About Us
- Pastor
- Founder
- History
- Beliefs
About Us
Shiloh Baptist Church
It began with the call of God on a young man’s life, Pastor Eric Maynard, who at the age of twenty surrendered to preach two years after being saved at the First Baptist Church in Brick Kiln. He prepared himself for full time ministry at Bluewater Bible College in St. Thomas and returned home to serve in his native land. He was joined by Marilyn, who married him in 1971 and together they embarked on this journey, a journey filled with uncertainty and the unknown. One thing they knew was that God was with them and that was enough.
On his 24th birthday, July 25th, 1971, Pastor Maynard started a Sunday School at the big rock in Craddock Road. He and his wife laboured faithfully and ministered to many children in the community. You would be hard-pressed to find a child there who was not impacted.
As the Sunday School grew, a tent was erected that was known for its sandy floor and mosquitoes. Truly, not the most comfortable place to meet, but Pastor Maynard pressed on. In these humblest of beginnings, his thoughts must have been fueled with passion from the calling God placed on his life.
The Sunday School ministry grew with the desire to quickly organize into a church once ten faithful members could be attained. But as that number was achieved, very soon after the effects of migration would cause the membership to drop. This cycle continued repeatedly until Pastor decided to organize with nine members on October 22nd, 1974. What a special day that was! There was no question in those faithful charter members’ minds that with all of the setbacks, Jesus had to be at the center of their endeavour.
This new church pressed on with its energetic and visionary pastor eager to accomplish great things for God. As the ministry grew, so did the opposition. The devil was not going to sit idly by without forming his alliances and bringing opposition from every side.
The parents of children who attended were pressured by others to disallow their children from coming, especially when they desired to be baptized. When plans for the new building started, there were those objected to the church being built in this community. Duty-free concession was denied on building materials provided for construction. What the opponents didn’t realize was that amidst the pressure, struggles, trials and opposition, our pastor had a supernatural peace and confidence that when God is for me, who can be against me?
Construction for the first auditorium (now a fellowship hall), was completed on May 30th, 1976. This created a platform for the church to really grow. God began adding families and people who were distinctive in their walk and desire to serve God. After all, their determination and strength of conviction to serve God had been tested by simply choosing to become members. And the trials were producing quality servants who were taking on the devil. They were learning very early that the trials were another opportunity to show a world that God is still God and we can praise Him no matter what.As the church grew, it was clear that God was doing something special. You were known to be a ‘serious’ Christian when you joined ‘Baptist’ because of the stand you took. What others may not have realized was that the sincerity of the man of God, his love for the God and his willingness to stand on the word of God without apology produced a place of refuge, a haven where the hurting could find healing, the sin-sick could be saved and the burdened could become bold once again.
The ministry of Shiloh was known for its week-long revival meetings and vacation bible schools where hundreds of children enjoyed making crafts, singing songs and having the threat of a long broom-stick being waved over your head if you did not listen. One highlight of the year was always the anniversary program where an array of songs, poems and skits were put on with pride.
Lives all throughout the island and beyond felt the impact of Shiloh Baptist Church. Generosity was a quality that identified Shiloh. This burden for people of all walks of life led Pastor Maynard to start a ‘Non-national Appreciation Day’ held annually in the month of February. It was a biblical demonstration of love in the way Jesus taught.
When you have been involved in the work of God for a long time, you get the benefit of seeing His divine providence and His plan unfolding in ways you wouldn’t have understood before. As the devil tried to stop the building of the first auditorium, a series of events proved that everything was still working as part of God’s plan. In God’s perfect time, two lots of land were purchased by the church and what God started could not be stopped.
One of the traits of the founder is that he is a man of vision and he used this vision to challenge and inspire the congregation to heights and levels that others might have thought were too lofty for a congregation its size. Of all that had been accomplished to date with bus funds and building funds that produced Sunday School classrooms, nursery, kitchen and bathrooms, nothing would come close in magnitude to the brand new auditorium planned. This would be equipped with a baptistery, choir loft, sound room and living quarters.
The congregation began to pray and sprung into action, each one seeking to do individually what could be done and trusting God to do the rest. By now, the members’ faith had grown to have seen all that God had done already. Since He had led them this far to build one building against all of the odds, surely He could do it again.
Once again, the devil was not going to sit idly by. Right at the most critical point of this ambitious project, the economy took a serious downward turn. Steel doubled in price. Contractors and builders doubted and even voiced their inability to complete the project before the 2009 WIBF conference. Pastor Maynard wondered if this was a mistake but the faith and the strength of his wife would not let him give up.
