what we
believe
our MISSION
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
our VISION
We teach the gospel to make, mature, and multiply disciples of Jesus Christ who reach neighbors and nations.
Trevor Cooper
Lead Pastor
Dr. Jerry Shumard
Retired Chaplain & Associate Pastor
what we believe:
We accept the Bible as the inspired Word of God and as the ultimate authority in matters of faith doctrine and Christian living. This Church accepts “The Baptist Faith and Message” as most recently adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention as an affirmation of our basic Christian beliefs and as a general statement of our faith.
Bible as Our Sole Authority
“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out helps us to do what is right.”
2 Timothy 3:15
Autonomy of Each Local Church
“Christ is the head of his Body, the church. He is the source of the Body’s life…”
Colossians 1:18
Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. It is by the governing documents of this Church that we adhere to and should always be interpreted and applied in conformity with the Bible. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.
Priesthood of Every Believer
“Christ loves us, and by His death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God...”
Revelation 1:6
“You are…the King’s priests... God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God.”
1 Peter 2:9
The Bible teaches that ever Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
Tithing
“A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”
Leviticus 26: 30
We practice tithing for the support of Christ’s Body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our increase is the Biblical standard of giving. We always give a portion and sometimes a sacrifice for our Offerings and Funds for church ministries.
Ordinances
“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ...”
Colossians 2:12
We practice baptism by immersion under water – the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.”
1 Corinthians 11:26
We also regularly take of the Lord’s Supper as symbolic service toward Christ’s sacrifice of His death, burial and resurrection that gives believers the forgiveness of sins and salvation.
Spirit-led Living & Affirmation
Jesus said “I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. We seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right. Every pastor, staff member and church member by virtue of their membership affirms their agreement with this statement and agrees to conduct themselves in a manner with which it is consistent. Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 5:18
Telling Others About Christ
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
1 Peter 3:15
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.
Human Sexuality
The bible regards all forms of sexual immorality – including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pedophilia, pornography or even lustful intent toward such – as sinful and ultimately unsatisfying. Though sinful sexual expression is as all sin, the gospel provides redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The church provides love, care, and direction for those who are fighting sexual temptations of all kinds.
Leviticus 18:1-30; Matthew 5:28; Romans 1:26-29; 1 Corinthians 5:6-9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-7; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 2:17-18; Hebrews 4:14-16.
Marriage
Marriage is a biblical institution established by God as clearly described in the scriptures. This church recognizes that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. God alone has ultimate authority to define the marital relationship. Sexual intimacy is only properly exercised and pursued within the confines of this marital relationship. Sexual immorality, defined as any sexual activity outside of the boundaries of the sacred marital relationship between one man and one woman, is clearly and expressly prohibited by the Lord. We also believe that the marriage of believers is to illustrate the loving relationship of Christ and His church, with the husband loving his wife as Christ loves the church and the wife responding to her husband’s loving leadership as the church responds to Christ. God hates divorce, permitting it only where there has been unrepentant sexual sin or desertion by an unbeliever.
Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:1-9; Mark 10:1-12; Matthew 15:19; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 5:18-33; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:32, 19:9; 1 Corinthians 7:12-15.