Statement of Faith
What guides our mission

Nathan Martin • Lead Pastor
August 6, 2026

10 Minute Read

In essential beliefs we have unity.

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. - Ephesians 4:4-6

In non-essential beliefs we have liberty.

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgement on disputable matters... Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To His own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand... So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. - Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22

In all things we show love.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. - 1 Corinthians 13:2

Our Essential Beliefs

The Bible

The sole basis of our belief is the Bible, composed of the 66 books of the Old and New Testament. We believe the Bible is God’s Word to us. We believe that Scripture in its entirety originated with God and this it was given through chosen men, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible thus at one and the same time speaks with the authority of God and reflects the backgrounds, styles, and vocabularies of the human authors.

Comments: Human reason is a powerful tool, but it is distorted by our finite and often self-centered perspective. Reason alone cannot comprehend who God is beyond the simple awareness that He exists. If we are to have a relationship with God, He will have to break through our limitations and get to us. The Bible is the written summary of His attempts to do that. Because God cannot lie, this written Word is completely reliable, so we must let it judge us instead of us judge it. Though other books, both modern and ancient, may contain helpful spiritual truth, no other writings are “God-breathed” in the way that the Bible is - truth is mixed with error everywhere except in the Bible. That is why we base our beliefs on its teaching and submit all our thoughts and plans to its scrutiny.
Some Practical Applications: We try to regularly read and study the Bible, privately and publicly, to understand its message. We reject claims that any human intermediary is necessary for us to know and relate to God - we have His Word, and we are each responsible to learn what it says. All aspects of our life and conduct must be submitted to what the Bible teaches about that area - we must obey what we discover God has commanded. Messages given by Community Christian teachers must provide teaching supported by Scripture. We do not accept doctrines, no matter what is claimed as their source, if they do not square with what the Bible says; supposed "modern prophets", "new revelation", or any message - even if apparently given miraculously - must be tested by the Bible.
God

We believe that there is one true, holy God, eternally existing as three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Comments: The Bible begins with the phrase, "In the beginning, God..." God has always existed - His nature and being are eternal. We also learn about God from His revelation to us that three distinct "persons" are called God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Because the Bible clearly teaches there is only one God (not three Gods), we understand that these three persons must fully share the one and only divine nature. Though not biblical, we use the term "Trinity" as a label for the teaching that God has a singular nature but a plural personality. God continues to play an active role in relating to mankind, specifically in rescuing us from our rejection of His love and His legitimate right to be glorified as our Creator.
Some Practical Applications: Knowing God is our highest priority - substituting any activity or allowing any passion to become stronger is idolatry. We can count on God to be active throughout our lifetime. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28) He is actively involved in our lives so we develop a vital relationship with Him based on deep trust that comes before all other loyalties.
Jesus Christ

Jesus is the son of God. He is called Christ or Messiah. These terms mean that He is God’s chosen to deliver humanity from sin. (Luke)

Comments: Jesus is God is the flesh, who is unlike any person who has or ever will live. He is not part divine, part human - He is fully both; all of God dwelt in Him, and His humanity was complete. His birth evidences His humanity in that He was born in the normal way from a human mother, yet His divinity is established by virtue of the fact His mother was a virgin who conceived miraculously. In His humanity, He experienced every human limitation except sin; He was like us in every way except that He never disobeyed His heavenly Father. In His divinity He is coequal with His Father and the Holy Spirit from all eternity. His death did not end His existence, but after He had paid for our sin on the cross, He rose from the dead on the third day. He is our ongoing mediator between us and the Father, ever mindful of our needs. always concerned for our well-being. He will return to earth visibly and bodily to judge humanity and take His followers to heaven.
Some Practical Applications: We are called Christians because we follow Jesus who is the Christ. Because our salvation was secured by a perfect sacrifice of a perfect person, we live knowing that we are totally and unconditionally forgiven from sin now, rather than hoping we will be forgiven at some future point; we are secure in the grace of God through Christ. Knowing that Jesus will return some day, we hold on loosely to the things of this world, counting on heaven to be our permanent home.
The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity. He was sent into the world by the Father and the Son to open the minds of sinners, awaken in them recognition of their need of a Savior. When a person becomes a follower of Christ the Holy Spirit permanently dwells in him to become the source of assurance, strength, and wisdom, and gives him gifts for the building up of the church. The Holy Spirit guides believers in understanding and applying the Scripture, making it possible for the believer to lead a life of Christlike character bringing glory to God.

