What We Believe

 THE WORD OF GOD  

We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and it is our final authority for what we believe,  what we teach and how we live.  We honor those who have gone before us, but we don’t believe something just because it has  been taught for generations. Everything has to come back to the Word of God. If we can’t prove  what we believe through Scripture, then we need to be willing to examine it.  We want to remain teachable and willing to yield to truth, even when truth challenges something  we’ve always believed.  2 Timothy 3:16–17; Acts 17:11; John 17:17  

GOD 

 We believe in one God {the Godhead}—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  We believe God is holy, righteous, loving and good.  Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4–6  

JESUS CHRIST & HIS FINISHED WORK  

We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We believe He is fully God and fully man.  We believe in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His death on the cross, His burial and His bodily  resurrection.  Jesus didn’t stay in the grave. He rose again and ascended back to the Father.  We believe His work was finished and sufficient. There is nothing we can add to what Jesus  accomplished through His death and resurrection.  John 1:1,14; John 19:30; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 1:9–11; Hebrews 10:10–14

SALVATION  

We believe salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  We can’t work for it. We can’t earn it. We can’t become good enough to deserve it.  Jesus did the work, and we receive what He accomplished by faith.  When we believe in Christ, we are forgiven, justified, made righteous and brought into the family  of God.  John 3:16–18; Romans 5:1; Romans 10:9–10; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8–9  

OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST  

We believe knowing who we are in Christ changes how we live.  Our identity in Christ isn’t something we eventually earn after years of being saved. It is  something we awaken to through the truth of God’s Word.  When we are born again, we become new creations. We are accepted in Christ, made righteous  through Christ and brought into relationship with the Father.  We don’t live trying to become accepted by God. We learn to live from the acceptance we have  already received through Jesus.  2 Corinthians 5:17,21; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:6; Colossians 2:10 

THE HOLY SPIRIT  

We believe every born-again believer receives the Holy Spirit.  Ephesians tells us that when we hear the gospel and believe, we are sealed with the promised  Holy Spirit.  We don’t believe speaking in tongues is what determines whether someone has received the  Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives within every person who belongs to Christ.  He leads us, teaches us, transforms us, empowers us and produces the character of Christ  within us.  Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 1:13–14; Galatians 5:16  

THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT  

We absolutely believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit are for the Church today.  We believe in prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, gifts of healing, miracles, faith,  words of wisdom, words of knowledge, discerning of spirits and the other gifts Scripture  describes.  But we also believe what Paul said: the Holy Spirit distributes these gifts as He wills.  We don’t manufacture manifestations. We don’t force something to happen. Spiritual gifts aren’t  something we use to prove how spiritual we are.  We yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work through us according to His will.  1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Romans 12:6–8; 1 Peter 4:10–11 

 TONGUES & BIBLICAL ORDER  

We believe in speaking in tongues because it is in the Bible.  But we also believe the instructions Paul gave the Church concerning tongues.  When tongues are given publicly to the assembly as a message, Scripture teaches there should  be interpretation. Paul taught that everything in the gathering should build up the Church and  that everything should be done decently and in order.  We don’t want to remove something God gave the Church, but we also don’t want to practice it  differently from the instructions God gave us.  1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Corinthians 14:5,26–28,39–40  

FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY  

We believe that when Jesus ascended, He gave gifts to His Church—apostles, prophets,  evangelists, pastors and teachers.  These ministries weren’t given to control God’s people. They were given to equip the saints for  the work of ministry and build up the Body of Christ.  Ministry isn’t supposed to revolve around one person with a microphone. God has placed gifts  within His people, and we believe people should be equipped, encouraged and given  opportunities to use what God has placed within them.  Ephesians 4:7–16; 1 Peter 4:10–11  

GRACE 

 Grace is at the heart of what we believe.  We don’t believe grace gives us an excuse to live however we want. Titus tells us that the grace  of God actually teaches us to say no to ungodliness and to live godly lives.  We believe God gives grace to the humble.  Instead of trying harder in our own strength, we learn to humble ourselves, yield to truth and  allow the grace of God to empower us to live what He has called us to live.  Titus 2:11–12; James 4:6; Philippians 2:13; Romans 6:1–2  

HOLINESS & SANCTIFICATION  

We believe in holiness. We believe in sanctification and spiritual growth.  But holiness isn’t something we use to earn God’s love or acceptance. It is the fruit of what God  is doing within us.  As we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit, renew our minds through the Word and walk in truth,  our lives should increasingly look like Jesus.  Grace doesn’t give us permission to remain unchanged. Grace empowers transformation.  Romans 6:19–22; Romans 12:1–2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3  

