About Us — Second Timothy Baptist Church

Our Name & Heritage

Named for a Charge to Preach

Second Timothy Baptist Church takes its name from one of the most personal and powerful letters in the New Testament — Paul's second letter to his son in the faith, Timothy. In it, Paul delivers a solemn charge that defines our ministry:

"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."

— 2 Timothy 4:2

That charge is not merely a name we carry — it is a calling we are committed to living. We believe the local church is one of God's primary instruments for human transformation, community healing, and Kingdom advancement.

Today

A Season of Renewal

Under the leadership of Rev. Gary L. Holman, Senior Pastor, Second Timothy is in a deliberate season of renewal and growth. We are a small congregation — approximately 75 active members — made up of families, elders, and a growing number of younger believers.

We are honest about our journey: we are rebuilding culture, deepening discipleship, and re-establishing our presence in the Springfield community. This is not a time of decline — it is a time of becoming what God has always intended for us to be.

We are not a perfect church. But we serve a perfect Savior. And we believe the best days of Second Timothy Baptist Church are still ahead.

Our Shepherd

Meet Our Pastor

Senior Pastor Rev. Gary L. Holman

Rev. Gary L. Holman

Senior Pastor — Second Timothy Baptist Church

Rev. Gary L. Holman serves as Senior Pastor of Second Timothy Baptist Church in Springfield, Illinois. Called to shepherd this congregation through a deliberate season of renewal, Pastor Holman brings a heart for biblical preaching, spiritual formation, and community transformation.

Under his leadership, Second Timothy has embarked on the Hearts After God strategic plan — a five-year journey anchored in 1 Samuel 13:14, designed to grow the congregation spiritually, numerically, morally, and financially by 2030.

Pastor Holman is committed to raising up disciples who do not merely attend church, but who embody the character of Christ in every area of life — at home, in the workplace, and in the community.

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called."

— 1 Timothy 6:12

Our Direction

Vision. Mission. Values.

Our Vision

To develop a congregation of believers with hearts after God — spiritually mature, morally excellent, and engaged in the life of our city.

"A man after God's own heart." — 1 Sam. 13:14

Our Mission

To evangelize the lost, edify the saved, and equip the called — through preaching, discipleship, and community service.

"Go therefore and make disciples." — Matt. 28:19

Our Foundation

The Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God — our sole authority in all matters of faith, practice, and life.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God." — 2 Tim. 3:16

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Biblical Authority

We believe the Word of God is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. Every decision, program, and teaching at Second Timothy is measured against Scripture. We preach the whole counsel of God — not just the comfortable parts.

2 Tim. 3:16–17

Authentic Worship

We gather to encounter God, not to perform for people. Our worship is participatory, Spirit-led, and grounded in truth. We believe every service should be a genuine meeting between the living God and His people.

John 4:23–24

Radical Hospitality

Every person who enters our doors — regardless of background, history, or struggle — deserves to be received with dignity, warmth, and belonging. Hospitality is not an event; it is a culture we are deliberately building.

Rom. 15:7

Servant Leadership

Our leaders lead by example, not by title. We hold our leadership to a high standard of character, accountability, and spiritual integrity — beginning with the pastor himself. Authority in this church is a trust, not a privilege.

Mark 10:43–45

Community Engagement

We are called to love our neighborhood, not just our building. Second Timothy is committed to being a visible, credible, and servant-hearted presence in Springfield — through outreach, service, and genuine community care.

Jer. 29:7

Doctrine

What We Believe

The Holy Scriptures

The Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God and our sole authority for faith and practice. (2 Tim. 3:16–17)

The Triune God

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matt. 28:19)

III

Jesus Christ

We believe in the deity, virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, bodily resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ. (John 1:1, 14)

Salvation

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. It cannot be earned. (Eph. 2:8–9)

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit indwells every believer and empowers the Church for witness and service. (Acts 1:8)

The Church

The local church is a body of baptized believers gathered for worship, discipleship, fellowship, and mission. (Matt. 16:18)

VII

Baptism & Lord's Supper

We practice believer's baptism by immersion and observe the Lord's Supper as ordinances of the Church.

VIII

Eternal Life

We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead and in eternal life for believers. (John 11:25; Rev. 20:11–15)

About Second Timothy Baptist Church