STATEMENT OF FAITH

WE BELIEVE the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible and authoritative WORD OF GOD. 2 Timothy 3:16,17

WE BELIEVE that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19, Mark 12:29

WE BELIEVE in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, John 20:28, in His virgin birth Luke 1:27, in His sinless life Hebrews 4:15, in His miracles John 20:30,31, in His vicarious and atoning death Colossians 2:13,14, in His bodily resurrection Acts 1:3, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father Acts 1:9, and in His personal future return to this Earth in power and glory to rule a thousand years. Revelation 20:6

WE BELIEVE that for the salvation of lost sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. Titus 3:5

WE BELIEVE that the only means of being cleansed from sin is by the grace of God, leading to repentance toward God, effecting faith in Jesus Christ, being justified by His blood. Ephesians 2:8,9, Acts 20:21, Romans 5:9

WE BELIEVE in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a holy life. 1 Corinthians 1:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Thessalonians 2:13

WE BELIEVE that the baptism of the Holy Spirit, according to Acts 2:4, is given to believers who ask for it. Luke 3:16, Luke 11:13, Acts 1:5-8, Acts 10:44-48

WE BELIEVE that there is provision for physical healing of the human body as God wills in answer to believing prayer. James 5:14,15

WE BELIEVE in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the one to a resurrection of life and the other to eternal punishment. Acts 24:15, John 5:28-29, Matthew 25:46

BASIS FOR MINISTRY

WE BELIEVE that:

1. People who are truly born-again really want to obey Jesus.  The issue of ministry is removing obstacles that keep people from being able to do what they want to do.  This desire for ministry naturally proceeds from a personal relationship with Jesus.
2. The kingdom is the primary mission and issue of church life -- not self-preservation and the perpetuation of church life
3. Church life should equip people to manifest the kingdom as Jesus describes it.
4. Quality leads to quantity.  The quality of faith leads to greatness of faith.  The quality of care for people leads to more people coming into God’s Kingdom.
5. A commitment to excellence produces confidence in ministry and in care.  If we are committed to excellence in my personal life spiritually, emotionally, educationally, professionally and socially, then people will have confidence in our interest in and care of them.
6. Personal devotion and prayer are the primary sources of our ability to minister.  We should emphasis these sources as a priority in the lives of those to whom we minister.
7. Kingdom conflict is a reality we cannot escape.  There are opposing but unequal kingdoms -- Christ's and Satan's and our own.  This conflict will be manifested regularly for those who take the kingdom of Christ seriously.
8. The primary foundation for mental, physical and spiritual healing is LOVE, as outlined in I Corinthians 13
9. Suffering is a normal part of life and for the Christian can become a path to knowing Christ more fully.  Suffering is NOT necessarily a manifestation of sin or a lack of faith, etc.  Therefore, we rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.       Rom. 12:15
10. Ministry depends upon and anticipates the working of the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, we "EAGERLY DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS." (1 Cor 12:31)
11. You cannot manufacture the Holy Spirit's genuine working.  You can only be in a position to see and enjoy it when it happens.
12. Convincing people of values that are consistent with the Scriptures, which lead to chosen behavior consistent with the Bible, is our aim more than the simple changing of behavior.
13. Each local church is a unique creation and may have differing forms of style and practices that are suited to that particular group.
14. The public reading and teaching of the word is powerful and effective.  Our primary goal when gathering together is not geared to special interests.  It is imperative, then, that we hold public teaching as our primary time for equipping and counseling.  Hebrews 4:12
15. Discipleship and winning the lost is the emphasis of church life.
16. Effective ministry involves focus, pinpointing and ridding ourselves of distractions.
17. Worship accomplishes something no other feature of human existence can.
18. Our function is to provide a loving environment, but each individual is responsible to communicate their own individual concerns or needs.
19. Our view of God in ministry must be a God who is for us, not against us (reconciliation), who has forgiven us (justification), who has received us (redemption), and who has changed us and is now helping us to realize it (sanctification).
20. Holiness and righteousness are the process of identity, rather than the process of law. (Understanding who we are, rather than what we do).