About Legacy Baptist Church
Why We Exist
Where We're Headed
What we hold true
God
We believe in the one true and living God, the Creator of all things, who is eternal, holy, and all-powerful. God is one in essence, yet eternally exists in three Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — each fully and equally God.
Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14
God the Father
We believe that God the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Savior of the world and has decreed that He will one day reign as King over the earth and judge all mankind. While God is the Father of all people as their Creator, He is the Father of all who believe in Jesus Christ in a special, relational way. As a loving Father, He answers their prayers, provides for them, protects them, disciplines them, and forgives them. He is sovereign over all creation and perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. He works all things according to His will and directs history for His glory and our good.
Malachi 2:10; Acts 17:28–29; John 6:27; John 17:1–5; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 1:3–6; Ephesians 1:11; Hebrews 12:5–11; John 3:16–17; 1 John 4:14; Acts 17:31; Psalm 2:6–8; Matthew 6:25–32; John 10:29; 1 John 1:9
God the Son
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and perfect man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life and, by His death, fully satisfied God's divine justice regarding sin. He rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will return in glory to rule over an eternal kingdom here on earth.
John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9; Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 3:18; Romans 3:25–26; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 1:9–11; Revelation 11:15
God the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, fully divine and eternal. At the moment of faith, He regenerates, permanently indwells, baptizes believers into the body of Christ, and seals them, guaranteeing their eternal salvation. He empowers believers to live godly lives and teaches them as they study the Scriptures, transforming them into the image of Christ.
Acts 5:3–4; Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13–14; 1 Corinthians 6:19; John 14:16–17, 26; John 16:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18
Humanity
We believe that the first man, Adam, was created in the image of God and without sin. Adam disobeyed God, and his sin caused him to become alienated from God, to die spiritually, and to suffer the corruption of his nature. This fall took place at the beginning of human history, and all individuals born since suffer these same consequences. They are fallen, sinful, and lost, and are thus in need of the saving grace of God. This saving grace cannot be experienced by any person apart from faith in Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1:26–27; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 3:6–19; Romans 5:12; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1–3; John 3:16; John 6:47; Acts 16:31
Eternal Salvation
We believe that eternal life is the free gift of God, given to whoever believes in Jesus Christ for that life. The moment a person believes in Jesus, they receive everlasting life, are saved from hell, and possess an eternal salvation that can never be lost. This salvation is not earned, maintained, or proven by human effort, but rests entirely on the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace through faith, and this salvation is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one has any reason to boast.
John 3:16; John 5:24; John 6:47; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5; Romans 4:5; Acts 16:31
Assurance of Salvation
We believe that assurance of eternal salvation rests solely on God's promise that everyone who believes in Jesus Christ has eternal life. Since a person can know whether or not he believes God's promise, the testimony of Scripture is all that is needed for assurance. Our works are imperfect, and our struggle with sin continues in this life, so works and feelings are an unreliable basis for this confidence. We rest instead on God's faithfulness and His sure promises concerning eternal life.
John 5:24; John 6:47; 1 John 5:11–13; Titus 1:2; Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 4:5
The Bible
We believe that the Bible is the God-breathed, inerrant Word of God, perfect in its original writings and given as special revelation to mankind. Through Scripture, God reveals His character, His truth, and His eternal plan. The Bible contains all that is necessary for life and godliness, and it is sufficient to thoroughly equip all believers for every good work. As God's authoritative revelation, the Scriptures stand as the final rule for faith and practice.
2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Psalm 19:7–9; John 17:17
The Church
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, composed of all who have believed in Jesus Christ during this present age. The Church began at Pentecost and is distinct from Israel. Local churches are to devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching (the Scriptures), the Lord’s Supper, and the Great Commission, which includes baptizing and teaching believers to observe all that Christ commanded. Each church is to be led by a plurality of elders who meet the biblical qualifications and shepherd the flock under the headship of Christ.
