1. Approach to the Scriptures:

--We recognize the ancient manuscripts of the Bible as God's Word.  (2 Timothy 3:16).

--We attempt to understand the original meaning of these Scriptures in their historical and biblical context.

--We work to derive timeless, cultureless, principles from this understanding.

--We rely upon the Spirit to help us apply these principles to ourselves in our culture (Ephesians 1:17-19).

--We use a variety of English Bible translations, commentaries, and study helps, recognizing them as human attempts to better understand His word.

--Bible knowledge is important to us.  So we strive to have an excellent Bible learning program (2 Timothy 2:15).

2. Priesthood of ALL Believers:

--We believe every Christian is a priest (1 Peter 2:4-12). 

--Every Christian has the privilege to come before the throne of grace and connect to God.  We have no clergy or laity (Hebrews 4:14-16).

--All men and women are called to serve before God as his priests.  In worship any Christian can lead prayer, read scripture, preach or offer Communion (Acts 2:17-18).

--We believe in open communion; everyone is invited to participate (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

--We want people to be honest in their search for God, so we attempt to create an atmosphere which is open to questions and expressions of other points of view.

3. A cappella Music:

--We mostly sing with a cappella music (without musical instruments) This practice beautifully demonstrates the concept of the priesthood of believers in a real way; we all sing.

--We also believe it is a dynamic model for unity; we all sing with differing abilities, we sing different parts, but we all sing the same song.

--We hold singing without instruments as a part of our heritage and value it as a cherished tradition.

4. Family Model of Worship:

--We have chosen a “Family” model of worship to express our praise to God.  We strive to create an atmosphere of interconnection with each other as we connect to God in worship.

--We attempt to create an informal, welcoming family atmosphere.

--Kids are often "distractions" but we believe the kids own the kingdom.

--We laugh, cry, sing, praise and express thanks as a family of God.  There are special times during our assemblies to share joys and sorrows with the family (Ephesians 2:19-22).

5. Congregational Autonomy:

--Our congregation is independent. We do not have any denominational organization.

--We have elders, chosen from the congregation, who oversee and serve our congregation (Acts 20:28). They are our spiritual leaders.

--Our paid staff are not elders or pastors, but each has ministerial responsibilities to teach, preach and minister to the church family.

6. Baptism:

--We baptize by immersion in water (Acts 8:26-39).

--We baptize believers who confess their faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.

--We baptize the believer as soon as he or she is ready.

--We do not baptize infants.  We do have a “Baby Dedication Service” to encourage parents and the congregation to make a commitment to dedicate the children to God.