The Word
We believe that biblically-based teaching and preaching is the catalyst for life transformation. That the Word of God is sufficient and powerful for instruction, encouragement, and admonishment
Rom. 12:7; 2 Tim. 3:16; James 1:23-25
Christ-Centered Teaching
We believe that the person, life and teaching of Jesus should be central to all teaching. He is the perfect representation of the Father on earth; we are to be like Him – to see what He did and do likewise. We believe that it is Jesus’ incarnation - life and character - that we are to cultivate and emulate.
Hebrews 1:1-4; 1Peter 1:13-16
Character
We want to about life transformation, not merely behavior modification, and that the development of the character of Jesus in us is the goal of an effective life
Sound character will lead to rightness – sound character enables one to make right decisions and do right things regardless of the specifics of our circumstances
We are works in progress: We believe that the person and character of Jesus is the model and goal of our growth; that having been made righteous we will bear the fruit of righteousness. Recognizing the need for discipline – that doing leads to becoming – we commit ourselves to engaging with God, obeying his word, trusting that as we grow in Christ, our lives will be marked by the Fruit of the Spirit – a maturing believer will demonstrate evidence of the presence and working of the Holy Spirit in their lives by consistently exuding the nature of the Spirit.
Romans 7; 8; Philippians 3
Service
We believe that the attitude of the Christ follower should closely resemble that of Jesus that the cultivating of a servant’s heart is of the utmost importance in the development of the character of each Christian. That our approach to serving would be cheerful as we express our love to God and others with our gifts, talents, experiences, personalities. It is our serving the church that fuels our vitality in Christ and demonstrates love to others.
Phil 2:1-11; 1Cor 12, 13 and 14; Romans 12; Eph. 4; Psalm 133:1
Celebrative Gathering
We believe that the gathering of believers for praise and adoration should be marked by an air of celebration, a time of exhortation and exaltation; of healing and prayer; of mystery and awe – joyful and inspiring. We seek to instigate the individual and corporate expression of praise and worship of our Creator.
John 4:23; 10:10, Romans 6:23
Fellowship
We believe that God is about relationships, that He IS relationship (Father, Son and Holy Spirit); created man for relationship; sent His Son to restore relationship; saves us and places us in relationship with Him and others; and will return to bring us to the ultimate relationship – in Heaven with Him and all that are His. We, therefore, desire to develop an atmosphere of love that calls all members to relationships of responsibility, accountability, service and care – fellowship in the context of genuine relationships
Luke 6:12-13, Acts 2:42-47
Lifestyle of worship
We believe that every aspect of the life of a Christ-follower; the sacred and secular; spiritual and mundane – all things – are to be done as unto Christ as to honor and glorify God.
Romans 12:1-2; 1Corithians 10:31; Colossians 3:17
Generosity
We believe that God has been generous to us in every way and in response we are to bless others with the blessings that we have received him: time, gifts and talents, resources, and energy – remembering always that God loves a cheerful giver
Luke 6:38; 2Cor 1, 9
Evangelism
We believe that people matter to God and therefore should matter to us – the church. We each, as Christ followers, are to obey the command to “...go make disciples...”
Luke 5:30-32; Luke 15; Matthew 18:14
Discipleship
We believe that Jesus demonstrated authentic relationships of impact – the investment in, mentoring of, and the raising up and sending out of committed maturing followers of Christ – and He commands us to do the same. These relationships are to be marked by responsibility for and accountability with others – life-on-life – lives shaped by the Word; the person and model of Jesus; the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and each other.
1 Kings 11:4, Proverbs 27:17; 2 Corinthians 8:7; Matthew 28; 1Peter 3:23
Leadership
We believe that the church should be led by those with gifts of leadership who have demonstrated a life marked by the character and discipline of Jesus, seasoned with an eagerness to serve.
Exodus 18; Nehemiah 1 and 3, Acts 6:25; Romans 12:8; 1Timothy 3:1-13; 1Peter 5:1-4
Relevance
We believe that the Gospel of Christ, our relationships, and our ministry can and must meet (methodologically) the people of our culture where they are, being gentle and respectful to the community without compromising scriptural integrity.
The incarnation and life of Jesus; 1Corinthians 9:19-23; 1Peter 3:23
Excellence
God is honored and people exhorted when ministry is accomplished creatively with excellence
Prov 27:17; Malachi 1; Col 3:17
The Apostle’s Creed
We believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
We believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