Pastor Maynard took the godly advice of his wife and based on God’s leading took a giant step of faith and released all of the workmen who thought the building could not be completed in time. Ironically, with a smaller team of builders, the work progressed at a faster rate. He was emboldened by the one in whom we can find strength when we are weak. He found peace, safety and direction in the hiding place.
The new sanctuary was miraculously completed in nine months and dedicated on October 19, 2008. It was a time of tremendous joy and celebration. Once again, it was a lesson for the congregation that God uses challenges to put our faith to the test to show us what He can do through us. This joint effort was one of tremendous sacrifice on behalf of members and friends who prayed and gave, and gave some more. Only eternity can reveal the full scope of the impact of this labour of love and heartfelt giving that made this a reality.
On October 25th 2015, Pastor Eric Maynard had the wonderful opportunity after 44 years of ministry to pass the baton of leadership to his son, Pastor Wayne Maynard who returned with his family to Nevis after having lived in the USA for almost twenty years. God has continued to use surrendered and willing vessels to continue the work that was started. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
Pastor Eric Maynard
Pastor Eric Maynard was born to Josiah and Olvis Maynard on July 25th, 1947 in the village of Brick Kiln, Nevis. He was the last of eight children with six sisters and one brother. As a consequence of his birth order and the unfortunate plight of losing his mother at eight, he often suffered the indignity of wearing his sister’s garments as a substitute for nightwear.
But these early childhood difficulties only served to make him stronger. He often assisted his father in the fields as agriculture was the main source of income, but even then, he always had a desire to accomplish big things in life.
In 1968, God got a hold of his heart as a young single adult and he gave his life to Christ. A short two years later, he felt the call of God on his life, and left for Bluewater Bible College in St. Thomas, to prepare himself for full time ministry.
He returned to Nevis in 1971, and immediately began a Sunday School ministry on his birthday at the big rock in Craddock Road. The first Sunday morning service was held two weeks later, on August 8th, 1971.
He married the love of his life, Marilyn on July 6th, 1972. Their union produced four children, Wayne, Maresa, Clyde and Kenley, who they all raised on the principles of the Word of God. The godly example of Pastor & Mrs. Maynard formed a solid foundation and stellar example for their ministry, as they poured their lives into building others. They were determined to sacrifice and invest their time, talent, and treasure for the spread of the gospel.
Shiloh Baptist Church was officially birthed from the Sunday School ministry and organized on October 22, 1974. As the church grew, it was clear that God was doing something special. What others may not have realized was that the sincerity of the man of God, his love for God, and his willingness to stand on the word of God without apology produced a place of refuge, a haven where the hurting could find healing, the sin-sick could be saved and the burdened could become bold once again.
Pastor Maynard’s ministry was about sacrifice and service to people as he mentored and trained men for ministry, counselled couples, instructed children at assembly in schools, and showed compassion for people. His passion was contagious, as through the church, he regularly facilitated week-long revival meetings, vacation bible schools and medical clinics that offered dental and eye-care for those in need. Lives all throughout the island and beyond felt the impact of Shiloh Baptist Church. Generousity was a quality that characterized Shiloh. This burden for people of all walks of life led Pastor Maynard to start a ‘Non-national Appreciation Day’ held annually in the month of February. It was a biblical demonstration of love in the way Jesus taught. The desire to assist people was further seen when the church financed multiple homes for residents of Montserrat, who were forced to leave the island due to the volcanic eruption in 1995.
Pastor Eric Maynard passed on the baton of leadership of Shiloh Baptist Church to his eldest son in October 2015, after having pastored faithfully for forty-one years. As the now Pastor Emeritus, he still teaches Sunday School, preaches, and serves wherever there is a need.
His outstanding life of service was duly recognized and honoured when on July 6, 2023, he was awarded the title of Member of the British Empire (M.B.E). He is delighted to have his family serving together with other faithful servants of the Lord at the church he planted. His life of ministry will only continue to flourish as his heart and passion will not allow for any other alternative.
Vision
To represent the Lord as a mature body of believers in unity and love. (Ephesians 4:16)
Mission
To know the Lord personally and to make Him known to every person. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Statement of Faith
The Scriptures: We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Scriptures (both Old and New Testaments) and that “. . . all Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16,17). We believe that the original autographs are without error because of the work of the Holy Spirit as He moved each man to record the words of God (2 Peter 1:19-21).
God: We believe in one God with three eternal distinctions: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. They are of the same essence (John 4:24), but separate in personalities (Matthew 3:16,17;28:19,20; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
Jesus Christ: We believe that Jesus Christ is God (John 10:30; 20:31) and that He is eternal (John 1:1,2). We believe that when Jesus Christ came to take on the form of man (Philippians 2:6-8) that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:20-23). We believe that He lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21) and that He provided the necessary atonement, vicariously, for our sins by the “sacrifice of Himself” (Isaiah 53:4-6; Hebrews 9:26; 1 Corinthians 15:3). And most importantly, we believe that after He died and was buried that “He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4).
