Statement of Faith
"A place to bow down and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." — Philippians 2:9–11
God's Nature
- God exists without beginning or end, is unchangeable, all-knowing, righteous, gracious, true, and perfectly holy
The Trinity
- God is eternally three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in being, nature, glory, and majesty
God the Father
- Creates, preserves, and governs all visible and invisible things
God the Son (Jesus Christ)
- Born of the Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit
- Fully God and fully human
- Died as a perfect substitutionary sacrifice for sin
- Rose bodily on the third day
- Ascended to heaven and intercedes for believers
- Returns to judge all people
- Is the Church's head
God the Holy Spirit
- Convicts of sin, grants new birth, and promotes spiritual growth
- Preserves the Church in faith through Scripture
- Equips members for ministry
Scripture
- Both Old and New Testaments are divinely inspired God's Word
- Fully authoritative for faith and conduct
- Completely sufficient to reveal God's nature and what people need for eternal life
Humanity and Sin
- Created in God's image but corrupted by Adam's sin
- All people are naturally sinful and guilty before God
Salvation
- Comes only through God's grace and Christ's redemption
- Obtained by faith in Christ through the Holy Spirit's work
- Cannot be earned through good works
Final Judgment
- Christ returns personally to judge all people
- The dead are resurrected to either life or condemnation
- Eternal consequences await the righteous and unrighteous
The Church (Universal)
- Comprises all called, redeemed, sanctified people of all nations
- Is Christ's body
The Local Church
- Must faithfully preach the Gospel
- Properly administers Baptism and the Lord's Supper
- Exercises appropriate church discipline
The Two Ordinances
- Baptism: Immersion of believers in water in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, symbolizing faith in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection
- The Lord's Supper: Weekly celebration welcoming all Christians "sound in faith and godly in life"
Church Government
- Led by elders called and equipped by the Holy Spirit
- Local churches remain independent yet in fellowship with other believers and churches
- Elders serve as shepherds accountable to God
- May appoint people for full-time pastoral ministry
Priesthood of All Believers
- All members are called to ministry
- Each is gifted by the Holy Spirit for appropriate functions
- Rejects clergy-laity division
The Great Commission
- Church is bound to disciple all nations
- Every Christian witnesses for Christ