Acts 2:42; Matthew 28:19–20; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; Ephesians 1:22–23; 1 Corinthians 10:32; Ephesians 2:14–16; Ephesians 3:4–6; Acts 1:6–7; Romans 11:25–27
Baptism
We believe that baptism is an ordinance commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ in which a believer publicly identifies with Him through immersion in water. Baptism is not needed to obtain eternal salvation, but it is the first step of obedience on the pathway of discipleship. It symbolizes our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection and expresses our desire to follow Him.
Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:36–38; Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12
Discipleship
We believe that obedience to Christ is commanded for all believers, and every believer should follow the Lord Jesus Christ on the pathway of discipleship. However, the conditions of discipleship are very different from receiving the gift of eternal life. Discipleship involves obedience, commitment, and sacrifice, while the single condition for receiving God's free gift of eternal life is faith in Christ. The conditions of discipleship are not requirements for receiving eternal life. Discipleship is a lifelong process related to progressive sanctification, while eternal life is received in a moment and relates to justification. Eternal life is free, but discipleship is costly.
John 3:16; John 6:47; Ephesians 2:8–9; Luke 9:23; Luke 14:25–33; John 8:31; Matthew 16:24–27; 1 Corinthians 3:11–15
The Future
We believe that the next prophetic event in God's timeline is the imminent rapture of the Church. At the rapture, all believers will be caught up to meet the Lord Jesus Christ in the air. Following the rapture, a seven-year Tribulation period will unfold on earth, culminating in the return of Jesus Christ to establish His literal, earthly, thousand-year kingdom here on earth. After the Millennium, God will bring about the eternal state, creating a new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. In that day, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain, for the former things will have passed away.
John 14:1–3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52; Daniel 9:24–27; Matthew 24:21; Revelation 19:11–16; Revelation 20:1–6; Revelation 21:1–5; 2 Peter 3:13
We believe in the one true and living God, the Creator of all things, who is eternal, holy, and all-powerful. God is one in essence, yet eternally exists in three Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — each fully and equally God.
Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14
We believe that God the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Savior of the world and has decreed that He will one day reign as King over the earth and judge all mankind. While God is the Father of all people as their Creator, He is the Father of all who believe in Jesus Christ in a special, relational way. As a loving Father, He answers their prayers, provides for them, protects them, disciplines them, and forgives them. He is sovereign over all creation and perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. He works all things according to His will and directs history for His glory and our good.
Malachi 2:10; Acts 17:28–29; John 6:27; John 17:1–5; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 1:3–6; Ephesians 1:11; Hebrews 12:5–11; John 3:16–17; 1 John 4:14; Acts 17:31; Psalm 2:6–8; Matthew 6:25–32; John 10:29; 1 John 1:9
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and perfect man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life and, by His death, fully satisfied God's divine justice regarding sin. He rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will return in glory to rule over an eternal kingdom here on earth.
John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9; Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 3:18; Romans 3:25–26; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 1:9–11; Revelation 11:15
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, fully divine and eternal. At the moment of faith, He regenerates, permanently indwells, baptizes believers into the body of Christ, and seals them, guaranteeing their eternal salvation. He empowers believers to live godly lives and teaches them as they study the Scriptures, transforming them into the image of Christ.
Acts 5:3–4; Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13–14; 1 Corinthians 6:19; John 14:16–17, 26; John 16:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18
We believe that the first man, Adam, was created in the image of God and without sin. Adam disobeyed God, and his sin caused him to become alienated from God, to die spiritually, and to suffer the corruption of his nature. This fall took place at the beginning of human history, and all individuals born since suffer these same consequences. They are fallen, sinful, and lost, and are thus in need of the saving grace of God. This saving grace cannot be experienced by any person apart from faith in Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1:26–27; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 3:6–19; Romans 5:12; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1–3; John 3:16; John 6:47; Acts 16:31
We believe that eternal life is the free gift of God, given to whoever believes in Jesus Christ for that life. The moment a person believes in Jesus, they receive everlasting life, are saved from hell, and possess an eternal salvation that can never be lost. This salvation is not earned, maintained, or proven by human effort, but rests entirely on the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace through faith, and this salvation is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one has any reason to boast.
