WHAT WE BELIEVE
Some beliefs are at the core of the Christian faith. These are the foundational truths that shape what we believe, how we live, and how we understand God. From the earliest days of the church, these truths have remained consistent and are not something we change or compromise. They are the essentials.
Other beliefs are not central to someone’s relationship with God. While still meaningful, they can be understood differently by different churches or individuals. These are non-essential beliefs.
With that in mind, here are the beliefs we consider essential.
god
We believe there is one true God who exists in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is loving and desires a relationship with every person. God doesn’t want anyone to be lost but for everyone to turn to Him and experience the full, abundant life He offers—both now and for eternity.
Scripture References:
Deuteronomy 32:39; Matthew 28:19; 1 John 5:7; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4
JESUS CHRIST
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God—begotten, not created—fully God and fully man, and equal with God. He was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, and gave Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world by dying on the cross. He rose from the dead, showing His power over sin and death, ascended into heaven, and will return one day to reign as King.
Scripture References:
Matthew 1:22–23; John 1:1–5; Hebrews 4:14–15; Romans 1:3–4; Acts 1:9–11
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe the Holy Spirit lives in every person who follows Jesus. He helps shape our lives to look more like Christ—guiding us into truth, leading us to what is right, and giving us the power to live it out.
We also believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which can be a separate experience after salvation. The Holy Spirit empowers believers and gives spiritual gifts to the Church to build it up and carry out its mission.
Scripture References:
Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 8:16–17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18; Acts 8:14–17; Acts 10:44–48; 1 Corinthians 12:1–11; Romans 11:29
THE CHURCH
We believe the Church is the Body of Christ—the people of God, brought together by the Holy Spirit. It carries God’s message of truth and salvation to the world, and it is the Bride of Christ, whom He will return for. Every person who is born of the Spirit is part of the Church and has a place within it.
We believe a healthy, authentic church is marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit, a commitment to the teachings of Scripture, genuine fellowship, the preaching of God’s Word, and the practice of the sacraments.
Scripture References:
Acts 2:41–44; Ephesians 1:22; 2:19–22; Hebrews 12:23; John 17:11, 20–23
SACRAMENTS
We believe the Church practices three key sacraments:
Baptism – full immersion in water after placing faith in Jesus, as a public expression of that faith.
The Lord’s Supper – a time for the family of God to remember and take part in the meaning of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and His return.
Marriage – a lifelong covenant between one biological man and one biological woman, reflecting the self-giving love between Christ and His Church.
Scripture References:
Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 26–38; Matthew 26:26–29; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23–25; Matthew 19:4–9; Ephesians 5:25
THE BIBLE
We believe the Bible is the authoritative and infallible word of God. It was written by human authors who were inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognized by the Church, and given to us as our source of truth, guidance, and wisdom for life.
Scripture References:
2 Timothy 1:13; 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Psalm 12:6; 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5
SALVATION
We believe salvation is a gift from God, and it must be received. It isn’t something we earn through good works or self-improvement—it comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
When someone turns from their sin and places their faith in Him, they are made new. This new life in Christ brings forgiveness, a restored relationship with God, and the promise of eternal life.
Scripture References:
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8–9; John 1:2; 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1; 10:9–10
ETERNITY
We believe there is life after death and that every person will stand before God and be held accountable. Through forgiveness and salvation in Jesus, we are given eternal life with Him. Without it, we remain separated from God because of sin.
Heaven is eternal life in the presence of God. Hell is eternal separation from Him.
Scripture References:
John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17–18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7–9