Holy Spirit: We believe that the Holy Spirit is God and indwells every believer (1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9). We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8); that He is active in the new birth (John 3: 5,6); that He testifies of Christ (John 15:26); that He seals the believer unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30) and that He makes intercession for believers (Romans 8:26). We believe that man hinders the Holy Spirit in having all of himself, due to sin. Therefore, it is essential for man to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) or controlled by the Spirit by keeping sin confessed and walking in the light (1 John 1:6,7). Being filled with the Spirit is not the same as speaking in tongues, which we believe ceased, along with the other sign gifts, at the completion of the Word of God (1 Corinthians 13:8; 13:10).
Satan: We believe that Satan is a real and personal being who is void of truth (John 8:44). We believe also that he is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4) who has blinded the eyes of them which believe not (Acts 26:18) and that he is in constant warfare with Christians (Ephesians 6:11,12).
Creation: We believe in and accept by faith (Hebrews 11:3) the Genesis account of creation (Genesis 1:1,2). We believe that God created all things including man (Colossians 1:16). Our belief in creation discounts all hypotheses of evolution.
Hell: We believe in a literal hell of everlasting fire (Matthew 25:41), everlasting destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:9) and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46).
Heaven: We believe in a literal heaven where Jesus is today preparing a place for His believers (John 14:1,2). We believe that only those who have received Jesus Christ into their hearts will be able to enter into heaven (Matthew 7:13,14). At the moment of death, believers will be with Jesus Christ in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Salvation: We believe that salvation is of the Lord (Philippians 1:6) on the merit of the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24,26). Salvation is a free gift (Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 6:23) which excludes any possible merit on the basis of works (Ephesians 2:8,9); 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5). We believe that the two essential elements of salvation are repentance toward God (Acts 2:38) and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21; Romans 10:9,10). We also believe that once a person has been saved that there is no chance of his ever going to hell and that he is eternally secure in Christ (John 3:16,36; 1 John 5:11-13).
Church: We believe that the local church is an organized assembly of baptized believers united to fulfill the Great Commission, i.e., evangelizing, baptizing, and teaching (Matthew 28:19,20).
Ordinances: The Church has two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
- Baptism
Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost with the authority of the local church. It is a picture designed to show our identification with the crucified, buried and Saviour, with its effect our death to sin and resurrection to a new life (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:4,5).
- The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is that of a memorial table, picturing the broken body and the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Its observance points backward to the crucified Lord on Calvary and forward to the returning Lord in glory. In order to participate in the Lord’s Supper, one must be saved, baptized, and a member of this Church. It should only be observed by those who are living for God and have judged themselves. It is an ordinance given to the local Church and not to individuals; therefore, it should only be observed by that local church and not individuals (1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Matthew 26:26-29).
The Lord’s Second Coming: We believe in the imminent, pre-millennial, pre-tribulational, and bodily (Acts 1:11) return of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24: 42,44) at which time the true Church will meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
Human Sexuality: We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversion of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance (Genesis 2:24; 19:5,13; 26:8-9; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4). We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-23).
Pastor
Pastor Wayne Maynard was born and raised on the island of Nevis. He had the privilege of growing up in a pastor’s family where he was moulded and taught the things of God. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour at an early age and was actively involved in the ministry of the Shiloh Baptist Church in a variety of different areas including playing the piano, preaching and working with young people. His adolescent years were greatly impacted by mentoring from his youth leader, healthy relationships with other young people who were serving God, and his years in the Nevis Cadet Corp.
He excelled academically in both high school and sixth form, achieving the best results on the island at both levels. He furthered his education in the USA where he received both a Bachelor’s and Master Degree in Computer Science and Information Systems Technology respectively.
…
During a successful fifteen-year career as a software engineer, Pastor Maynard felt the call of God on his life to be involved in full-time ministry in the work of God. He began planning to return home to Nevis, where he felt God wanted him and his family to serve. That transition was completed in February 2015. He became the Senior Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church in October 2015 where he continues to serve in various areas including directing the choir and leading other ministries. He is currently the Vice-Chairman of the West Indies Baptist Fellowship.
He authored and published his first book, “Too Blessed To Make a Mess,” in 2023 and is passionate about helping people fulfill their God-given purpose.
He married his best friend, Shennetter Smith in 1999 and they began their new life together in Virginia where they attended the Crossroads Baptist Church. This church helped them tremendously to grow spiritually through challenging preaching and good Christian examples. Their union produced two beautiful children, Mikaela and Micah.
