Our Beliefs

This brief list of beliefs reveal what we to believe to be the central truths of the Christian faith as revealed in Scripture and held by the church historic. Thus, we view these beliefs to be foundational components of what it means to be Christian, recognizing that there will be a variety of ways that these truths are applied without compromising their essence. We also recognize that there are other important teachings found in scripture in which Christians may disagree, affirming the importance of individual conscience with respect to these matters.

The Bible | The bible is our unique and authoritative source of truth as the infallible written Word of God. We believe the Old and New Testaments are a unified witness to God's redemptive acts culminating in the incarnation of the Living Word, Jesus Christ. The Bible, uniquely and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit, is the supreme and final authority in all matters of practice and faith.

One God | We believe in one God, the sovereign Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ | We believe Jesus Christ to be the living Word, truly human and truly God. We believe in his virgin birth, his life, miracles, and teachings, and that he died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. On the third day he rose bodily from the dead and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God. We believe Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of the world and the sole mediator between God and humanity.

The Holy Spirit | The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ and applies the saving work of Christ to each of us personally. He reveals to us the love of God, convicts us of sin, leads us in discernment, and provides the spiritual gifts necessary for mission and ministry. We believe the Holy Spirit indwells the life of every believer and is a deposit guaranteeing our eternal salvation.

Salvation | Being separated from God because of sin, we believe that our salvation is wholly dependent upon the work of God's free grace. We believe that each of us is called to respond in faith to the grace offered to us in Christ, living a life of discipleship in which we experience in part the eternal life that will come in fullness when Christ returns.

The Return of Christ | Jesus Christ will come again to the earth—personally, visibly, and bodily—to judge the living and the dead, bringing the fullness of salvation to those who trust in Him.

The Church | The true Church is composed of all persons who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, are united together as the body of Christ. The Church finds her visible expression in local congregations and is an imperfect but chosen representative of the Kingdom of God, bearing witness to Gospel of God's reign.

The Great Commission | Jesus commands all believers to bear witness to the Gospel throughout the world and to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in his name. Obedience to the Great Commission is a response the the mission of God (Missio Dei) which is fully manifest in the person of Jesus Christ. This mission calls us to a life of self-denying love and service.