Comments: The Holy Spirit is God. Scripture describes Him with personal pronouns and reveals He has personal attributes. He works "behind the scenes" to prepare people to hear the Gospel and bring them to the point of becoming a Christ follower. His ministry in us includes: helping us understand the Bible, making us more aware of things we do that don't please God, assuring us we are God's children, empowering us for witness, gifting us to uniquely serve others in the church, helping our prayer life through interceding for us, and producing in us the kind of character that makes us credible, persuasive representatives of Jesus Christ.
Some Practical Applications: As saved people, we are continually striving to be more like the One who saved us; we are not content just to be forgiven; we want to exemplify Christlike behavior in every area of life - we will never give up the fight to resist sin and be like him in word and deed. The Christian life is more than just "being good" - we need the Holy Spirit to become like Christ; therefore, our daily lives must be yielded to the Spirit in a moment-by-moment surrender or our self-improvement efforts will be useless. When we share Christ with others, the message we present is effective not because of our superior reasoning or irresistible presentation, but because of the Spirit being free to work through us and in the heart of the person we're talking to; therefore, we depend ultimately on His invisible activity through our limited understanding of what will reach the person.
Salvation

The salvation of mankind is entirely a work of God's free grace. The central purpose of God’s Revelation in the Bible is to call all people into a relationship with Him. Originally created to be in relationship with God, man rebelled against Him, choosing to go his own way, and because of that the relationship with God was broken. This took place at the beginning of human history, and all individuals since have suffered these consequences and are therefore in need of the saving grace of God.

Comments: The common myth that humankind is basically good is not supported by the Bible. We were originally created good, but the first man and woman rejected God's rightful place in their lives, so we are all now infected with the disease called "sin" and are spiritually separated from God. This condition is without remedy through human effort. If God had left us to ourselves, all of us would continue in disobedience and rejection of Him. The good news is that he has provided a way out of our dilemma through the death of Jesus Christ, which paid the penalty for our sins. Those who chose to follow Christ will be restored to a right relationship with God.
Some Practical Applications: The Bible teaches that we accept Christ by grace through faith. It teaches this faith is one that leads to repent, to believe that Jesus is God’s resurrected son, confesses Jesus as Lord and leads us to be baptized. Knowing we are all sinful we conduct our lives mindful of sin's ongoing potential to misdirect us.
Human Destiny

Death seals the eternal destiny of each person. For all mankind, there will be a resurrection of the body into the spiritual world and a judgment that will determine the fate of each individual. Unbelievers will be separated from God. Believers will be received into eternal life with God.

