Our vision for Bay Chapel is a real and authentic community where people can find passionate worship, Christ-centered community, and a life-giving message. We believe that church should be a community that is relational. A place that helps people not only connect with God, but engages people in lasting relationships with others. We envision a place that invites people to come as they are, and receive the love and forgiveness of Jesus.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.”
– 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
“We also thank God continually because, when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but actually as it is, the Word of God, which is at work in you who believe.”
– 1 Thessalonians 2:13
God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority and we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is, “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading and Bible study. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
– John 14:6
“For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them.”
– Acts 4:11-12 NLT
Jesus Christ, second Person of the Trinity, lived a sinless life on earth and voluntarily paid for our sin by dying on the cross as our substitute. This accomplished salvation for all who receive grace by trusting in Him alone. He rose from the dead and is the only mediator between God and us. He baptizes believers in the Holy Spirit and will return to earth to consummate history.
“When anyone becomes a Christian he becomes a new person inside. The old passes away, a new life has begun.”
– 2 Corinthians 5:17 LB
Jesus: “If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.”
– Matthew 16:25 NLT
God created humans to have fellowship with Him, but they defied God by sinfully going their own way. As a result, we need God’s saving grace to end our alienation from Him. Salvation comes only through God’s grace – not human effort – and must be received personally by repentance and faith. At the end, everyone will experience bodily resurrection and the judgment. Only believers will enjoy eternal fellowship with God.
“…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”
– Acts 1:8
“…be filled with the Holy Spirit”
– Ephesians 5:18
“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
– Luke 11:13
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. Every believer can be filled with the Holy Spirit by simply asking. We seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right.
Wes Morris is the Lead Pastor of Bay Chapel. He, along with his wife Jen, have served in full-time ministry for the last 15 years.
Wes has a passion for communicating and leading people to a new life in Jesus Christ. He believes that Bay Chapel is a place where people can come as they are, and find the love and forgiveness that Jesus gives.
Wes and his wife Jen have two boys (Caden and Benson) and live in Tampa, FL.