Sylvania is a Bible-saturated, Gospel-driven, missions-oriented, reformed, Southern Baptist church in Tyler, TX, whose aim is to see Jesus supremely treasured (Matthew 13:44) not only here in Tyler and Smith County, but in every people group in every nation on earth.
Our Approach to Scripture.
Together with all Southern Baptist churches in Tyler TX, Sylvania affirms the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message. Being reformed, however, our beliefs are most accurately reflected in the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. Our identification with 9Marks signifies our commitments to expository preaching, the gospel, biblical theology, discipleship, membership, biblical leadership, etc. Our affirmation of the Gospel Coalition statement of faith and vision reflects our cross-denominational agreement regarding the nature and centrality of the gospel of Jesus according to Scripture. For more, check out What We Believe or contact us. We’d love to talk!
Our Approach to Community.
Our general approach to ministry is shaped by the “ordinary means of grace.” In practice, devotion to the means of grace mean that together we regularly (1) submit ourselves together to God’s Word, (2) pray, (3) celebrate the Lord’s Supper, and (4) strengthen, encourage, exhort, and sacrifice for one another in community.
Our Approach to Missions.
Scripture persuades us that our God is a saving God and He is eternally committed to saving a people for Himself from every tribe, tongue and nation. He has commanded and commissioned His people to pray and preach, planting gospel seed locally, regionally, nationally and internationally until He returns. So, while praying and preaching are not the extent of our missions efforts, they are undoubtedly the essence of them.
Our Approach to Attire.
Though certainly less vital than the previous sections, “What should I wear?” is a common and legitimate question. After all, it’s not fun being under- or overdressed. Here’s the way we answer: the clothing landscape at Sylvania on a given Sunday gives evidence of our conviction that neither coat and tie nor jeans and a t-shirt are inherently more pleasing to God. That said, we wouldn’t say that your clothing doesn’t matter, but maybe not for the reason you may suspect. We’re convinced that everything we do should be an effort to honor Christ (1 Cor. 10:31), so wear your clothes in an effort to do that.
Join Us Sunday.
In light of the plethora of Tyler TX churches, we’re honored and thankful that you’re here, and if you are not all ready committed to a Christ-centered local church in Tyler, then we hope you will join us Sunday for Bible study at 9am and for corporate worship at 10:20am.