Essential Beliefs
These are the eight items that help guide and protect us as a church.
Regarding God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three “personalities” – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Regarding Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father and the Spirit. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people 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 someday to earth to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords.
Regarding the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
Regarding the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. 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 the truth without error.
Regarding Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. All of us are born with a “sin nature” that manifests itself as an attitude of disobedience toward God. Disobedience to God is called “sin.” Our sin nature separates us from God, and our sin causes many problems in life.
Regarding Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never overcome our sin nature by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we return from our self-ruled and sinful life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our lives by faith.
Regarding Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
Regarding Marriage
Marriage described in Scripture is between one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, until death. God created sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman within the marriage covenant, therefore, there should be celibacy in singleness. We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. We do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Scripture. We affirm God’s grace is available to all. We expect families and individuals not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture.
Values
01
OBEY
- We will seek the will of God.
- We will validate decisions through Scripture.
- We will faithfully act upon validated decisions.
- We will take risks without being reckless.
02
REFLECT
- Treat every person as a child of God (in His image/likeness).
- Extend grace over judgment.
- My life given for them.
- My resources available to them.
- God's loved shared with them through me.
03
PROCLAIM
- We will declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- We will uphold the cause of those who cannot be heard.
- We will speak Biblical truth.
04
MULTIPLY
- We will make disciples who make disciples who make disciples.
- We will reproduce at every level: volunteers, leaders, campuses.
- We will rejoice in the hard goodbyes.