Early in the summer of 2002, a group of like-minded Christians gathered to pray and share beliefs and concerns about the direction and trends of the local church. What, if anything, could or should be done about it? The result of these dialogues was the constitution of a new church in August, a few short months later. The Oaks Baptist began meeting regularly as a body of believers at The Vidalia Community Center. We began with no pastor and no building, but soon property was purchased, construction began and a part-time pastor was called.
We began to understand the concept that the church is not a building, but rather the people who come together to worship, to serve, to love. We managed a full slate of activities all day on Sundays to make the most of our weekly rental agreement. Dr. Wilbur New allowed us to use part of the building that housed his dental practice on U.S. 1 in Lyons. We opened a church office, and put together a room for the youth to meet on Wednesday evenings. In autumn 2003, we gathered for the first time in our present building on Hwy 292 just inside the Lyons City Limits.
Through the years, The Oaks has evolved into a church with traditional values in an unexpected package. Our traditional worship model, deacon servants and team-led lay leadership are some of the hallmarks that set us apart. We want to continue to be a vehicle for God's grace. We believe that God's grace is sufficient for all people, and we offer that grace to all who enter our double wooden doors.
We invite you to join us on our journey as we seek to reach our community with Christ's love.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.- Isaiah 61:3b
