1. Who is Jesus?
This is the most important question we will ever be asked to answer and one that Jesus asked His disciples in Matthew 16:15… “Who do you say I am?” The answer to this question reveals our thoughts on God, defines our identity, determines our purpose and the value of our life’s achievements. The apostle Peter’s response was “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” We fully agree with this response. In addition, we believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of God, who is of one being with the Father and the Holy Spirit (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17). He is fully God and fully man—without confusion, separation, or division— and will be so forever, revealing to us both the nature of God and the true destiny of humanity. In Jesus, divinity and humanity are united forever (John 1:14; Hebrews 1:3). Jesus is the perfect image of the invisible God. To see Him is to see the Father (John 14:9). He does not merely show us the way to God—He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). In the incarnation, the Son assumed human nature, uniting it with God’s own life. In Him, humanity is lifted into fellowship with the Trinity (2 Corinthians 5:19; Ephesians 2:6). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has overcome sin, destroyed the works of the devil, and broken the power of death. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (1 John 3:8; John 1:29). Jesus is not only Savior of individuals but Lord of all creation. In Him, all things are reconciled, restored, and made new (Colossians 1:19-20; Revelation 21:5). Through the Spirit, Christ dwells in believers, empowering them to share in His victory and participate in His divine nature (Galatians 2:20; 2 Peter 1:4). We affirm that Jesus Christ is the center of the gospel, the fullness of God revealed, and the foundation of our faith. He is the eternal Son, our Lord, THE ONLY WAY TO THE FATHER AND ONLY NAME BY WHICH WE ARE SAVED (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 3:16-18; 1 John 5:11-12). All creation finds its meaning, reconciliation, and completion in Him. To belong to Jesus is to belong to the Triune God, who in Christ has embraced the world with unfailing love.
2. What is the Bible?
The Bible is a library of books, also known as Scripture. Scripture is Holy Spirit–inspired, or “God-breathed,” and serves as the authoritative testimony of Israel and the Church to God’s self-revelation in Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:16; John 1:1, 1:18; Hebrews 1:1-2). It is useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Interpretation of Scripture, including prophecy, is not left solely to any single individual, but is guided by the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, the counsel of co-submitted elders and peers, and the doctrines handed down throughout the worldwide Church, beginning with the first-century apostles and articulated in the Church’s historic ecumenical councils (2 Peter 1:20-21). Our foundational hermeneutic is Christ Himself, a Christological approach to interpretation. We seek to understand all Scripture through the lens of Jesus’ life, words, finished work on the cross, resurrection, ascension, and His very nature, who dwells in us and with us by the Holy Spirit (John 1:14; Colossians 1:15-20). We affirm that Scripture is authoritative and complete for faith and life, and that nothing may be added to it.
3. What is Sin?
We believe that sin is more than wrongful actions; it is a disease of the soul—a corruption of the heart and mind that distorts our true identity in God. Sin begins with deception at the level of our identity, convincing us to believe lies about ourselves, God, and the world (Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 5:12; Colossians 1:20). This inner deception leads to disobedience, producing works of the flesh, the delusion of separation from God who is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Proverbs 15:3; 1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 139:1-6; Hebrews 4:13; Isaiah 66:1; Amos 9:2-4; Acts 17:27-28) and a mind set against His will (Romans 3:23; Galatians 5:19-21). Sin affects every area of human life—thoughts, desires, and actions—poisoning relationships with God, others, and creation. Jesus Christ came to take away the sin of the world and to heal us from this spiritual disease (John 1:29; 1 John 3:5). The sin of Adam resulted in condemnation for all people, so the righteous act of Jesus, the Last Adam, resulted in justification and life for all people (Romans 5:18; 1 Corinthians 15:45). Through His death and resurrection, He restores our true identity, delivers us from the power of sin, and empowers us to live in obedience and righteousness (Romans 6:6-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17). We affirm that sin is a pervasive condition of the human heart, but through Christ, God provides forgiveness, healing, and transformation. Believers are called to recognize sin’s deception, turn from disobedience, and walk in the new life made possible by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 1:13-14).
