What We Believe
The Trinity
We believe in the one, living, and true God as revealed in the Bible, who is both holy and loving, eternal, unlimited in power, wisdom, and goodness. He is the Creator and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. Within this unity there are three persons of one nature and power — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Father
We believe the Father is the Source of all that exists, whether of matter or spirit. With the Son and the Holy Spirit, He made man, male and female, in His image. By intention He relates to people as Father, thereby forever declaring His goodwill toward them. In love, He both seeks and receives penitent sinners.
The Son
We believe in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, truly God and truly man. He died on the cross and was buried, taking upon Himself the punishment for our wrongdoing, to restore us to God our Heavenly Father. He rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, where He sits at the Father's right hand until He returns to judge all humanity on the last day.
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father and the Son, to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He is of the same essential nature and glory as the Father and the Son, truly and eternally God. He dwells within all who believe in Jesus Christ, ever present, renewing, guiding, and empowering.
The Bible
We believe the Bible, the Old and New Testament, is the Word of God. It is written without error in the original texts, given by God, recorded by man. It has absolute authority over the life of the believer and the church; it is useful for teaching, correction, and righteousness.
The Church
We believe the worldwide Church is the collective body of believers in Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the Church. We believe the local church consists of a group of believers, baptized in Christ, who gather together regularly for worship, service, and fellowship, with the task of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ to a lost world.
Our Purpose
We believe that God’s greatest desire is for us to be in relationship with God and each other. We believe that this relationship is lived out through the two great commandments which require us to love the Lord our God with all our heart and our neighbors as ourselves. These commandments guide us individually and collectively to live in obedience to God in Word and deed.
Marriage
We believe that every person is created in the image of God, that human sexuality reflects that image in terms of intimate love, communication, and fellowship. Therefore, God's plan for human sexuality is that it is to be expressed in a lifelong relationship between one man and one woman within the union of marriage. We follow the teachings of Scripture regarding gender, sexuality, and the sacredness of marriage.
Baptism
Baptism is an act of faith displaying one’s commitment to Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It is not a means of salvation, rather an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s turning away from sin, the washing away of guilt, and the promise of new life in Jesus Christ. It is a means of grace where God works invisibly in us strengthening and confirming our faith in him.
Free Will
We believe that humanity's creation in the image of God includes an ability to choose between right and wrong. For this reason, individuals were created morally responsible for their choices. It is only by the grace of God and His Holy Spirit that we are able to make choices which are pleasing in His sight. Apart from Him, people are unable to consistently do that which is right.
Holy Communion
We believe that the Lord's Supper was initiated by Christ in the breaking of the bread and the drinking of the cup, in remembrance of His death and His promise to forgive our sins. Holy Communion is an act of grace through which God works in us by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to bring us in alignment with His right way of living.