CHURCH
We believe in a local, autonomous church, whose mission it is to preach the Scriptures to all the world, all of its endeavors being guided by multiple leadership and supported by the wise stewardship of God's people.
Terms explained:
Local: While the collective body of all believers is often referred to as the “church” we also believe that Scripture teaches of local assemblies of believers organized into a unique church (1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25-27 Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28-32; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11).
Autonomy: Free of any external authority or control whether by state, convention, denomination, or fellowship (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Romans 16:1, 4; 1 Corinthians 3:9, 16; 5:4-7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
Mission: To glorify the Lord with all that we do. Specifically as we preach His gospel to those we come in contact with (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 20:17-21; Romans 15:6; Ephesians 1:15-23).
Preach: By this term we encompass all of the believers who are to declare and make known God's truth through the totality of their lives, in addition to the formal proclamation of the Word of God (Acts 20:17-21; 1 Corinthians 1:17-31; Ephesians 3:8-10, 4:15,16; Colossians 1:10-28).
Multiple leadership: Within each local church we believe God provides a team of Pastor(s), Deacons and other workers who are to guide and enable the congregation to develop spiritual maturity. Pastors are literally shepherds, or those who feed sheep, and therefore, figuratively, those appointed to feed spiritually and serve the congregation. Deacons serve as helpers, or ministering workers who fulfill various formal or informal roles within the congregation. (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4). We believe that the Scriptural requirements for the office of pastor and deacon make it impossible for women, and divorced individuals to serve in those specific roles. (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4)
Stewardship: As members of God's family we recognize the obligation under which God places us to exercise care and concern with regard to all time, possessions, wealth and persons as may be entrusted to us. One mark of the spiritually wise person is the mature choices made with respect to these areas (Luke 16:1-13; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 9:17, 12:1-31).
Tithe: We believe the guideline of ten per-cent to be highly appropriate, yet we recognize the individual believer as free from compulsion or formal requirements in stewardship matters or church support (Leviticus 27:30-33; Numbers 18:21-29; Deuteronomy 12:5-7,17-18; 14:22-29; 26:12; Genesis 14:17-24; Luke 11:42; Matthew 23:23).
Offerings: We believe that offerings consist of gifts, above tithes, whether money, time or effort, that is freely given in response to the direction of God's Spirit (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:24-9:15).