Swampscott couple look to form new Baptist community church to fulfill spiritual needs

SWAMPSCOTT – Belly up to the bar and pass the Bible ? a new community church is making its debut at G Bar & Kitchen.Nathan Creitz moved to town with his wife Kim Creitz in August 2009 and he said they immediately noticed there are not many Baptist churches in the area.?There really are no options if you’re Baptist leaning,” he said. “Last year I actually conducted some surveys along Lynn Shore Drive to determine if there was some interest in a Baptist Church in the area.There seemed to be a lot of interest and that was a signal to us that we need to do something.”Creitz said the new church, which does not have a home yet, would be called Red Rock Community Church and an informational gathering would be held at G Bar & Kitchen, 256 Humphrey St., on Nov. 14, from 4 to 6 p.m.?It’s a preview party to introduce the church to the community,” he said. “The purpose of the party is to connect with people in the area who are interested in the vision and values of Red Rock Community Church and may have an interest in joining the church. Everyone is welcome to attend.”Creitz, 32, said he received a Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in January 2010.?When we asked people what the need is in the area a lot of people told us they were searching for connections and feel isolated. People are looking for a way to connect to connect with each other on a spiritual level. We also heard people say they were looking for a church that had a strong respect for the Bible.”The Mobile, Ala., native moved to the Boston area in 2004 to work for a church in Boston before settling in Swampscott.?I have done a lot of odd jobs throughout my life,” he said. “But I have primarily worked in the church. I have done overseas projects, worked in orphanages and with people in need.”Creitz said he has served in church leadership roles in various churches the last 12 years and he is ready to take the next step by establishing a community church.?I am in the process of completing the required paperwork that is necessary to be officially recognized as a church by the government,” he said. “I expect to wrap that up in a couple of weeks.”Creitz said his wife has a background in elementary and special education but decided to stay home after their daughter was born last year.?She will be helping with the ministry.” he said.As for the mission of the church, Creitz said it would based on believer baptism by immersion, the Bible and service to others.?One thing we would value as a church is caring for people in need,” he said. “A huge part of the mission and practice of the church will be to think beyond ourselves.”He added Red Rock Community Church is a Baptist congregation and is aligned with the Baptist Convention of New England. Creitz said weekly Bible studies would begin Nov. 21, at a location to be determined. Additional information can be found online at redrockcc.org.