A Christian is not identified merely by intellectual assent to a creed, but by a life of following Christ, beginning with their public confession of faith and baptism (Matthew 16:24; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; Luke 6:46). A Christian bears the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), walks in holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16; Hebrews 12:14), and is marked by love—both for brothers and sisters in Christ (John 13:34–35; 1 John 4:7–8) and even for their enemies (Matthew 5:43–44; Romans 12:20–21).

Following Jesus is a lifelong process of growth (Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 3:18), but it is never less than this process; for those who are in the faith show their faith by their works (James 2:17, 26; Matthew 7:16–20).

We welcome all, but understand that someone who actively rejects the truth in the Apostles’ Creed (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 1:13–14; 1 John 2:22–23) or refuses to follow Christ’s example (1 John 2:6; Luke 9:23; Philippians 2:5) is not yet walking in the fullness of the Christian faith (John 14:6; 2 Corinthians 13:5).

Holiness

Christians live in the world but are not of the world, called to love yet not to conform to its patterns (John 17:16; Romans 12:2; 1 John 2.15-17). With this in mind, we seek to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15–16). This includes freedom from sexual sin such as extramarital sex and pornography (1 Thessalonians 4:3–4), drunkenness or misuse of substances (Ephesians 5:18), violence and coercion (Matthew 5:9; James 3:14-16), dishonesty or taking advantage of others (Colossians 3:9), and any bondage to destructive habits that diminish Christ’s transforming power in our lives (Hebrews 12:1–2). Sanctification is a lifelong process. While we seek to be like Christ, we also know that his grace is what keeps us. (1 Timothy 2:11-13; Philippians 3:12-16; 1 John 3:2-3) 

Nonviolent Responses to Evil

Often called “non-resistance,” this is central to Jesus’ ministry, as He calls us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and demonstrates it on the cross by laying down His life for us (John 15:13; 1 John 4:11). We reject violence as both non-Christlike and ineffective in overcoming evil (Matthew 26:52; John 18:36; Romans 12:21). Instead, we pursue peace and show love to others (Hebrews 12:14). While we submit to governing authorities and pray for them (Romans 13:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-2), we recognize that all political systems ultimately stand opposed to the Prince of Peace and will be brought under His reign by the power of the Gospel (Isaiah 9:6–7; Revelation 11:15). Therefore, we do not intentionally take others’ lives, nor do we willingly facilitate violence.

Permanence of Marriage

God ordained marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6). Apart from sexual infidelity or abuse, divorce is not permitted (Malachi 2:16; Matthew 19:9). For couples who are separated, remarriage to another person is not in keeping with God’s plan for marriage (Romans 7:2–3; 1 Corinthians 7:10–11).

How Do We Do Church?

Participatory, Spirit-enabled Community

Scripture teaches that leadership in the church (elders/shepherds and deacons ministering together) is to build the church up, to encourage the use of gifts, and to protect it from false teaching (Ephesians 4:11–12; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9). This leadership does not take take over the responsibilities of the church, but facilitates each member to share their gifts in ways that build up the body (1 Peter 4:10–11). The Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers for building up the church, and these gifts are to be exercised in love and mutual encouragement (1 Corinthians 12:4–7; 1 Corinthians 13:1–13). Each member has a role, and all gifts are necessary for the body’s health (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). We value all gifts in Scripture to strengthen the community, when following Paul’s guidance on their use (1 Corinthians 14:3–5, 26, 40; Ephesians 4:11–12).

Community that Values Men and Women

In our gatherings, both men and women have authority to pray and prophesy, and this is reflected in men with uncovered heads and women with covered heads (1 Corinthians 11:4–5, 11–12; Acts 2:17–18). While the lead pastoral role is filled by a man, we affirm women’s giftings in all areas as well (Romans 12:6–8; Acts 21:9). We celebrate the differences in gender as God designed, but recognize that no one is bound to stereotypes (Genesis 1:27; Galatians 3:28).

Community that Celebrates Communion

Jesus provided a way to remember His sacrifice and the uniting power of His blood through the Eucharist (Luke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). We welcome anyone that is following Jesus to participate, with the understanding that as we share together, we profess the unity that calls us to speak the truth in love and provoke one another to good works (John 17:20–21; Ephesians 4:12-16; Hebrews 10:24–25).

Honest, Grace-Filled Community

In areas that Scripture does not directly speak to, we encourage liberty rather than squabbling or judgment (Romans 14:1–6; Colossians 2:16). The apostles seemed to think that divisions among the church was one of the greatest threats, and we agree (1 Corinthians 1:10–13). Arguing over sabbaths, food, drink, holidays, and other topics was specifically forbidden in the apostolic teachings (Romans 14:1–23; Colossians 2:16–17). The grace we show does not preclude being honest about concerns. Instead, we encourage the gracious accountability of living openly among each other and thoughtfully receiving concerns (Galatians 6:1–2; Ephesians 4:15). In the event that a minority of the church is in disagreement with a decision, the whole church will hear well their concern (Acts 15:12–21; Romans 14). Mutual submission is a hallmark of our community, and we look to resolve such conflict peaceably and move forward (Ephesians 5:21; Matthew 18:15–17).

Safe Community

Abuse in any form—physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual—is sin, and often a crime. Such things must not be tolerated within Christ’s church (Ephesians 5:11; Proverbs 31:8–9; Luke 17.1-2). Any suspicion of abuse of a minor will be directly reported to authorities for investigation and protection of the minor (Romans 13:1–4).

Community that Expands

While we often fall short, our goal is to be close-knit but not insular, putting our “light under a basket” (Matthew 5:14–16; 28:18-20). We engage with those around us through hospitality, practical care, and other demonstrations of Christ’s love (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9). We welcome all ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds into our community and seek to build his Kingdom globally, in anticipation of every tribe, tongue and nation gathering in eternal worship. (Revelation 7:9–10; Acts 10:34–35)