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 biblically rooted and theologically mature system of belief at our church. However, we also believe that the church is a city on a hill when we enjoy unity in the midst of diversity.
We hold faithfully to the orthodox truths expressed in the Nicene Creed. We find that our Scriptures and faith make the most sense when understood in light of the Trinity – the belief 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 in good faith, solid reason, and 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. We believe that in the Gospels Jesus sought table-fellowship with all, especially those who would normally be excluded. We believe the only people not found at Jesus’ table were those who excluded themselves. We practice open communion because it is not our table, it is Jesus’ table that we enjoy together each Sunday.
- We affirm women in leadership without restrictions.
We recognize that the Holy Spirit equally fills both men and women and enjoy the benefits of the unique gifts and graces that God gives each believer regardless of gender.
- We practice believer baptism.
We believe that upon an individual’s public commitment to Jesus that their immersion, water baptism 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.