BIBLE AS OUR SOLE AUTHORITY

Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

AUTONOMY OF EACH LOCAL CHURCH

Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.

PRIESTHOOD OF EVERY BELIEVER

The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.

SIMPLICITY IN WORSHIP

By using the Bible as our only source of authority, we seek the guidance of the early church in matters of opinion over styles and preferences in worship. The early Christians kept things simple. During corporate worship they carried out a few acts of praise and reflection to honor God. Acappella singing, for example, was the simple, standard style of the church for the first 300 years. Also like the early church, we offer Communion on a regular basis (each week) to allow Christians the opportunity of remembering Jesus. We choose to follow this pattern as a discipline of simplicity and unity -- to focus our worship on Christ, not personal preferences.

GIVING OF TIME AND RESOURCES

For Christ's Church to carry out its mission as ambassadors for reconciliation with God, those who have committed to follow Christ must be supportive in giving God a portion of what they have.

SPIRIT-LED LIVING

We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. We seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to strengthen us.

TELLING OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST

It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those with whom God brings us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.