What We Believe

We believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and our authoritative guide for faith and practice (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We highly value the expository preaching and teaching of God’s Word and personal Bible study.  We believe that the ministry of the Word of God is what brings about spiritual transformation and spiritual growth in our lives. 

We believe that is impossible for people to earn God’s acceptance. He accepts you now and forever by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8-9). We are not only saved by grace, but we live our lives by God’s grace (1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 9:8; 12.9). We do not focus on guilt as a primary means of motivation, but rather, we encourage others to live godly lives from a motivation of love and gratitude to God and through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in us (Romans 8). 

We value and seek to elect leaders who live godly lives, and who lead by example, not just by words (Phil. 3:17; 1 Tim. 3:10, 4:12). We value leaders who are unselfish in their actions and who practice living their lives in the service of others (Matt. 20:28; 1 Peter 5:3). We value pastors, deacons, and other leaders who are accessible to those who have need for ministry. We value leaders who demonstrate the spiritual gifts necessary to lead and serve effectively in our local body.

We value moral and godly living, which should come as a result of receiving salvation through faith and growing spiritually (Romans 12:1-2; James 1:22). We believe in applying biblical teaching within the family, which is the most basic unit of church and society. We value the sanctity of marriage and the unborn, and the nurture and preservation of the family. 

People matter to God, and therefore people matter to us. We believe each individual on earth holds eternal value in the eyes of God. We seek to minister to the sick, the elderly, youth, children, and others with special needs. We know those in the world are lost in sin and without a personal relationship with Christ, therefore, we seek to actively evangelize and proclaim the Gospel of Christ (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). We believe in supporting local and world mission causes, especially through our Southern Baptist Conventions. We actively seek to meet the spiritual, social, and physical needs of the people around us through the ministries of the Word, intercessory prayer, giving, and personal contact. 

Fellowship with other believers is essential for spiritual growth and social health (Acts 2:42). Good Christian fellowship is based on loving others, which is our highest obligation next to loving God (Matt. 22:37-39). We believe that small groups are one of the best means of promoting fellowship on a deeper level. We pledge to maintain unity within our local body as long as doing so does not violate our core beliefs and values (Eph. 4:3-6). We believe that forgiveness is essential for preserving unity and fellowship (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13). 

We believe in regular worship and praise to the Lord, including the observing of the ordinances of baptism and communion (Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:25). 

We believe that all believers are to be equipped by pastors and others for service and ministry to others (Eph. 4:12). We believe that all believers are gifted for ministry (I Peter 4:12), and as a result, we value active lay involvement in the ministry of our church.