John 3:16; John 5:24; John 6:47; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5; Romans 4:5; Acts 16:31
We believe that assurance of eternal salvation rests solely on God's promise that everyone who believes in Jesus Christ has eternal life. Since a person can know whether or not he believes God's promise, the testimony of Scripture is all that is needed for assurance. Our works are imperfect, and our struggle with sin continues in this life, so works and feelings are an unreliable basis for this confidence. We rest instead on God's faithfulness and His sure promises concerning eternal life.
John 5:24; John 6:47; 1 John 5:11–13; Titus 1:2; Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 4:5
We believe that the Bible is the God-breathed, inerrant Word of God, perfect in its original writings and given as special revelation to mankind. Through Scripture, God reveals His character, His truth, and His eternal plan. The Bible contains all that is necessary for life and godliness, and it is sufficient to thoroughly equip all believers for every good work. As God's authoritative revelation, the Scriptures stand as the final rule for faith and practice.
2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Psalm 19:7–9; John 17:17
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, composed of all who have believed in Jesus Christ during this present age. The Church began at Pentecost and is distinct from Israel. Local churches are to devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching (the Scriptures), the Lord’s Supper, and the Great Commission, which includes baptizing and teaching believers to observe all that Christ commanded. Each church is to be led by a plurality of elders who meet the biblical qualifications and shepherd the flock under the headship of Christ.
Acts 2:42; Matthew 28:19–20; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; Ephesians 1:22–23; 1 Corinthians 10:32; Ephesians 2:14–16; Ephesians 3:4–6; Acts 1:6–7; Romans 11:25–27
We believe that baptism is an ordinance commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ in which a believer publicly identifies with Him through immersion in water. Baptism is not needed to obtain eternal salvation, but it is the first step of obedience on the pathway of discipleship. It symbolizes our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection and expresses our desire to follow Him.
Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:36–38; Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12
We believe that obedience to Christ is commanded for all believers, and every believer should follow the Lord Jesus Christ on the pathway of discipleship. However, the conditions of discipleship are very different from receiving the gift of eternal life. Discipleship involves obedience, commitment, and sacrifice, while the single condition for receiving God's free gift of eternal life is faith in Christ. The conditions of discipleship are not requirements for receiving eternal life. Discipleship is a lifelong process related to progressive sanctification, while eternal life is received in a moment and relates to justification. Eternal life is free, but discipleship is costly.
John 3:16; John 6:47; Ephesians 2:8–9; Luke 9:23; Luke 14:25–33; John 8:31; Matthew 16:24–27; 1 Corinthians 3:11–15
We believe that the next prophetic event in God's timeline is the imminent rapture of the Church. At the rapture, all believers will be caught up to meet the Lord Jesus Christ in the air. Following the rapture, a seven-year Tribulation period will unfold on earth, culminating in the return of Jesus Christ to establish His literal, earthly, thousand-year kingdom here on earth. After the Millennium, God will bring about the eternal state, creating a new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. In that day, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain, for the former things will have passed away.
John 14:1–3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52; Daniel 9:24–27; Matthew 24:21; Revelation 19:11–16; Revelation 20:1–6; Revelation 21:1–5; 2 Peter 3:13
Senior Pastor
Our Lead Pastor, William Hathcock, has been part of Legacy Baptist Church for 15 years. His ministry journey began with teaching an adult Sunday School class, where he and his wife formed many of their closest friendships. He has served in various roles over the years, including lay elder and associate pastor. During his time as Legacy’s Recovery Pastor, William continued working in the finance industry while pursuing seminary training. In June 2025, Legacy called him to be the Senior Pastor, and he transitioned into full‑time ministry.
William is happily married to his wife, Erin, and they have two sons, Liam and Levi. He is passionate about helping people grow through the Word of God and believes Scripture provides everything needed for godly living and spiritual maturity. His mission is to teach the Word of God so that people become more like Jesus.
Meet Our Leadership Team
William Hathcock
Jimmy Skinner
Stanley Orr
Tony Harris
Tracy Lane
Angie Skinner
Phil Harrell
Bronson Foster
Chris Cassell
Tyler Kendall
