People who attend church services in this day expect the pastor to give an “invitation” or an “altar call” at the close of the service, during which the people are urged to confess Christ, present themselves for baptism, or join the church. But because we feel that this is neither scriptural nor wise we don’t participate in such activities. The question is then asked, “How does one confess Christ?” or “How do believers who wish to be identified with this congregation do so?”
Very simply, if God has revealed to your heart the gospel of his grace in Christ Jesus, do as the eunuch of old; ask the pastor to baptize you! Believers confess faith in Christ today just as they always have, by following the Lord in baptism.
If you are a baptized believer who has been attending this church long enough to know what is preached and believed here and the Spirit of God has led you to unite with us and be identified with this congregation, tell the pastor that you wish to become a member of this church. You will be welcomed and received in sincere love and fellowship.
About Henry Mahan
Henry T. Mahan was born in Birmingham, Alabama in August 1926. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served as a signalman on an L.S.T. in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, he married his wife Doris, and the Lord blessed them with four children.
At the age of 21, he entered the pastoral ministry and gained broad experience as a pastor, teacher, conference speaker, and evangelist. In 1950, through the preaching of evangelist Rolfe Barnard, God was pleased to establish Henry in sovereign free grace teaching. At that time, he was serving as an assistant pastor at Pollard Baptist Church (off of Blackburn ave.) in Ashland, Kentucky.
In 1955, Thirteenth Street Baptist Church was formed in Ashland, Kentucky, and Henry was called to be its pastor. He faithfully served that congregation for more than 50 years, continuing in the same message throughout his ministry. His preaching was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified, in full accord with the Scriptures. He consistently proclaimed God’s sovereign purpose in salvation and the glory of Christ in redeeming sinners through His blood and righteousness.
Henry T. Mahan also traveled widely, preaching in conferences and churches across the United States and beyond. His ministry was marked by a clear and unwavering emphasis on Christ, not the preacher, but the One preached. Those who heard him recognized that his sermons honored the Savior and exalted the name of the Lord Jesus Christ above all.
Henry T. Mahan served as pastor and teacher of Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Kentucky for over half a century. His life and ministry were devoted to proclaiming the sovereign grace of God and directing sinners to the finished work of Christ. He entered into the presence of the Lord in 2019, leaving behind a lasting testimony to the gospel he faithfully preached.
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