Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. (II John verse 9)
Anyone familiar with historic Christian doctrine will find that the statements below fall in the center of evangelical theology (“evangelical” means theology derived from the ‘evangel,’ or the Gospel; in other words, it’s biblical theology rather than speculative theology rooted in man-made tradition). We try hard not to be hard-nosed about matters on which Scripture is not clear, and we’re not dogmatic about matters where honest, Bible-based believers have held divergent views.
As a church we have no written doctrine or creed except for the Bible itself. However, in order to help people get to know us better, here’s a summary of what we believe. . .
We believe in actively loving and caring for one another and, as a church, we seek to channel our time, money, personal resources, and energy into people. Consequently, before programs and facilities, we are interested in a substantial ministry to people. In order to accomplish this, our church life is simple and not highly structured. The Sunday morning meeting is informal with emphasis on worship, prayer, teaching, and fellowship. Small groups meet during the week to promote care, encouragement, and growth among believers (Acts 2:41-47, 4:32-35; Rom. 12:5; Gal. 6:2; Eph. 2:14-22; 4:1-2, 32; Col. 3:12-17; I Pet. 2:4-12).
Our church did not originate from any particular denomination, does not belong to any conference or denomination, and does not prescribe to any one denomination’s doctrinal statement, covenant, or constitution. Seeking the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, we wish to have association or fellowship with other groups of Christians or churches. We are open to opportunities for expressing our unity with the worldwide Body of Christ and working for His Kingdom (John 13:34-35; Eph. 4:1-6).
The Bible is God’s Word to all men. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error. (John 5:39;10:35; II Tim. 3:16-17; I Pet. 1:23-25; II Pet. 1:20-21;Psalm 12:6, 119:105, 160; Prov. 30:5).
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He exists eternally in trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
(Matt. 3:16-17, 28:19-20; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:18, 14:8-20; II Cor. 13:14; I Pet. 1:1-2; Jude 21).
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Matt. 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30;Hebrews 4:14-15; I Cor. 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Tim. 6:14-15; Titus 2:13).
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is the supernatural agent in salvation, baptizing all Christians into the universal church at conversion, indwelling and sealing them until the day of Christ’s return. (John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; II Cor. 3:6; I Cor. 12:12-14; Romans 8:9; Eph. 1:13-14; 5:18).
All humans are sinful and in need of salvation. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Salvation is a free gift of God received through repentance from sin and faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This salvation is expressed in a public confession through baptism and participation in the church, the Body of Christ. (John 1:12, 3:16-18, 10:28; Rom. 10:9-13; Acts 2:41; Eph. 1:13-14; I Pet. 1:3-5).
We believe that baptism and the Lord’s Supper were initiated by Christ and are intended for our participation in this age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation. We encourage all members to participate regularly at the Lord’s Table (Matt. 26:26-30, 28:19-20; Acts 2:37-41; 10:47-48; 20:7; I Cor. 11:23-32)
We believe the government of the local church is carried out by Pastors/Elders who are committed to serving the congregation. Their primary function is the ministry of the Word and prayer. One of Jesus’ favorite metaphors for spiritual leadership, one He often used to describe Himself, was that of a shepherd—a person who tends God’s flock. A shepherd leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects, and protects—responsibilities that belong to every church leader. In fact, the word pastor means shepherd (Acts 20:28-30; Eph. 4:11-13; I Tim. 3:1-13; 5:17; Tit. 1:5-9; Acts 6:1-7; Hebrews 13:17; I Pet. 5:1-4).
We believe in the hope that has always characterized the church of Jesus Christ. All true Christians will be kept by God’s power forever. We look forward to the second coming of Christ, when He will judge all people, and rule and reign with His saints forever. (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; I Cor. 15:51-58; I Thess. 4:13-18; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 9:27-28; I Pet.1:3-5; I John 2:19).