Core Values

Core Values & Beliefs

THE INFALLIBLE BIBLE

We believe in the complete and inspired word of God (plenary-verbal inspiration) of the accepted canon of the Scriptures as originally given and that they are infallibly and uniquely authoritative and free from error in all matters with which they deal (2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Corinthians 2:13).  We believe that since the Bible is the inspired Word of God, it is then authoritative in all areas of human behavior, including marriage, family, sexuality, morality, and ethics.

THE TRINITY (GODHEAD)

We believe in the Eternal Godhead who has revealed Himself as ONE God existing in THREE persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; distinguishable but indivisible (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14)

CREATION

We believe in the literal, special creation of the existing space-time continuum and universe and all of its systems described in Genesis. (Genesis 1; Nehemiah 9:6; Isaiah 42:5; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17)

FALLEN HUMANITY

We believe in the creation, test, and fall of man as recorded in Genesis; his total spiritual depravity and inability to attain divine righteousness (Romans 5:12,18)

SIN

We believe that sin is a transgressing of, or falling short of, God's standard in action, thought, and character. All individuals are born with a sin nature that affects their motivation, affection, volition, and actions. The results of sin include separation from God and death (Romans 3:10,23; 6:23; 14:23; James 4:17; 1 John 5:17)

JESUS CHRIST - FULLY GOD, FULLY MAN

We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of men, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, fully God and fully man. Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:26-35; John 1:18, Colossians 2:9, Philippians 2:6-8

THE ATONEMENT

We believe Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day, and personally appeared to His disciples (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8)

SECOND COMING OF JESUS

We believe in the bodily ascension of Jesus to heaven, His exaltation and personal, literal and bodily coming again the second time for the Church (Matthew 24; Mark 16:19; John 14:2-3; Acts 1:9-11; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 9:28)

SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

We believe in the salvation of sinners by grace, through repentance and faith in the perfect and sufficient work of the cross of Calvary by which we obtain remission of sins (Romans 5:11; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:12,22)

WATER BAPTISM

We believe in the necessity of water baptism by immersion in the name of the Eternal Godhead in order to fulfill the command of Christ (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38-39; 19:1-6)

BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a distinct aspect of the Christian foundational experience which happens after salvation, with the primary scriptural evidence of speaking in tongues as well as evidence such as prophecy, empowerment to witness, conquer sin, and to live a holy life (Acts 2:1-4; 8:14-17; 19:6)

SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE

We believe in the Spirit-filled life, a life of separation from the lifestyle and mindsets of the world and being set apart in holiness in the reverential awe and respect of God as an expression of Christian faith (2 Corinthians 6:14; 7:1; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 5:18)

GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit as manifested in the Early Church and listed in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14.  Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healing, Working of Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits, Spiritual language in its three forms as a sign, gift (requiring interpretation), and prayer language, and interpretation of spiritual language.

COMMUNION / TABLE OF THE LORD

We believe in the Table of the Lord, commonly called Communion or the Lord's Supper, for believers (Mark 14:22-25,Luke 22:18-20,1 Corinthians 11:23-25)

ETERNAL LIFE  |  ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD

We believe in eternal life for believers and eternal separation and punishment for unbelievers J as described in John 3:16; 5:24, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, and Matthew 25:41.

IN ADDITION TO THESE BASIC FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS, WE ALSO HOLD THAT:

COVENANTS

The theological framework for understanding all of God's dealings with mankind is to be found in the divine covenants revealed in Scripture. God's eternal purpose is revealed in His everlasting covenant with us (Romans 9:4-5; Galatians 3-4; Ephesians 1:9-14; 3:11; Hebrews 8; 13:20)

GATHERING OF BELIEVERS

We believe in the public gathering of the Church together for prayer, worship, teaching and preaching of the Bible, and the administering of the sacraments (Communion, Water Baptism) of the church (Acts 2; I Corinthians 11; Hebrews 10:25)

MARRIAGE

The Bible defines marriage as the covenant relationship between a man and a woman. The importance of this union to society requires that we support and protect marriage as the Word of God does (Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 19:4-6)

SALVATION FOR ALL OF HUMANITY

Humanity as a whole is united in origin, in the fall, and in the provision of the atonement through Christ, making every person equally worthy of love and forgiveness, as well as just and unbiased treatment (John 3:16; Acts 10:34; 17:26; Romans 5:6-21; Colossians 3:8-16)

THE NATIONS

God's eternal purpose involves all races and nations, culminating in every nation, tribe, and tongue being represented before His throne. (Matthew 28:19; Ephesians 2:14-18; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Revelation 5:9; 7:9)

THE CHURCH IS THE MESSENGER OF THE KINGDOM

The Church of Jesus Christ is the last instrument that God is using to extend His kingdom prior to the second coming of Christ (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:20-23; 3:10)

AUTONOMOUS LOCAL CHURCH

According to scripture, the local church is autonomous; it is self-governing, self-supporting, and self-propagating in its mature state (Acts 2; 13:1-4)

SPIRITUAL STRUCTURE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

The biblical form of church government is a plurality of elders with a Lead Pastor who all qualify on the basis of 1 Timothy 3 in spiritual life, character, domestic life and leading/ruling ability. Every believer in Christ must be subject to God's authority in a specific local church for spiritual protection, accountability and long-term fruitfulness (Hebrews 13:17)

FIVEFOLD LEADERSHIP & MINISTRY

The Early Church had men and women apostles, pastors, teachers, prophets, and evangelists; and we believe the church today should operate in the same way. Every successful team needs coaches and players to win. Fivefold leadership and the church ministering together is our key to victory. Our heart is to help people know who they are in Christ, be set free from darkness, discover their purpose and calling, grow in the power of the Holy Spirit, and serve one another together to be more like Jesus (Ephesians 4:11-13)

EQUALITY OF MEN AND WOMEN IN CHURCH AND LIFE

We believe God created men and women equally in His image. We will not discriminate against women (or men) in any capacity. We think the Church should be one of the biggest champions of the call of God on people's lives. God uses men and women equally and sometimes distinctly, and we celebrate our unique differences. It's our passion to build strong men and women and boys and girls; with a heart to always partner together to enlarge the Kingdom of God (Galatians 3:28)

THE GENERATIONS

We believe each generation is responsible for being a bridge from the previous generation to the one following. We are responsible for proclaiming the goodness of God and his mighty deeds and testimony to all generations after us. Young adults, the working force, and those raising families are the strength of the church. We cherish and honor all age groups. We believe it is essential for the generations to work together, worship together, and enjoy life together (Psalm 145:4-6, Malachi 4:6)