The basis: 1st Corinthians 12:4-14 - The Council of Ministries is comprised of all ministry servant leaders. These servant leaders, meet on a monthly basis with the Pastor, to ensure that the various ministries are informed of the mission and priorities of the church (Vision), to include addressing calendar and milestone, Pastoral focus, and any current administrative issues.

Scriptural Foundation

1st Corinthians 12:4-14, "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kind of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also, is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many."

The basis: 2^nd Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The Christian Discipleship Council serves as the education governing body of the Discipleship Ministry. The mandate of the Christian Discipleship Council is to offer and monitor religious educational opportunities for church growth and Christian maturity. The Council operates through development, implementation and application of bible study classes, seminars, institutes and workshops that focus on the Word of God as our foundation for victorious Christian living. Participation on the Council is determined by pastoral appointment (Senior Servant) with term limits.

The basis: Ephesians 3:17-19, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to now the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Encourages, fosters and channels the youth of Liberty and our immediate and surrounding communities in areas of academic excellence and higher education. To aid those who are in a legitimate needs status. Assist also by referring those who have special situations and circumstances to get to the proper agency which can provide them (in certain cases) with better care than the church. Every need is not a financial need; therefore, we aim also to direct and guide all people to the right agency that can best provide both the education and the need they may have. To be compassionate, sympathetic and kind to all people regardless of race, gender or status. To love unconditionally and follow the rule and the example of Christ who has set before us a more perfect example…which is found in his principle of a builder, ‘A good builder considers the cost’.

Academics: To provide assistance to our school aged children and youth with the overall purpose of promoting their academic growth and encouraging scholarly achievement. Ongoing projects will include after school tutoring program and summer enrichment programs. Additional activities may be planned to further the mission of the ministry. (Chairperson: Sis. Elam)

The basis: Psalms 95:1, “O come, let us sing unto the Lord:  let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”  Psalms 96:1, “O Sing unto the Lord a new song:  sing unto the Lord, all the earth”.

To help set the tone for worship in the celebration of worship by praising God in songs and praise, through the anointing we strive to provide inspirationally sound music fulfilling God’s plan of praise and worship. It is our goal to represent Christ as its official ambassadors by setting an example worthy of emulation. We endeavor to grow in Prayer, by Faith, in the Spirit of Service to Christ. To provide the music for all worship services.

Pastor Don A. Darden, Jr., Sis. Stephanie Williams and Musician

The basis: Luke 10:33-34, “But a certain Samaritan as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him and went to him and bound up his wounds…”

Provides a medium through which members of the church and community can receive first-aid treatment and/or emergency referrals during worship services and other church-sponsored activities. The ministry also acquaints people with health issues and problems and encourages contributions to wellness and fitness education objectives. Provides health information and promotes maintenance of good health.

The basis: Hebrews 13:4, “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”

Provides married couples and those contemplating marriage, enriching opportunities for growth in their relationship and life-long commitment. Relationships become more endearing through Biblical studies, fellowships, seminars, retreats and group activities.

The basis: 1^st Kings 2:2, “I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man.”

The Men’s Ministry seeks to meet the spiritual needs of the men in the church, community, workplace and home, through prayer and fellowship; to help men realize their spiritual gifts through consistent programs of Bible study for equipping and encouraging; to serve as a gateway, for men, into the various ministries of this organism called LBC; and to challenge men to understand the need for being great male role models for each other, children, women and witnesses for our Christ. 

One Accord: A group of men who lend their voices to the ministry of music and the glory of God.

Pastor Don A. Darden Jr., Bro. Donald Johnson assisted by Bro. Johnny Williams

The basis: Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine that men might see your good works and glorify your father, which is in heaven.”

To provide quality recording (cassette and CD) of our worship services, biblical studies, seminars, to include any workshops done in the sanctuary.

The basis: 2^nd Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: Old things are passed away; Behold, all things are become new.”

The New Disciples Ministry educates, nurtures and develops new Christians and those who are new members of the Liberty Baptist Church Family. Through the New Members Orientation booklet for training classes, new members are trained in Christian doctrine and principles for the development of their ministry gifts and Christian maturity. The goal of this ministry is to educate, equip and empower Christians as we move from membership to discipleship and into Kingdom building…meaning that we are simply becoming the Kingdom.

The basis: 1^st Timothy 5:17, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.”

The Senior Adult Advisory Council (SAAC) addresses and supports concerns of, and gives recognition to senior members of the Liberty Baptist Church. It embraces four primary functions in its mandate for ministry: (1) promote and encourage spiritual growth and discipleship; (2) provide a medium for communicating and addressing spiritual, physical, social and emotional needs and concerns; (3) channel information which will be beneficial to Seniors on topics such as health, social issues, living wills, estate planning, etc.; and (4) relate senior needs and concerns to the church staff, suggesting ways that these needs may be clarified and met. In honor and celebration of our Senior Saints, the Council will host an Annual Eighty and Over Luncheon (L.E.O.L.) that takes place on the 4th Saturday in the month of May.

The basis: Psalm 84:10, “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell I the tents of wickedness.”

Provides the initial introduction to the Liberty worship experience by greeting and seating our members, visitors and friends. This group, represented by different age groups, exhibits both dedication and experience as it assists with the orderly conduct of our services.

The basis: 1^st John 1:7, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we will have fellowship with one another..."

