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.
7. Facilities:
--Because of our family model of worship, our building is designed to be used for a variety of functions including education, fellowship and worship.
--We strive to keep our facilities presentable, safe, clean, fun, and available as tools for carrying out this emphasis.