The Essentials

What We Believe

Eleven core truths — grounded in Scripture — that shape who we are, how we worship, and how we love our neighbors.

1

The Bible — God Wrote a Book

The Bible is God's Word to all people. Written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is inspired by God and therefore without error, fully relevant to our daily lives.

2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:21
2

The Father — God is Great, God is Good

God is great: all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, unchanging, worthy of our trust, and holy. In Him we live and move and have our being. God is good: He is our Father, loving, compassionate, and faithful to His people and promises.

Acts 17:28; Psalm 145:8–9; Malachi 3:6
3

The Son — God Became Man

Jesus Christ is fully human and fully God. He is the only way to restore people to a right relationship with God. He lived a perfect life, died as our substitute, and rose again, defeating death so we might have life.

John 1:14; John 14:6; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
4

The Holy Spirit — God is Always Present

The Holy Spirit assures us of our relationship with Christ, guides us into truth, convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment, comforts us, gives spiritual gifts, and makes us more like Christ.

John 16:8–13; Romans 8:14–16; 1 Corinthians 12:4–7
5

Eternity — Somewhere Forever

Humanity was created for eternity. We will either exist eternally separated from God in Hell, or eternally united with Him in Heaven through forgiveness and salvation.

Matthew 25:46; John 3:16; Revelation 21:3–4
6

Man — God's Image Bearers

Man is created in God's image, the crown of His creation. Though made for fellowship with God, sin separated us from Him, and we cannot restore that relationship by our own effort.

Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:2
7

Salvation — God's Only Way

The blood of Jesus shed on the cross is the only way of salvation. By faith in His death and resurrection, we receive forgiveness and eternal life. Salvation is God's gift, not earned by works.

Ephesians 2:8–9; John 3:16; Romans 10:9–10
8

The Church — God's Design for Community

The Church is a local body of baptized believers, united in Christ, committed to His teachings, obeying His commands, and bringing the Gospel to the world.

Acts 2:42–47; Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:15–16
9

Baptism — An Act of Obedience

All who receive Christ should be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism by immersion symbolizes Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3–4; Acts 2:38
10

Communion — A Church Tradition Continues

Communion, or the Lord's Supper, uses bread to symbolize Christ's body and the cup to symbolize His blood. It is an act of remembrance and proclamation of faith in Him alone.

Luke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
11

Spiritual Gifts — It's How We Serve

Spiritual gifts are God-given abilities to serve and build up the Church. Every believer is called to minister according to the gifts and grace given by God.

Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; 1 Peter 4:10–11