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT  

We believe spiritual maturity isn’t measured just by gifts, manifestations or what happens in a  church service.  Our lives should produce fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control.  Someone can have tremendous gifting, but God is also interested in our character.  We want both—the gifts of the Spirit operating through us and the fruit of the Spirit being  produced within us.  Galatians 5:22–23; John 15:4–5; 1 Corinthians 13:1–2  

HEALING, MIRACLES, SIGNS & WONDERS  

We believe God still heals. We believe God still performs miracles.  We believe in laying hands on the sick. We believe in anointing the sick with oil and praying the  prayer of faith.  We believe in signs and wonders, but we don’t manufacture them. The power belongs to God.  We pray. We believe. We trust Him. And we allow God to do what only God can do.  James 5:14–16; 1 Corinthians 12:9–10; Hebrews 2:4 

 THE CHURCH  

We believe every born-again believer is part of the Church—the Body of Christ—and Jesus is  the Head.  The Church isn’t just a building we walk into on Sunday. We are the Church.  At the same time, we believe Scripture teaches believers to gather together.  We gather to worship, hear the Word, pray, fellowship, encourage one another, take  Communion and allow the gifts God has placed within His people to operate according to  biblical order.  1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Colossians 1:18; Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24–25  

MARRIAGE, SEXUALITY & GOD’S DESIGN 

 We believe marriage was created and ordained by God.  When we go back to the beginning, Scripture says God created humanity male and female. God  brought the man and woman together, and Genesis says a man leaves his father and mother, is  joined to his wife, and the two become one flesh.  Jesus Himself went back to this same passage when He talked about marriage. He said that the  One who created them from the beginning “made them male and female,” and then spoke about  a man leaving his father and mother and being joined to his wife.  Because of this, we believe biblical marriage is a covenant ordained by God between one man  and one woman.  We understand that culture has different definitions of marriage and sexuality, but culture  doesn’t determine our doctrine. Scripture does.  At the same time, we believe every person should be treated with love, dignity and respect. We  aren’t called to hate people, attack people or treat anybody as though they are beyond the love  and grace of God.  And this isn’t simply about pointing at somebody else’s sin. We believe all of us are called to  yield every area of our lives—including our sexuality, relationships and desires—to Jesus Christ  and the truth of His Word.  Our position isn’t based on hostility toward anyone. It comes from our conviction that if God’s  Word is our final authority, then we have to allow Scripture to define marriage.  Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:18–24; Matthew 19:4–6; Ephesians 5:31–32; 1 Corinthians  6:9–11,18–20; Hebrews 13:4  

BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP & ORDER

  We believe God established order within His Church.  We believe in biblical leadership and accountability, but leadership should never become  manipulation or control.  Jesus taught servant leadership.  Pastors and leaders are called to serve God’s people, protect them, equip them and lead by  example—not dominate them.  We believe everything in the assembly should be done in a way that honors Christ, builds  people up and follows the order established in Scripture.  Mark 10:42–45; 1 Peter 5:2–3; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Corinthians 14:40  

WATER BAPTISM & COMMUNION  

We believe in water baptism for believers as a public identification with Jesus Christ and His  death, burial and resurrection.  We also believe in Communion. We remember what Jesus accomplished through His body and  blood and proclaim His death until He comes again.  Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3–4; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26  

THE GREAT COMMISSION  

We believe the Church has a mission.  Jesus told us to go into the world and make disciples.  So we believe in preaching the gospel, reaching people, making disciples, equipping believers  and sending people out to do what God has called them to do.  We aren’t supposed to just gather. We are supposed to go.  Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20  

THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST  

We believe Jesus is coming again.  The same Jesus who died, rose again and ascended back to the Father will return.  We believe the Church is His bride, and we want to live faithfully, watchfully and expectantly as  we wait for His return.  Our ultimate hope isn’t in this world getting everything right. Our hope is Jesus Christ.  Acts 1:9–11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Titus 2:13; Revelation 22:20  