During a successful fifteen-year career as a software engineer, Pastor Maynard felt the call of God on his life to be involved in full-time ministry in the work of God. He began planning to return home to Nevis, where he felt God wanted him and his family to serve. That transition was completed in February 2015. He became the Senior Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church in October 2015 where he continues to serve in various areas including directing the choir and leading other ministries. He is currently the Vice-Chairman of the West Indies Baptist Fellowship.
He authored and published his first book, “Too Blessed To Make a Mess,” in 2023 and is passionate about helping people fulfill their God-given purpose.
Founder
Pastor Eric Maynard was born to Josiah and Olvis Maynard on July 25th, 1947 in the village of Brick Kiln, Nevis. He was the last of eight children with six sisters and one brother. As a consequence of his birth order and the unfortunate plight of losing his mother at eight, he often suffered the indignity of wearing his sister’s garments as a substitute for nightwear.
But these early childhood difficulties only served to make him stronger. He often assisted his father in the fields as agriculture was the main source of income, but even then, he always had a desire to accomplish big things in life.
In 1968, God got a hold of his heart as a young single adult and he gave his life to Christ. A short two years later, he felt the call of God on his life, and left for Bluewater Bible College in St. Thomas, to prepare himself for full time ministry.
…
He married the love of his life, Marilyn on July 6th, 1972. Their union produced four children, Wayne, Maresa, Clyde and Kenley, who they all raised on the principles of the Word of God. The godly example of Pastor & Mrs. Maynard formed a solid foundation and stellar example for their ministry, as they poured their lives into building others. They were determined to sacrifice and invest their time, talent, and treasure for the spread of the gospel.
Shiloh Baptist Church was officially birthed from the Sunday School ministry and organized on October 22, 1974. As the church grew, it was clear that God was doing something special. What others may not have realized was that the sincerity of the man of God, his love for God, and his willingness to stand on the word of God without apology produced a place of refuge, a haven where the hurting could find healing, the sin-sick could be saved and the burdened could become bold once again.
Pastor Maynard’s ministry was about sacrifice and service to people as he mentored and trained men for ministry, counselled couples, instructed children at assembly in schools, and showed compassion for people. His passion was contagious, as through the church, he regularly facilitated week-long revival meetings, vacation bible schools and medical clinics that offered dental and eye-care for those in need. Lives all throughout the island and beyond felt the impact of Shiloh Baptist Church. Generousity was a quality that characterized Shiloh. This burden for people of all walks of life led Pastor Maynard to start a ‘Non-national Appreciation Day’ held annually in the month of February. It was a biblical demonstration of love in the way Jesus taught. The desire to assist people was further seen when the church financed multiple homes for residents of Montserrat, who were forced to leave the island due to the volcanic eruption in 1995.
Pastor Eric Maynard passed on the baton of leadership of Shiloh Baptist Church to his eldest son in October 2015, after having pastored faithfully for forty-one years. As the now Pastor Emeritus, he still teaches Sunday School, preaches, and serves wherever there is a need.
His outstanding life of service was duly recognized and honoured when on July 6, 2023, he was awarded the title of Member of the British Empire (M.B.E). He is delighted to have his family serving together with other faithful servants of the Lord at the church he planted. His life of ministry will only continue to flourish as his heart and passion will not allow for any other alternative.
He returned to Nevis in 1971, and immediately began a Sunday School ministry on his birthday at the big rock in Craddock Road. The first Sunday morning service was held two weeks later, on August 8th, 1971.
He married the love of his life, Marilyn on July 6th, 1972. Their union produced four children, Wayne, Maresa, Clyde and Kenley, who they all raised on the principles of the Word of God. The godly example of Pastor & Mrs. Maynard formed a solid foundation and stellar example for their ministry, as they poured their lives into building others. They were determined to sacrifice and invest their time, talent, and treasure for the spread of the gospel.
Shiloh Baptist Church was officially birthed from the Sunday School ministry and organized on October 22, 1974. As the church grew, it was clear that God was doing something special. What others may not have realized was that the sincerity of the man of God, his love for God, and his willingness to stand on the word of God without apology produced a place of refuge, a haven where the hurting could find healing, the sin-sick could be saved and the burdened could become bold once again.