4. What is Salvation?
In the Greek language and Biblical context, the word “salvation” (sōtēria) carries rich meaning: to rescue, deliver, make safe, preserve, heal, and bring to a state of wholeness. Salvation is comprehensive—it addresses our spiritual, emotional, and relational brokenness, restoring us to the life God intended. Its effects are eternal, in reconciling us with God and into everlasting life (Romans 1:16). Salvation is a gift of God’s grace. We are saved through faith, not by our own efforts or merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is not a reward for our works, and therefore no one can boast. Salvation brings freedom from the power and consequences of sin and death. Because of God’s great love for us, He sent Jesus to save us. Through Jesus, we are forgiven, reconciled to God, and given the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide, empower, and transform us into the likeness of Jesus (Romans 6:6-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17). It initiates a lifelong process of healing, sanctification, and wholeness in every area of life. Salvation is not merely deliverance from sin; it is restoration to God’s intended purpose for humanity. It restores identity, brings inner healing, and empowers believers to live in obedience and love, because He makes all things new (John 10:28; Revelation 21:5). We affirm that salvation is God’s gracious rescue, fully accomplished in Jesus Christ, experienced as a transformative journey toward wholeness and eternal fellowship with Him. It is the foundation of Christian life, hope, and joy, and the source of spiritual freedom, healing, and abundant life (Romans 8:1-2).
5. Who is the Holy Spirit?
We believe the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son (Acts 5:3-4; Matthew 28:19). The Holy Spirit is a personal being, not a force. He convicts the world of sin, teaches truth, intercedes for believers, and glorifies Jesus Christ (John 14:26; Romans 8:26-27; John 16:8-14). The Holy Spirit’s purpose is to make Christ known, guide believers, empower holy living and be a friend as Jesus is. He illuminates Scripture, convicts hearts, comforts, and equips for ministry (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12; Galatians 5:22-23). Through the Holy Spirit, believers are strengthened to live according to God’s Word, bear spiritual fruit, and exercise spiritual gifts, including the miraculous ones, for the building up of the Church (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 3:16). We affirm that the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, guiding, empowering, and transforming us into the likeness of Christ as we fulfill God’s purposes in the world (Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
6. The Trinity.
We believe in the Trinity: one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—co-equal, co-eternal, and of one essence (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). God is not solitary but eternally exists in a communion of love, life, and fellowship. The Father is the eternal source and fountain of love; the Son is the eternal Word made flesh who reveals the Father; the Holy Spirit is the bond of love and communion who indwells and empowers believers. Together, the three Persons live in perfect unity, mutual indwelling, and delight (John 1:1-2; John 14:16-17). At the center of all existence is the loving fellowship of Father, Son, and Spirit. The universe was not created out of need, but out of the overflowing love of this divine communion (John 17:24). Union with Christ is union with the Trinity. Through Jesus’ incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, humanity is brought into fellowship with the Triune God. Salvation is participation in this relationship, not merely forgiveness of sins (2 Peter 1:4; Ephesians 1:3-6). The Trinity reveals that God is not distant, but draws us into His own life (Acts 17:27-28). Through the Spirit, believers share in the Son’s relationship with the Father, experiencing adoption, intimacy, and belonging (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:6-7). Love defines God’s nature and our calling. Because God is Father, Son, and Spirit in eternal communion, love is not just what God does but who God is (1 John 4:8). The Church is called to reflect this Trinitarian life by living in unity, self-giving love, and mission. The Trinity is not an abstract doctrine but the very foundation of our faith, worship, and life. To know God as Trinity is to know that the deepest reality of the universe is
communion in love. In Christ, by the Spirit, we are invited to share in the Father’s love and life, both now and forever. We affirm that the Trinity is central to the gospel. The Father sent the Son, the Son reveals the Father, and the Spirit makes this life of communion real within us. Our salvation, identity, and mission flow from the Triune God, who is love, and who eternally invites us into His fellowship.
7. The Gifts of the Spirit.
We believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit—such as prophecy, healing, miracles, tongues, interpretation, discernment, words of wisdom and knowledge, and other manifestations—are not limited to the early Church but continue today as expressions of God’s presence and power (1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Romans 12:6-8). The gifts of the Spirit are given for the building up of the Church, the strengthening of believers, and the demonstration of the gospel to the world. They reveal the reality of God’s kingdom, confirm the truth of Christ’s message, and serve as signs pointing to Jesus as Lord (Hebrews 2:3-4; Mark 16:20). We affirm that faith is not meant to rest merely on human wisdom, eloquence, or argument, but on the demonstration of the Spirit’s power (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). The supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit—through healing, miracles, and prophetic utterance—bears witness that Jesus is alive and His kingdom is advancing. These gifts are vital to the mission of the Church. They empower believers to minister with boldness, extend Christ’s compassion to the hurting, and reveal God’s nearness in tangible ways. Without them, the gospel risks being reduced to words alone; with them, it is proclaimed in Spirit and power (Acts 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 1:5). We affirm that the gifts of the Spirit are for today and are essential for the Church’s witness. We eagerly desire and prayerfully pursue and practice them, not as ends in themselves, but as means by which Christ is glorified, the Church is edified, and the world comes to know the saving power of the gospel (1 Corinthians 14:1; John 14:12).
