What We Believe!

BIBLICAL AUTHORITY

Biblical Authority in all matters of faith and practice. We believe the Bible is inspired and infallible and is the final authority. (See 2Timothy 3:16; John 17:17; Acts 17:11; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20–21.) 

AUTONOMY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

We believe that every local church should be independent of a hierarchical framework or outside governmental structure. (See Colossians 1:18; Acts 13–14, 20:19–30; Ephesians 1:22–23.

PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS

God’s Word assures believers that we have direct access to God through our relationship with Christ. We believe and teach that the priesthood of the believer is the unspeakably precious privilege of every child of God. (See Hebrews 4:14–16;

1 Timothy 2:5–6; 1 Peter 2:5–10.)

TWO OFFICES WITHIN THE CHURCH

Scripture only mentions two church offices—pastor (also referred to as elder or bishop) and deacon. These two offices are to be filled by godly men of integrity in each local church. (See Philippians 1:1; Acts 6:1–7; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:6–9;

1 Peter 5:1–4.)

INDIVIDUAL SOUL LIBERTY

We believe that each person must make a personal decision of repentance and faith in Christ. (See Romans 10:9–17, 14:1–23.)

SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

The state should have no power to intervene in the free expression of religious liberty. (See Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29–31; Romans 13:1–4.) 



TWO ORDINANCES

Baptism and the Lord’s Table (also called communion). These ordinances have no part in salvation and only serve as pictures of what Christ did for us. (See Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Acts 2:38–43, 8:36–38; Romans 6:1–6.) 



SEPARATION

We believe that Christ’s ultimate sacrifice demands our complete consecration, and we desire that our daily living would reflect the holiness of our great God. (See 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Peter 1:16.)