The Single Adult Ministry brings together a group of individuals who share the spirit of being single in fellowship with each other and in relationship with Jesus Christ. Our primary mission is to bring unmarried individuals into a saving and redemptive relationship as Disciples of Christ and to enrich the lives of singles through regular prayer, Bible study, seminars, and other activities.

The basis: 2^nd Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

Each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. the Sunday school ministry offers more than five educational, uplifting, edifying and soul-stirring classes for students in various stages of their Christian development. The Word of God is the central text for each class accompanied by supplemental resource materials as persons learn through Christ-centered teaching how to live by faith, walk in God’s power and apply practical Christian principles to their daily lives. In addition to Sunday school, Bible Study classes are also offered Wednesdays at 6 p.m. 

The basis: 1^st Peter 2:21, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”

My Sister's Teens (MST) cultivates and nurtures goodwill among the youth of Liberty and the surrounding community through Bible study, fellowship activities, outreach and monthly leadership of Liberty’s worship services. All teens are encouraged to share in this rewarding fellowship.

The basis: Psalm 127:1, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

Provides protection for all who come to Liberty Baptist Church by keeping watch during worship services and special events both inside and outside of the church and its immediate vicinity. These Sentinels also assist worshippers with parking.

The basis: Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Believing that we “Can do all things through Christ who strengthens us” this ministry is a testament that God is a healer and restorer. This ministry is designed to support, encourage and assist those persons who are challenged with this life threatening illness.

WE CAN-CER-VIVE keeps pressing on toward the goal by reaching out to LBC members and the community to assist persons following a cancer diagnosis and during recovery – in hospital and in-home. Intercessory prayer marks the cornerstone of the ministry, in conjunction with short-term hands-on assistance with basic life services (i.e., grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and listening). Additionally, the ministry serves as an educational resource to inform, to encourage, and address health issues that impact the lives of LBC disciples and the community.

Pastor Don A. Darden, Jr.

Isaiah 32:9-15, “Rise Up Women of God, Arise! Your God Has Need of Thee!”

The Mission of the Women’s Ministry is to encourage, equip, edify and empower the women of Liberty Baptist Church to take their God-ordained place within the Kingdom of God, exercising their gifts, talents and skills to the glory of God! They have a common purpose of prayer, bible study, advocacy and action. They accomplish their mission through a covenant of prayer and study and a commitment to unity and oneness in Christ Jesus. As women of God we are committed to service and leadership. They volunteer at a local hospital for sick children with the hope of assisting with any special projects or annual fair that servicing hospitals may have for children.

First Lady Sharon M. Darden

The basis: Numbers 10:29, “We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it to you: Come thou with us, and we will do thee good.”

The mission of the on wheels’ ministry is to provide needed transportation for the membership as well as, those in our community who desire to worship and fellowship with us. To ensure that each ministry has a designated person to support the ministry of transportation. Assist our Senior Saint’s (over 65) and/or convalescent members with transportation for critical care needs such as medical facilities (doctor visits, therapy visits), grocery and shopping, etc., when coordinated.

The basis: 1 Peter 4:9, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”

To serve in a liaison role in the service of food preparation. Serves in a consultative capacity to persons, paid or unpaid, who have specific assignments or related interests and responsibilities to the food services program. Determines the type of food service to be offered, planning of meals, purchasing, preparing, and conservation of food and other matters as related to operations…which include appropriate record keeping. Ensures the kitchen facilities are properly maintained and cleaned regularly. 

The basis: Psalms 95:1, “O come, let us sing unto the Lord:  let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”

To Aid in the service of worship by praising God in songs and praise, through the anointing we strive to provide inspirationally sound music fulfilling God's plan of praise and worship. Support the Pastor, providing choral music whenever the Church is charged to be in fellowship with some other body of Christ both here and abroad. Support the Church by providing music for special occasions, funerals and weddings.

The basis: Psalm 133:1, Matthew 18:19 “A Young man saved, is a soul saved... plus a life!”

To strengthen young men of God, teaching them to become a united body in Christ and in turn their strength will always allow them to reach the lost and strengthen the saved. 

The basis: Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

To spread the word of Jesus Christ to persons in and outside of Liberty Baptist Church, to affirm for believers, and to educate unbelievers on the power and goodness of the Christian faith and walk.

Establishes and maintains relationship with patients at area hospitals and/or nursing home. Provides care packages on an as needed basis.

The basis: Acts 6:1-3, “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.” Romans 16:1, “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae.”

To build authentic relationships by reestablishing partnership. Providing Scriptural support for partnering in ministry. To assist the pastor in the care of the members, so that together you may be assistants to the Pastor, and servants to the congregation. This includes ministering to the sick, the bereaved, visiting the unsaved, the unaffiliated, building Christian fellowship, welcoming new members, performing acts of benevolence, assisting with administering the ordinances and promoting family worship.

The duty of the deaconess is essentially the same as that of the deacon, except that the deaconess renders a ministry exclusive to women in the preparation and assisting of female candidates for baptism. Because there is no account of a deaconess ordination in the Bible, deaconess is appointed to the office to serve women in situations where custom forbids the ministry of the deacon. They assist the men in instructing female candidates for church membership, assist at their baptism, minister to women who are sick or may be in prison. And, together with the deacons, they also serve as assistants to the Pastor, and servants to the congregation. As in the case of the men, this includes ministering to the sick, the bereaved, visiting the unsaved, the unaffiliated, building Christian fellowship, welcoming new members, performing acts of benevolence, assisting with administering the ordinances and promoting family worship.