What We Believe

Doctrine of the Church

   We believe that the church of Christ is a local congregation of baptized believers and that the Word 
   of God is the governing tool for the operation of the church.  There are two ordinances given to the 
   church by Christ – baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  The purpose of the church is to fulfill the great 
   commission – creating disciples through evangelism, baptizing them, and establishing them in 
   local churches to continue this cycle.  

Baptism

   We believe that baptism is done by immersion as found in the Scriptures (Acts 8:36-38).  It is a 
   picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  The purpose of baptism is to be identified 
   with Christ and the local body of believers.  It is the first act of obedience and submission to Christ 
   after salvation, but separate from salvation.

Lord’s Supper

   We believe that baptism is a prerequisite for participation in the Lord’s Supper.  The Lord’s Supper 
   is for members of the local church only.  Its purpose is to remember Christ’s sacrifice.  It is a time 
   of reflection and should be preceded by self-examination and repentance of sin.

The second coming of Christ

   The second coming of Christ is two-part.  First, the church will be raptured before the tribulation.  
   After 7 years, Christ will return to set up His physical kingdom on earth.  The church will return 
   with Him to rule with Him for one thousand years.

Neo-evangelicalism

   We believe the method Christ established for evangelism is the preaching of the Word of God.  
   Salvation comes only by the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit.
            
Ecumenical movement

   We believe the ecumenical movement involves churches coming together in fellowship with good 
   intentions but sacrificing doctrine and the importance of the Word of God.

Charismatic movement

   I believe the charismatic movement is unbiblical.  Sign gifts such as speaking in tongues, healing, 
   etc were used as tools for the Jews and used to authenticate the ministry of the apostles and have 
   ceased now that we have the complete word of God (I Corinthians 13).


Establishment of indigenous church

   Our goal is to plant churches that are self-supporting, self-governing, and self-propagating.

The Bible

   We believe that the Bible is God’s inspired Word and that every word is profitable and important, without          error.  It is the ultimate authority in the life of every believer.  

"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."  2 Timothy 2:2