Our Distinctiveness:
1. Approach to the Scriptures:
- We recognize the ancient manuscripts of the Bible as the only inspired Scriptures and authority (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. There are 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 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 believe a cappella music (without musical instruments) is beautiful and 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.
- 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 belong to any denominational organizations.
- 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.
