Statement of Faith
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” — Philippians 2:10–11
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 the divinely inspired Word of God
- 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, symbolising 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
- The Church is bound to disciple all nations
- Every Christian witnesses for Christ