Pastor Maynard’s ministry was about sacrifice and service to people as he mentored and trained men for ministry, counselled couples, instructed children at assembly in schools, and showed compassion for people. His passion was contagious, as through the church, he regularly facilitated week-long revival meetings, vacation bible schools and medical clinics that offered dental and eye-care for those in need. Lives all throughout the island and beyond felt the impact of Shiloh Baptist Church. Generousity was a quality that characterized Shiloh. This burden for people of all walks of life led Pastor Maynard to start a ‘Non-national Appreciation Day’ held annually in the month of February. It was a biblical demonstration of love in the way Jesus taught. The desire to assist people was further seen when the church financed multiple homes for residents of Montserrat, who were forced to leave the island due to the volcanic eruption in 1995.
Pastor Eric Maynard passed on the baton of leadership of Shiloh Baptist Church to his eldest son in October 2015, after having pastored faithfully for forty-one years. As the now Pastor Emeritus, he still teaches Sunday School, preaches, and serves wherever there is a need.
His outstanding life of service was duly recognized and honoured when on July 6, 2023, he was awarded the title of Member of the British Empire (M.B.E). He is delighted to have his family serving together with other faithful servants of the Lord at the church he planted. His life of ministry will only continue to flourish as his heart and passion will not allow for any other alternative.
History
It began with the call of God on a young man’s life, Pastor Eric Maynard, who at the age of twenty surrendered to preach two years after being saved at the First Baptist Church in Brick Kiln. He prepared himself for full time ministry at Bluewater Bible College in St. Thomas and returned home to serve in his native land. He was joined by Marilyn, who married him in 1971 and together they embarked on this journey, a journey filled with uncertainty and the unknown. One thing they knew was that God was with them and that was enough.
On his 24th birthday, July 25th, 1971, Pastor Maynard started a Sunday School at the big rock in Craddock Road. He and his wife laboured faithfully and ministered to many children in the community. You would be hard-pressed to find a child there who was not impacted.
As the Sunday School grew, a tent was erected that was known for its sandy floor and mosquitoes. Truly, not the most comfortable place to meet, but Pastor Maynard pressed on. In these humblest of beginnings, his thoughts must have been fueled with passion from the calling God placed on his life.
…
This new church pressed on with its energetic and visionary pastor eager to accomplish great things for God. As the ministry grew, so did the opposition. The devil was not going to sit idly by without forming his alliances and bringing opposition from every side.
The parents of children who attended were pressured by others to disallow their children from coming, especially when they desired to be baptized. When plans for the new building started, there were those objected to the church being built in this community. Duty-free concession was denied on building materials provided for construction. What the opponents didn’t realize was that amidst the pressure, struggles, trials and opposition, our pastor had a supernatural peace and confidence that when God is for me, who can be against me?
Construction for the first auditorium (now a fellowship hall), was completed on May 30th, 1976. This created a platform for the church to really grow. God began adding families and people who were distinctive in their walk and desire to serve God. After all, their determination and strength of conviction to serve God had been tested by simply choosing to become members. And the trials were producing quality servants who were taking on the devil. They were learning very early that the trials were another opportunity to show a world that God is still God and we can praise Him no matter what.As the church grew, it was clear that God was doing something special. You were known to be a ‘serious’ Christian when you joined ‘Baptist’ because of the stand you took. What others may not have realized was that the sincerity of the man of God, his love for the God and his willingness to stand on the word of God without apology produced a place of refuge, a haven where the hurting could find healing, the sin-sick could be saved and the burdened could become bold once again.
The ministry of Shiloh was known for its week-long revival meetings and vacation bible schools where hundreds of children enjoyed making crafts, singing songs and having the threat of a long broom-stick being waved over your head if you did not listen. One highlight of the year was always the anniversary program where an array of songs, poems and skits were put on with pride.
Lives all throughout the island and beyond felt the impact of Shiloh Baptist Church. Generosity was a quality that identified Shiloh. This burden for people of all walks of life led Pastor Maynard to start a ‘Non-national Appreciation Day’ held annually in the month of February. It was a biblical demonstration of love in the way Jesus taught.
When you have been involved in the work of God for a long time, you get the benefit of seeing His divine providence and His plan unfolding in ways you wouldn’t have understood before. As the devil tried to stop the building of the first auditorium, a series of events proved that everything was still working as part of God’s plan. In God’s perfect time, two lots of land were purchased by the church and what God started could not be stopped.
One of the traits of the founder is that he is a man of vision and he used this vision to challenge and inspire the congregation to heights and levels that others might have thought were too lofty for a congregation its size. Of all that had been accomplished to date with bus funds and building funds that produced Sunday School classrooms, nursery, kitchen and bathrooms, nothing would come close in magnitude to the brand new auditorium planned. This would be equipped with a baptistery, choir loft, sound room and living quarters.
The congregation began to pray and sprung into action, each one seeking to do individually what could be done and trusting God to do the rest. By now, the members’ faith had grown to have seen all that God had done already. Since He had led them this far to build one building against all of the odds, surely He could do it again.
