What We Believe

We believe the scriptures, both old and new testaments, to be the inspired word of God, without error in the original writing, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and practice. In matters where Scripture is silent, believers should conscientiously seek guidance from God because it is to Him alone that he or she is ultimately responsible.

We believe in one true and holy God, creator and ruler of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been miraculously conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived in perfect obedience to the Father, voluntarily paid the price with his atoning blood for the sins of all people by dying on the cross as their substitute, and satisfied divine justice, bringing salvation to all who trust in Him alone. After His death, Jesus Christ bodily rose from the dead and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father as the only intercessor between God and humans. He promises to return to earth, personally and visibly, to fulfill the eternal plan of God.

We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and during this age to convict humankind of their sinfulness, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.

The central purpose of God's revelation in Scripture is to call people into fellowship with Him. Originally created to be in a relationship with God and in His image, humans defied Him by going their own independent way, resulting in alienation from Him and the innate inability to please God. This "fall" (original sin) took place at the beginning of human history; since then all people have suffered these consequences and are in need of the saving grace of God.

The salvation of humanity is completely a work of God's free grace through Jesus Christ. It is not in any way the result of human works or goodness. Each person can receive salvation by repentance and faith. God's Word assures individuals that He will continue His saving work in them forever.

We believe that the Lord's Supper (communion) and water baptism by immersion are ordinances to be observed by the Church during this present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as a means of salvation.

All who acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Forgiver of their sins (Savior) and the Leader of their life (Lord) are united with Him as members of His Body, the one true Church. Scripture commands believers to gather for worship, prayer, fellowship, and the teaching of the Word; to observe baptism and communion as established by Jesus Christ; to offer service to the body through the development and use of talents and gifts; and outreach to the world.

The local expression of the Church is wherever God's people meet regularly in obedience to this command. Cared for and led by elders and leaders, Christ's followers are to work together in love and unity for the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ, building up His Body, and advancing the Kingdom of God.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church and that every local church has the right under Christ's authority, to decide and govern its affairs.

We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead—the believer to eternal life with the Lord and the unbeliever to eternal separation from God.