
Teri Van Schoick, First Impressions Team teri@cbcnj.org
Do you have missionary outreaches? Yes.
Our World Impact Team facilitates support for Central's World Impact Associates, educates the church on their work and plans and supports short term mission trips. Contact Joe Anstatt at anstattt@aol.com.
Our Prison Ministry visits Mercer County Correction Center on the first Sunday evening of each month to
pray, bring Bible messages and encourage the inmates. Contact Clem Berard at clemlin@earthlink.net or
Bob Lucas at cpabob@mac.com.