Theological Distinctives

We believe God is the Creator of all things. The universe exists because God spoke it into being. We hold freedom for believers to understand creation through either an old-earth or young-earth lens. The gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 may represent milliseconds or millenniums — Scripture doesn’t specify.

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What we do hold firmly is this: creation is God’s work, evolution-based creation is not our theological position, and God designed the world to reveal His glory and invite worship.

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Jesus was born of a virgin, miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit. Because the sin nature is passed through the father, Jesus — having no earthly father — entered the world without sin. This truth preserves the identity of Jesus as fully God and fully man.

We believe all spiritual gifts come from God, and therefore all spiritual gifts are good. The Holy Spirit distributes gifts as He desires for the glory of Jesus and the building up of the Church.

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Every believer has been given gifts, but no believer has all the gifts. No specific gift is required as evidence of salvation. For example, speaking in tongues is given to some, but not all; therefore, it is not a sign of salvation.

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We are encouraged to eagerly desire the greater gifts, to use whatever gifts we have been given for the strengthening of the Church, and to walk in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

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Every follower of Jesus is an ambassador of Christ. Evangelism is not reserved for a select few — it is the calling of every disciple. Empowered by the Spirit, we bear witness to Jesus in our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, and to the ends of the earth.

Baptism is an act of obedience and a public declaration of faith in Jesus. We practice baptism by immersion, following the pattern of Jesus and the early Church. The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse,” symbolizing our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.

Discipleship is the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus — learning to know Him, love Him, and obey Him. Salvation begins with justification, continues through sanctification, and finds its completion in glorification when we see Jesus face to face.

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Jesus made disciples, commanded us to make disciples, and modeled how discipleship happens: life-on-life, in relationships, as people lead people to follow Him.

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Men and women are created equal in dignity, value, and worth — both bearing the image of God — yet they are not identical in design or calling. Scripture teaches distinct roles for men and women within marriage and the Church.

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Women are essential to the life of the Church and serve in numerous leadership capacities. However, the role of elder is reserved for qualified men, according to Scripture. We deeply value the gifts, leadership, and indispensable contributions of women in every other aspect of ministry and discipleship.

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We believe God designed marriage and sexual expression to exist within the covenant union of one man and one woman. Scripture consistently teaches that homosexuality is outside of God’s design for sexuality.

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However, we do not treat homosexuality as a sin above others. Every person is made in God’s image, and all sin requires repentance and grace. Our response is always love, calling all people — including ourselves — to submit every part of life to Jesus, who forgives, restores, and transforms.

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We believe God is the Author of life, and that life begins at conception. To end a life in the womb is to end a life God created and is therefore considered the taking of human life.

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Our response is never condemnation. We call sin what it is, but we extend grace, repentance, forgiveness, and hope. God has forgiven and redeemed repentant murderers throughout Scripture — and He still does today.

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Scripture teaches both the dangers and the blessings of alcohol. Wine is described as something that gladdens the heart, and Jesus Himself made wine. Alcohol is a gift that must be received with wisdom, self-control, and within God’s boundaries.

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Believers must not be drunk or controlled by alcohol. Addiction should be resisted, not justified. Wisdom should guide when and where we drink, especially when our freedom might harm another believer’s conscience.

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God’s design for marriage is lifelong covenant faithfulness. Jesus allowed divorce in cases of sexual immorality, not as a command but as a concession for the damage caused by unfaithfulness.

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We acknowledge the painful reality that not every divorced person is guilty of sin — many have had the sin of divorce committed against them. Abuse should never be tolerated, and separation for safety is sometimes necessary. Ongoing, unrepentant abuse breaks covenant faithfulness and may constitute grounds for divorce.

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In all things, we encourage repentance, reconciliation when possible, and the healing grace of Jesus.

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We joyfully believe that Jesus will return, though the timing is known only to the Father. While Scripture gives signs that mark the season of His return, faithful believers may hold different interpretations (pre-, mid-, or post-tribulation).

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We do not divide over the timeline. We look with hope toward the moment.

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