Once again, the devil was not going to sit idly by. Right at the most critical point of this ambitious project, the economy took a serious downward turn. Steel doubled in price. Contractors and builders doubted and even voiced their inability to complete the project before the 2009 WIBF conference. Pastor Maynard wondered if this was a mistake but the faith and the strength of his wife would not let him give up.
Pastor Maynard took the godly advice of his wife and based on God’s leading took a giant step of faith and released all of the workmen who thought the building could not be completed in time. Ironically, with a smaller team of builders, the work progressed at a faster rate. He was emboldened by the one in whom we can find strength when we are weak. He found peace, safety and direction in the hiding place.
The new sanctuary was miraculously completed in nine months and dedicated on October 19, 2008. It was a time of tremendous joy and celebration. Once again, it was a lesson for the congregation that God uses challenges to put our faith to the test to show us what He can do through us. This joint effort was one of tremendous sacrifice on behalf of members and friends who prayed and gave, and gave some more. Only eternity can reveal the full scope of the impact of this labour of love and heartfelt giving that made this a reality.
On October 25th 2015, Pastor Eric Maynard had the wonderful opportunity after 44 years of ministry to pass the baton of leadership to his son, Pastor Wayne Maynard who returned with his family to Nevis after having lived in the USA for almost twenty years. God has continued to use surrendered and willing vessels to continue the work that was started. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
As the Sunday School grew, a tent was erected that was known for its sandy floor and mosquitoes. Truly, not the most comfortable place to meet, but Pastor Maynard pressed on. In these humblest of beginnings, his thoughts must have been fueled with passion from the calling God placed on his life.
The Sunday School ministry grew with the desire to quickly organize into a church once ten faithful members could be attained. But as that number was achieved, very soon after the effects of migration would cause the membership to drop. This cycle continued repeatedly until Pastor decided to organize with nine members on October 22nd, 1974. What a special day that was! There was no question in those faithful charter members’ minds that with all of the setbacks, Jesus had to be at the center of their endeavour.
This new church pressed on with its energetic and visionary pastor eager to accomplish great things for God. As the ministry grew, so did the opposition. The devil was not going to sit idly by without forming his alliances and bringing opposition from every side.
The parents of children who attended were pressured by others to disallow their children from coming, especially when they desired to be baptized. When plans for the new building started, there were those objected to the church being built in this community. Duty-free concession was denied on building materials provided for construction. What the opponents didn’t realize was that amidst the pressure, struggles, trials and opposition, our pastor had a supernatural peace and confidence that when God is for me, who can be against me?
Construction for the first auditorium (now a fellowship hall), was completed on May 30th, 1976. This created a platform for the church to really grow. God began adding families and people who were distinctive in their walk and desire to serve God. After all, their determination and strength of conviction to serve God had been tested by simply choosing to become members. And the trials were producing quality servants who were taking on the devil. They were learning very early that the trials were another opportunity to show a world that God is still God and we can praise Him no matter what.As the church grew, it was clear that God was doing something special. You were known to be a ‘serious’ Christian when you joined ‘Baptist’ because of the stand you took. What others may not have realized was that the sincerity of the man of God, his love for the God and his willingness to stand on the word of God without apology produced a place of refuge, a haven where the hurting could find healing, the sin-sick could be saved and the burdened could become bold once again.
The ministry of Shiloh was known for its week-long revival meetings and vacation bible schools where hundreds of children enjoyed making crafts, singing songs and having the threat of a long broom-stick being waved over your head if you did not listen. One highlight of the year was always the anniversary program where an array of songs, poems and skits were put on with pride.
Lives all throughout the island and beyond felt the impact of Shiloh Baptist Church. Generosity was a quality that identified Shiloh. This burden for people of all walks of life led Pastor Maynard to start a ‘Non-national Appreciation Day’ held annually in the month of February. It was a biblical demonstration of love in the way Jesus taught.
When you have been involved in the work of God for a long time, you get the benefit of seeing His divine providence and His plan unfolding in ways you wouldn’t have understood before. As the devil tried to stop the building of the first auditorium, a series of events proved that everything was still working as part of God’s plan. In God’s perfect time, two lots of land were purchased by the church and what God started could not be stopped.
One of the traits of the founder is that he is a man of vision and he used this vision to challenge and inspire the congregation to heights and levels that others might have thought were too lofty for a congregation its size. Of all that had been accomplished to date with bus funds and building funds that produced Sunday School classrooms, nursery, kitchen and bathrooms, nothing would come close in magnitude to the brand new auditorium planned. This would be equipped with a baptistery, choir loft, sound room and living quarters.
