DOCTRINAL PHILOSOPHY
When it comes to doctrine, our church puts the following phrase into practice:
“In essentials; unity, in non-essentials; liberty, in all things; charity.”
CORE THEOLOGICAL COMMITMENTS
We are deeply committed to a high Christology. Everything we do at SWC if for and because of Jesus.
We are committed to a biblically rooted and theologically mature system of practice and belief. We also believe that the church is at its best when we enjoy unity in the midst of diversity.
We hold to the orthodox truths expressed in the Nicene Creed. We believe in the Trinity – that the one true God eternally exists as three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We praise God for the gift of the Scriptures and seek to study them every week in good faith, solid reason, and in the context of history, grammar, theology, and culture.
CORE ECCLESIOLOGICAL (Church Practice) COMMITMENTS
- We practice open communion every week.
All are welcome at the table with no exceptions. Jesus sought table-fellowship with all, especially those who would normally be excluded. We practice open communion because it is not our table, it is Jesus’ table and he invites everyone.
- We are committed to an egalitarian faith.
We recognize and affirm that the Holy Spirit equally fills all believers, not just some. We celebrate the priesthood of all believers without exception. We enjoy the benefits and unique gifts that God gives everyone who calls SWC home.
- We practice believer baptism.
We believe water baptism is an individual’s public commitment to Jesus, and is an act of obedience, worship, and grace. However, we also affirm the baptismal practices of other traditions.
CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
We approach controversial issues, politics, and even difficult Scriptures with grace, humility, and a conceptual framework that is both Jesus-centered and Kingdom-focused. A community in contradiction is often stronger than a community in full agreement. We embrace the fact that we don’t have everything figured out.