8. Ordinances.
We believe that Jesus Christ instituted two ordinances—Baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion)—to be faithfully practiced by His Church (Matthew 28:19; Luke 22:19-20). These ordinances are also sacraments, outward and visible signs through which God conveys inward and spiritual grace. They are not empty rituals, but holy mysteries that carry both power and presence. These sacraments are sacred encounters where heaven touches earth. They carry mystery beyond full human understanding and power to transform hearts, renew minds, and sustain faith. Through them, Christ is made real to us by the Spirit, and the gospel is confirmed not only in word but in tangible experience. We affirm that Baptism and the Eucharist are both ordinances of obedience and sacraments of grace. They proclaim the gospel, embody the love of Christ, and invite us into ongoing participation in the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord until He comes again.
Baptism.
We believe water baptism is a physical representation of the spiritual reality of Christ’s finished work. Through baptism, we identify with Christ—his death, burial, and resurrection- acknowledging that Jesus included us with Him and in Him in his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. (Rom 6:3-4; Gal 3:27; Gal 2:20) We baptize believers in water into the name (or nature) of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as a sign of being consecrated to God, who is Three in One (Romans 6:3-4, 1 Peter 3:21- 22). There are many Biblical stories that provide symbolic, metaphorical, and allegorical depth and meaning to the act of passing through the waters of baptism.Communion (Eucharist).
Every week as a Body, we partake of communion, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ as way of remembering the New Covenant we have been born into through the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. We believe that the Blood of Jesus was offered for mankind for the forgiveness of sins and that the broken Body of Jesus was offered for the salvation and healing of mankind. (Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20, 1 Cor. 11:23-26). In the Eucharist, we receive the bread and the cup in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. Yet it is more than remembrance—it is participation in the body and blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16). Here the mystery of God’s presence nourishes, strengthens, and unites believers with Christ and one another in the bond of His love. We believe that Christ “prepares a table” for all who are hungry, thirsty, weary, burdened and searching for truth and all are welcome at His table to partake of His provision and love (Psalm 23:5; Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28-30).
9. Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
We believe the gospel is the good news of the Kingdom of God. Jesus came proclaiming that the Kingdom had drawn near in His own life, death, and resurrection (Mark 1:14-15). The Kingdom is God’s reign breaking into the world—bringing forgiveness, freedom, healing, justice, and restoration to all creation. As prophesied by Daniel (Daniel 2:44), God’s rule, authority, and realm was inaugurated by the incarnation of Jesus, our king. When He came, he preached a message about the coming of His Kingdom and demonstrated its advancement against the Kingdom of the enemy by healing the sick, casting out demons, multiplying food, calming storms, raising the dead. He left the advancement of His Kingdom in the hands of the disciples with the expectation that this Gospel be taken all throughout the earth until the day He returns to receive His Kingdom (John 18:36; Matthew 4:17, 23, 12:28; Revelation 11:15, 12:10). The Kingdom of God is centered in the person of Jesus Christ, the true King. In Him, heaven and earth meet, and God’s will is revealed on earth as in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Through Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, God’s reign has been established and is advancing (Colossians 1:13). The Kingdom is both present and future. Even now, by the Spirit, believers are brought into God’s reign—experiencing salvation, healing, and transformation. The Church is called to embody the Kingdom by proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, practicing justice and mercy, and demonstrating the Spirit’s power (Luke 4:18-19; Romans 14:17). We believe the Kingdom will come in fullness when Jesus returns to make all things new. On that day, evil will be defeated, creation restored, and God will dwell fully with His people (Revelation 21:1-5). Until then, we live as witnesses of the Kingdom, participating in its advance through faith, love, and Spirit-empowered mission. We affirm that the gospel of the Kingdom is the message of Jesus Christ—good news for the whole world. It is the announcement that God reigns, the invitation to enter His life through faith, and the promise of a renewed creation where Christ is all in all.
10. The Second Coming of Jesus.
We believe in the personal, visible, and physical return of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 1:11; Titus 2:13). His coming will bring the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom, the final defeat of evil, and the restoration of all things. At His second coming, Jesus will raise the dead, judge the nations in righteousness, and reward those who belong to Him (Matthew 25:31-34; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11). We believe His return will usher in the new heavens and new earth, where God will dwell with His people in perfect peace, justice, and love (Revelation 21:1-5). Death, sorrow, and pain will be no more, and all things will be made new in Christ. Until that day, the Church waits with joyful anticipation, living in holiness, mission, and hope. We proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom to every nation, empowered by the Spirit, as we prepare for the return of our King (Matthew 24:14; 2 Peter 3:11-12). We affirm that the second coming of Jesus is not only a future event but a present hope that shapes how we live today. We await His appearing with faith, longing, and confidence, declaring: “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