The congregation began to pray and sprung into action, each one seeking to do individually what could be done and trusting God to do the rest. By now, the members’ faith had grown to have seen all that God had done already. Since He had led them this far to build one building against all of the odds, surely He could do it again.
Once again, the devil was not going to sit idly by. Right at the most critical point of this ambitious project, the economy took a serious downward turn. Steel doubled in price. Contractors and builders doubted and even voiced their inability to complete the project before the 2009 WIBF conference. Pastor Maynard wondered if this was a mistake but the faith and the strength of his wife would not let him give up.
Pastor Maynard took the godly advice of his wife and based on God’s leading took a giant step of faith and released all of the workmen who thought the building could not be completed in time. Ironically, with a smaller team of builders, the work progressed at a faster rate. He was emboldened by the one in whom we can find strength when we are weak. He found peace, safety and direction in the hiding place.
The new sanctuary was miraculously completed in nine months and dedicated on October 19, 2008. It was a time of tremendous joy and celebration. Once again, it was a lesson for the congregation that God uses challenges to put our faith to the test to show us what He can do through us. This joint effort was one of tremendous sacrifice on behalf of members and friends who prayed and gave, and gave some more. Only eternity can reveal the full scope of the impact of this labour of love and heartfelt giving that made this a reality.
On October 25th 2015, Pastor Eric Maynard had the wonderful opportunity after 44 years of ministry to pass the baton of leadership to his son, Pastor Wayne Maynard who returned with his family to Nevis after having lived in the USA for almost twenty years. God has continued to use surrendered and willing vessels to continue the work that was started. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
Beliefs
Vision
To represent the Lord as a mature body of believers in unity and love. (Ephesians 4:16)
Mission
To know the Lord personally and to make Him known to every person. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Statement of Faith
The Scriptures: We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Scriptures (both Old and New Testaments) and that “. . . all Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16,17). We believe that the original autographs are without error because of the work of the Holy Spirit as He moved each man to record the words of God (2 Peter 1:19-21).
God: We believe in one God with three eternal distinctions: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. They are of the same essence (John 4:24), but separate in personalities (Matthew 3:16,17;28:19,20; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
Jesus Christ: We believe that Jesus Christ is God (John 10:30; 20:31) and that He is eternal (John 1:1,2). We believe that when Jesus Christ came to take on the form of man (Philippians 2:6-8) that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:20-23). We believe that He lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21) and that He provided the necessary atonement, vicariously, for our sins by the “sacrifice of Himself” (Isaiah 53:4-6; Hebrews 9:26; 1 Corinthians 15:3). And most importantly, we believe that after He died and was buried that “He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4).
Holy Spirit: We believe that the Holy Spirit is God and indwells every believer (1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9). We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8); that He is active in the new birth (John 3: 5,6); that He testifies of Christ (John 15:26); that He seals the believer unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30) and that He makes intercession for believers (Romans 8:26). We believe that man hinders the Holy Spirit in having all of himself, due to sin. Therefore, it is essential for man to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) or controlled by the Spirit by keeping sin confessed and walking in the light (1 John 1:6,7). Being filled with the Spirit is not the same as speaking in tongues, which we believe ceased, along with the other sign gifts, at the completion of the Word of God (1 Corinthians 13:8; 13:10).
Satan: We believe that Satan is a real and personal being who is void of truth (John 8:44). We believe also that he is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4) who has blinded the eyes of them which believe not (Acts 26:18) and that he is in constant warfare with Christians (Ephesians 6:11,12).
Creation: We believe in and accept by faith (Hebrews 11:3) the Genesis account of creation (Genesis 1:1,2). We believe that God created all things including man (Colossians 1:16). Our belief in creation discounts all hypotheses of evolution.
Hell: We believe in a literal hell of everlasting fire (Matthew 25:41), everlasting destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:9) and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46).
Heaven: We believe in a literal heaven where Jesus is today preparing a place for His believers (John 14:1,2). We believe that only those who have received Jesus Christ into their hearts will be able to enter into heaven (Matthew 7:13,14). At the moment of death, believers will be with Jesus Christ in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Salvation: We believe that salvation is of the Lord (Philippians 1:6) on the merit of the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24,26). Salvation is a free gift (Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 6:23) which excludes any possible merit on the basis of works (Ephesians 2:8,9); 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5). We believe that the two essential elements of salvation are repentance toward God (Acts 2:38) and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21; Romans 10:9,10). We also believe that once a person has been saved that there is no chance of his ever going to hell and that he is eternally secure in Christ (John 3:16,36; 1 John 5:11-13).
