OUR PRACTICES
The Bible
Because we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, it serves as our highest authority for questions of faith, life, mission, and church practice. We consider all Scripture to be useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the people of God might be completely equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). In areas where the New Testament does not give us a direct command or clear precedent, we believe individual believers are called to search the Scriptures, pray for direction, and follow their own consciences before God (Romans 14).
Salvation by Grace
We believe that salvation is the free gift of God for those who respond to Jesus Christ in faith. This faith-response includes belief (He is God), repentance (He is Savior), and submission (He is Lord). These faith-responses of the heart are expressed in the act of baptism (Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 6:1-4).
Water Baptism (Immersion)
Baptism is the outer expression of a person’s inner faith-response to Christ. It gives public witness to the belief, repentance, and submission of the heart. We practice water baptism because it is the pattern given to us in the biblical account of the earliest days of the Church (Acts 2:38-41, 8:34-38, 16:15 & 33; Galatians 3:26-27).
Worship and Community
The early church gathered on the first day of each week and called it the Lord’s Day. In keeping with their example, we assemble regularly for the purpose of worship and edification (Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:19-20), mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24), teaching, prayer, and the breaking of bread at the Lord's Table (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:26).
Communion / The Lord’s Table
The atoning death and victorious resurrection of Christ is central to all Christian faith, life, and community. In celebrating communion, we remember Christ, give witness to the good news of salvation in his name, and proclaim the promise of his return. All Christians, regardless of denominational background or affiliation are welcome to participate in this table of thanksgiving (Acts 2:42-47; Acts 20:7).
Evangelism and Service
Because Christ's mission was to seek and save the lost, and his command was to make disciples of all nations, we are committed to proclaiming salvation in his name. Because Jesus demonstrated servanthood, and commanded his disciples to be the servants of all, we are committed to helping others and meeting needs in his name (Matthew 25; Matthew 28:18-20).
Christian Cooperation
Because we believe there is only one church, we are committed to cooperation with other churches in order to advance the purposes of Christ in the world. We recognize that we are not the only Christians, but rather only a small part of God’s great household of faith. We seek to be an agent for unity, partnership, peace, and encouragement in the greater Body of Christ in our community, our nation, and our world.
Church Leadership and Membership
In keeping with the New Testament pattern, our church is autonomous and operates under the oversight of local leaders. The overall ministry and spiritual guidance of our congregation is committed to the oversight of Elders. Deacons are appointed by the Elders to serve in the ministry programs of the church. Our church membership is comprised of Christian men and women who have expressed their commitment to our church’s mission and community through our Member Covenant.
Because we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, it serves as our highest authority for questions of faith, life, mission, and church practice. We consider all Scripture to be useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the people of God might be completely equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). In areas where the New Testament does not give us a direct command or clear precedent, we believe individual believers are called to search the Scriptures, pray for direction, and follow their own consciences before God (Romans 14).
Salvation by Grace
We believe that salvation is the free gift of God for those who respond to Jesus Christ in faith. This faith-response includes belief (He is God), repentance (He is Savior), and submission (He is Lord). These faith-responses of the heart are expressed in the act of baptism (Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 6:1-4).
Water Baptism (Immersion)
Baptism is the outer expression of a person’s inner faith-response to Christ. It gives public witness to the belief, repentance, and submission of the heart. We practice water baptism because it is the pattern given to us in the biblical account of the earliest days of the Church (Acts 2:38-41, 8:34-38, 16:15 & 33; Galatians 3:26-27).
Worship and Community
The early church gathered on the first day of each week and called it the Lord’s Day. In keeping with their example, we assemble regularly for the purpose of worship and edification (Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:19-20), mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24), teaching, prayer, and the breaking of bread at the Lord's Table (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:26).
Communion / The Lord’s Table
The atoning death and victorious resurrection of Christ is central to all Christian faith, life, and community. In celebrating communion, we remember Christ, give witness to the good news of salvation in his name, and proclaim the promise of his return. All Christians, regardless of denominational background or affiliation are welcome to participate in this table of thanksgiving (Acts 2:42-47; Acts 20:7).
Evangelism and Service
Because Christ's mission was to seek and save the lost, and his command was to make disciples of all nations, we are committed to proclaiming salvation in his name. Because Jesus demonstrated servanthood, and commanded his disciples to be the servants of all, we are committed to helping others and meeting needs in his name (Matthew 25; Matthew 28:18-20).
Christian Cooperation
Because we believe there is only one church, we are committed to cooperation with other churches in order to advance the purposes of Christ in the world. We recognize that we are not the only Christians, but rather only a small part of God’s great household of faith. We seek to be an agent for unity, partnership, peace, and encouragement in the greater Body of Christ in our community, our nation, and our world.
Church Leadership and Membership
In keeping with the New Testament pattern, our church is autonomous and operates under the oversight of local leaders. The overall ministry and spiritual guidance of our congregation is committed to the oversight of Elders. Deacons are appointed by the Elders to serve in the ministry programs of the church. Our church membership is comprised of Christian men and women who have expressed their commitment to our church’s mission and community through our Member Covenant.