11. Gender.
We believe God created humanity in His image as male and female, two distinct and complementary genders that reflect His good design (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:4). This reality is sacred and foundational to human identity, family, and community. Male and female are not interchangeable or self-determined, but sacred gifts given by the Creator. Together they express the fullness of God’s design for human identity, family, and community (Matthew 19:4). We affirm that embracing this reality protects human dignity and honors God’s created order. Any attempt to change one’s sex, or disagreement with one’s biological sex is rooted in deception and confusion and grieves the compassionate heart of God. We also recognize that some struggle with questions of gender and identity. As followers of Jesus, we are called to extend both truth and grace. Everyone is welcome to worship with us, regardless of their struggle, because each person is made in God’s image and deeply loved by Him. We affirm the Biblical truth of two genders while seeking to walk with compassion, pointing all people to the hope, healing, and new life found in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
12. Sexuality.
Sexuality and the divinely prescribed boundaries for the expression thereof is covered in the Holy Scriptures, which limit sexual expression to the marital relationship of one man with one woman. Homosexual acts, adultery, bestiality, and all forms of fornication are categorically forbidden in the Holy Scriptures. (See 1 Cor. 6:18; 1 Thes. 4:3; Rom. 1:26-27; Prov. 5:3-5, 8-13; 7:21-27; Gal. 5:19; Exodus 20:14; Deut. 5:18; Matt. 5:27; 19:18; Luke 18:20; Rom. 13:9; James 2:11; Lev. 20:10-21;1 Cor. 10:8; 6:18; Jude 7.) Furthermore, the Church believes that sexuality is established by God at conception, whatever that may be, and the Holy Scripture does not condone an individual altering their sexual identity physically or otherwise. (See Deut. 23:1.)
13. Marriage.
Marriage is between one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:22-24 & Matthew 19:4-6) In no case shall persons be accepted into membership and/or employment that are known to be living in a common-law state of matrimony. We believe marriage is a sacred covenant and a sacrament ordained by God, designed to reflect Christ’s love for His Church (Ephesians 5:25-32; Genesis 2:24). In this union, husband and wife are called to love, honor, and serve one another, demonstrating God’s faithfulness and sacrificial love (Matthew 19:4-6). Marriage is a lifelong covenant that points the world to the transforming power of Christ’s love.
14. Gender Specific Policy.
Consistent with the Church’s sincerely held Biblical and religious beliefs concerning gender and sexuality, the Corporation limits its events and facilities that are in line with the same:
a. Events. Gender-specific events, group meetings and the like are designated only for a specific gender shall only be utilized consistent with the gender established by God at conception and evident at birth, irrespective of whether it is the gender an individual identifies with.
b. Spaces And Facilities. Gender-specific facilities (bathrooms, campus areas, off campus sites such as sleeping quarters, and event spaces designated only for a specific gender) shall only be utilized consistent with the gender established by God at conception and evident at birth, irrespective of whether it is the gender an individual identifies with.
15. Family.
a. Conception. Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God’s pattern for marriage.
b. Child Dedications. The Church believes that children are a gift from the Lord and desire to affirm the dedication of a child to the Lord, recognizing that dedication does not offer salvation but only serves as a reminder that all good gifts come from the Father of Heavenly lights. (See Psalm 127:3; James 1:17). The Church reserves the right to dedicate children in the most God-honoring manner that, in its discretion and understanding of Biblical principles and methodology, the Church and its leadership determine is best.
16. Women in leadership.
We affirm that God calls and equips all believers, regardless of gender, for service, leadership, and ministry within the Church. We believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given without distinction between men and women (Acts 2:17-18; Galatians 3:28) and that both are equally capable of exercising authority, teaching, shepherding, and guiding the Body of Christ (Romans 16:1-7; Philippians 4:2-3). We uphold that women may serve in every role of leadership, including pastoral, teaching, and governing positions, and that their contributions are vital to the spiritual growth, mission, and governance of the Church (Judges 4:4-5; 2 Kings 22:14; Romans 16:7). Every priest and king was anointed into priestly and kingly duties by a man, UNTIL Jesus. We recognize that Christ, the only High Priest and King, was anointed by a woman (Matthew 28:6-13; Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8), demonstrating that God’s call and blessing are not limited by gender. In all matters of ministry, we strive to recognize and honor the calling, gifting, and discernment of each individual, trusting in God’s guidance and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). We reject any cultural or traditional limitations that seek to restrict the leadership or ministry of women, affirming instead that all roles in the Church are open to those whom God calls, equips, and anoints, regardless of gender.