Church: We believe that the local church is an organized assembly of baptized believers united to fulfill the Great Commission, i.e., evangelizing, baptizing, and teaching (Matthew 28:19,20)
Ordinances: The Church has two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
- Baptism
Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost with the authority of the local church. It is a picture designed to show our identification with the crucified, buried and Saviour, with its effect our death to sin and resurrection to a new life (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:4,5).
- The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is that of a memorial table, picturing the broken body and the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Its observance points backward to the crucified Lord on Calvary and forward to the returning Lord in glory. In order to participate in the Lord’s Supper, one must be saved, baptized, and a member of this Church. It should only be observed by those who are living for God and have judged themselves. It is an ordinance given to the local Church and not to individuals; therefore, it should only be observed by that local church and not individuals (1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Matthew 26:26-29).
The Lord’s Second Coming: We believe in the imminent, pre-millennial, pre-tribulational, and bodily (Acts 1:11) return of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24: 42,44) at which time the true Church will meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
Human Sexuality: We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance (Genesis 2:24; 19:5,13; 26:8-9; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4). We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-23).
God: We believe in one God with three eternal distinctions: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. They are of the same essence (John 4:24), but separate in personalities (Matthew 3:16,17;28:19,20; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
Jesus Christ: We believe that Jesus Christ is God (John 10:30; 20:31) and that He is eternal (John 1:1,2). We believe that when Jesus Christ came to take on the form of man (Philippians 2:6-8) that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:20-23). We believe that He lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21) and that He provided the necessary atonement, vicariously, for our sins by the “sacrifice of Himself” (Isaiah 53:4-6; Hebrews 9:26; 1 Corinthians 15:3). And most importantly, we believe that after He died and was buried that “He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4).
Holy Spirit: We believe that the Holy Spirit is God and indwells every believer (1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9). We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8); that He is active in the new birth (John 3: 5,6); that He testifies of Christ (John 15:26); that He seals the believer unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30) and that He makes intercession for believers (Romans 8:26). We believe that man hinders the Holy Spirit in having all of himself, due to sin. Therefore, it is essential for man to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) or controlled by the Spirit by keeping sin confessed and walking in the light (1 John 1:6,7). Being filled with the Spirit is not the same as speaking in tongues, which we believe ceased, along with the other sign gifts, at the completion of the Word of God (1 Corinthians 13:8; 13:10).
Satan: We believe that Satan is a real and personal being who is void of truth (John 8:44). We believe also that he is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4) who has blinded the eyes of them which believe not (Acts 26:18) and that he is in constant warfare with Christians (Ephesians 6:11,12).
Creation: We believe in and accept by faith (Hebrews 11:3) the Genesis account of creation (Genesis 1:1,2). We believe that God created all things including man (Colossians 1:16). Our belief in creation discounts all hypotheses of evolution.
Hell: We believe in a literal hell of everlasting fire (Matthew 25:41), everlasting destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:9) and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46).
Heaven: We believe in a literal heaven where Jesus is today preparing a place for His believers (John 14:1,2). We believe that only those who have received Jesus Christ into their hearts will be able to enter into heaven (Matthew 7:13,14). At the moment of death, believers will be with Jesus Christ in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Salvation: We believe that salvation is of the Lord (Philippians 1:6) on the merit of the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24,26). Salvation is a free gift (Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 6:23) which excludes any possible merit on the basis of works (Ephesians 2:8,9); 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5). We believe that the two essential elements of salvation are repentance toward God (Acts 2:38) and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21; Romans 10:9,10). We also believe that once a person has been saved that there is no chance of his ever going to hell and that he is eternally secure in Christ (John 3:16,36; 1 John 5:11-13).
Church: We believe that the local church is an organized assembly of baptized believers united to fulfill the Great Commission, i.e., evangelizing, baptizing, and teaching (Matthew 28:19,20).
Ordinances: The Church has two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
- Baptism
Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost with the authority of the local church. It is a picture designed to show our identification with the crucified, buried and Saviour, with its effect our death to sin and resurrection to a new life (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:4,5).
- The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is that of a memorial table, picturing the broken body and the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Its observance points backward to the crucified Lord on Calvary and forward to the returning Lord in glory. In order to participate in the Lord’s Supper, one must be saved, baptized, and a member of this Church. It should only be observed by those who are living for God and have judged themselves. It is an ordinance given to the local Church and not to individuals; therefore, it should only be observed by that local church and not individuals (1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Matthew 26:26-29).
The Lord’s Second Coming: We believe in the imminent, pre-millennial, pre-tribulational, and bodily (Acts 1:11) return of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24: 42,44) at which time the true Church will meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
Human Sexuality: We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversion of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance (Genesis 2:24; 19:5,13; 26:8-9; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4). We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-23).