Comments: There are no "second chances" after we die. Our relationship to God for eternity is set by how we respond to Him in this life. He fixes our eternal condition based on our life preferences: heaven and hell are simply the fulfillment of our choices. If we welcomed His leadership and followed Him, He is pleased to continue that relationship for all eternity. If on the other hand we looked for ways to avoid Him and sought to live in behavior He condemned, He will allow us to continue unbothered by His presence and commands forever.
Some Practical Applications: Though we know good works can’t earn heaven, we are taught that our obedience pleases God and will be rewarded.
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August 6, 2026 • 10 Minute Read
Statement of Faith
In essential beliefs we have unity. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. - Ephesians 4:4-6 In non-essential beliefs we have liberty. Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgement on disputable matters... Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To His own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand... So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. - Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22 In all things we show love. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. - 1 Corinthians 13:2 Our Essential Beliefs The Bible The sole basis of our belief is the Bible, composed of the 66 books of the Old and New Testament. We believe the Bible is God’s Word to us. We believe that Scripture in its entirety originated with God and this it was given through chosen men, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible thus at one and the same time speaks with the authority of God and reflects the backgrounds, styles, and vocabularies of the human authors. Comments: Human reason is a powerful tool, but it is distorted by our finite and often self-centered perspective. Reason alone cannot comprehend who God is beyond the simple awareness that He exists. If we are to have a relationship with God, He will have to break through our limitations and get to us. The Bible is the written summary of His attempts to do that. Because God cannot lie, this written Word is completely reliable, so we must let it judge us instead of us judge it. Though other books, both modern and ancient, may contain helpful spiritual truth, no other writings are “God-breathed” in the way that the Bible is - truth is mixed with error everywhere except in the Bible. That is why we base our beliefs on its teaching and submit all our thoughts and plans to its scrutiny. Some Practical Applications: We try to regularly read and study the Bible, privately and publicly, to understand its message. We reject claims that any human intermediary is necessary for us to know and relate to God - we have His Word, and we are each responsible to learn what it says. All aspects of our life and conduct must be submitted to what the Bible teaches about that area - we must obey what we discover God has commanded. Messages given by Community Christian teachers must provide teaching supported by Scripture. We do not accept doctrines, no matter what is claimed as their source, if they do not square with what the Bible says; supposed "modern prophets", "new revelation", or any message - even if apparently given miraculously - must be tested by the Bible. God We believe that there is one true, holy God, eternally existing as three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Comments: The Bible begins with the phrase, "In the beginning, God..." God has always existed - His nature and being are eternal. We also learn about God from His revelation to us that three distinct "persons" are called God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Because the Bible clearly teaches there is only one God (not three Gods), we understand that these three persons must fully share the one and only divine nature. Though not biblical, we use the term "Trinity" as a label for the teaching that God has a singular nature but a plural personality. God continues to play an active role in relating to mankind, specifically in rescuing us from our rejection of His love and His legitimate right to be glorified as our Creator. Some Practical Applications: Knowing God is our highest priority - substituting any activity or allowing any passion to become stronger is idolatry. We can count on God to be active throughout our lifetime. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28) He is actively involved in our lives so we develop a vital relationship with Him based on deep trust that comes before all other loyalties. Jesus Christ Jesus is the son of God. He is called Christ or Messiah. These terms mean that He is God’s chosen to deliver humanity from sin. (Luke) Comments: Jesus is God is the flesh, who is unlike any person who has or ever will live. He is not part divine, part human - He is fully both; all of God dwelt in Him, and His humanity was complete. His birth evidences His humanity in that He was born in the normal way from a human mother, yet His divinity is established by virtue of the fact His mother was a virgin who conceived miraculously. In His humanity, He experienced every human limitation except sin; He was like us in every way except that He never disobeyed His heavenly Father. In His divinity He is coequal with His Father and the Holy Spirit from all eternity. His death did not end His existence, but after He had paid for our sin on the cross, He rose from the dead on the third day. He is our ongoing mediator between us and the Father, ever mindful of our needs. always concerned for our well-being. He will return to earth visibly and bodily to judge humanity and take His followers to heaven. Some Practical Applications: We are called Christians because we follow Jesus who is the Christ. Because our salvation was secured by a perfect sacrifice of a perfect person, we live knowing that we are totally and unconditionally forgiven from sin now, rather than hoping we will be forgiven at some future point; we are secure in the grace of God through Christ. Knowing that Jesus will return some day, we hold on loosely to the things of this world, counting on heaven to be our permanent home. The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity. He was sent into the world by the Father and the Son to open the minds of sinners, awaken in them recognition of their need of a Savior. When a person becomes a follower of Christ the Holy Spirit permanently dwells in him to become the source of assurance, strength, and wisdom, and gives him gifts for the building up of the church. The Holy Spirit guides believers in understanding and applying the Scripture, making it possible for the believer to lead a life of Christlike character bringing glory to God. Comments: The Holy Spirit is God. Scripture describes Him with personal pronouns and reveals He has personal attributes. He works "behind the scenes" to prepare people to hear the Gospel and bring them to the point of becoming a Christ follower. His ministry in us includes: helping us understand the Bible, making us more aware of things we do that don't please God, assuring us we are God's children, empowering us for witness, gifting us to uniquely serve others in the church, helping our prayer life through interceding for us, and producing in us the kind of character that makes us credible, persuasive representatives of Jesus Christ. Some Practical Applications: As saved people, we are continually striving to be more like the One who saved us; we are not content just to be forgiven; we want to exemplify Christlike behavior in every area of life - we will never give up the fight to resist sin and be like him in word and deed. The Christian life is more than just "being good" - we need the Holy Spirit to become like Christ; therefore, our daily lives must be yielded to the Spirit in a moment-by-moment surrender or our self-improvement efforts will be useless. When we share Christ with others, the message we present is effective not because of our superior reasoning or irresistible presentation, but because of the Spirit being free to work through us and in the heart of the person we're talking to; therefore, we depend ultimately on His invisible activity through our limited understanding of what will reach the person. Salvation The salvation of mankind is entirely a work of God's free grace. The central purpose of God’s Revelation in the Bible is to call all people into a relationship with Him. Originally created to be in relationship with God, man rebelled against Him, choosing to go his own way, and because of that the relationship with God was broken. This took place at the beginning of human history, and all individuals since have suffered these consequences and are therefore in need of the saving grace of God. Comments: The common myth that humankind is basically good is not supported by the Bible. We were originally created good, but the first man and woman rejected God's rightful place in their lives, so we are all now infected with the disease called "sin" and are spiritually separated from God. This condition is without remedy through human effort. If God had left us to ourselves, all of us would continue in disobedience and rejection of Him. The good news is that he has provided a way out of our dilemma through the death of Jesus Christ, which paid the penalty for our sins. Those who chose to follow Christ will be restored to a right relationship with God. Some Practical Applications: The Bible teaches that we accept Christ by grace through faith. It teaches this faith is one that leads to repent, to believe that Jesus is God’s resurrected son, confesses Jesus as Lord and leads us to be baptized. Knowing we are all sinful we conduct our lives mindful of sin's ongoing potential to misdirect us. Human Destiny Death seals the eternal destiny of each person. For all mankind, there will be a resurrection of the body into the spiritual world and a judgment that will determine the fate of each individual. Unbelievers will be separated from God. Believers will be received into eternal life with God. Comments: There are no "second chances" after we die. Our relationship to God for eternity is set by how we respond to Him in this life. He fixes our eternal condition based on our life preferences: heaven and hell are simply the fulfillment of our choices. If we welcomed His leadership and followed Him, He is pleased to continue that relationship for all eternity. If on the other hand we looked for ways to avoid Him and sought to live in behavior He condemned, He will allow us to continue unbothered by His presence and commands forever. Some Practical Applications: Though we know good works can’t earn heaven, we are taught that our obedience pleases God and will be rewarded.

Nathan Martin

Lead Pastor