REIGNING WITH CHRIST  

We believe Scripture teaches that those who belong to Christ will reign with Him.  Revelation speaks about a thousand-year reign with Christ. Those who share in the first  resurrection are described as priests of God and of Christ who will reign with Him for a thousand  years.  We also believe what Paul taught—that the saints will judge the world and that we will even  judge angels.  Our future with Christ isn’t simply about going to heaven. Scripture gives us an incredible picture  of God’s people sharing in Christ’s reign and ultimately reigning with Him forever.  We don’t claim to have every detail of future events figured out, but we believe what Scripture  clearly says: Jesus is King, His kingdom will prevail, and those who belong to Him will reign with  Him.  1 Corinthians 6:2–3; 2 Timothy 2:11–12; Revelation 5:9–10; Revelation 20:4–6; Revelation  22:5 

 RESURRECTION & FINAL JUDGMENT 

We believe physical death isn’t the end.  Scripture teaches there will be a resurrection and final judgment.  Jesus spoke about a resurrection of life and a resurrection of judgment. We believe every  person will ultimately answer to God.  That’s why eternity matters, and that’s why the gospel matters.  John 5:28–29; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11–15 

 THE REALITY OF HELL & THE LAKE OF FIRE

 We believe hell and final judgment are real because Scripture teaches they are real.  We don’t preach hell to manipulate people or scare them into following Jesus, but we also aren’t  going to remove something from Scripture because it makes people uncomfortable.  Revelation describes a final judgment before the great white throne. It tells us that death and  Hades are ultimately thrown into the lake of fire, which Scripture calls “the second death.” Those  whose names are not found written in the Book of Life are also cast into the lake of fire.  We believe rejecting Christ has eternal consequences.  But this is exactly why the gospel is such good news. God loved the world enough to give His  Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  Matthew 10:28; Matthew 25:46; John 3:16–18; Revelation 20:10–15; Revelation 21:8 

 ETERNAL LIFE 

We believe eternal life is found in Jesus Christ.  Salvation is more than simply believing that God exists. Scripture says even the demons believe  there is one God.  Our hope is Jesus—His death, burial and resurrection.  For those who belong to Christ, Scripture gives us an incredible hope. There is coming a new  heaven and a new earth. God will dwell with His people, and there will ultimately be no more  death, sorrow, crying or pain.  Our greatest eternal hope isn’t simply escaping hell. Our hope is being with Jesus.  John 3:16; John 14:1–3; James 2:19; Revelation 21:1–5; Revelation 22:1–5  

ETERNAL REWARDS  

We believe salvation cannot be earned, but we also believe how we live after receiving salvation  matters.  Scripture teaches that believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ and that our  works will be evaluated.  The Bible speaks about rewards and crowns, including the crown of life promised to those who  remain faithful.  We aren’t working to earn eternal life. Eternal life is God’s gift.  But what we do for Christ matters. Our faithfulness matters. Our obedience matters. How we  steward what God has given us matters.  1 Corinthians 3:11–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:7–8; 1 Peter 5:4;  Revelation 2:10  

WHY WE PREACH THE GOSPEL  

We believe the gospel really is good news.  Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again.  Because of Jesus, forgiveness is available. Reconciliation with God is available. Eternal life is  available.  We don’t have to earn our way back to God. Jesus made the way.  And because eternity is real, we believe the Church should never lose sight of the gospel.  Programs have their place. Buildings have their place. Conferences have their place. But none  of those things are the gospel.  Jesus is the message.  1 Corinthians 15:1–4; Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 5:18–21; Acts 4:12  

THE HEART BEHIND ALL OF THIS 

 At the end of the day, we want to be biblical.  We aren’t trying to compete with another church, denomination or ministry. And we aren’t  claiming we have everything figured out.  We simply believe the Word of God has to remain our final authority.  We honor those who have gone before us, but tradition doesn’t get the final word. Our  experiences don’t get the final word. Culture doesn’t get the final word. Our feelings don’t get  the final word.  God’s Word gets the final word.  If Scripture challenges something we’ve always believed, we want to be humble enough to go  back to the Word and examine it.  We want the gifts of the Spirit, but we also want biblical order.  We want supernatural power, but we also want spiritual fruit.  We want grace, but not a grace that gives us an excuse to remain unchanged.  We want holiness, but not a holiness built around religious performance.  We want leadership, but not control.  We want accountability, but not manipulation.  We want conviction without condemnation.  We want truth without compromise and love without abandoning truth.  We want unity in the Body of Christ without demanding that every believer agree on every  secondary issue.  And above everything else, we want Jesus to remain the center. 

Rooted in the Word.
Centered on Jesus.
Led by the Spirit.
Yielded to Truth.
Empowered by  Grace.