We are biblically grounded

The Bible is God’s living and active word and is completely true in all that it teaches. Because it is God’s gracious self-revelation, we joyfully submit to its authority and wisdom in all areas of life. 

We are Gospel-centered

The gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. Jesus’ full, atoning work for sinners can redeem and transform any life, family or culture. This reality provides great confidence and joy in the present and a sure hope for the future. 

We are historically connected

We believe the truth taught in the Bible is faithfully summarized in the historic creeds of the early church and the Westminster Standards. 

We are prayerfully dependent

We recognize that we can do nothing without God. God has called us to pray, recognizing our absolute dependence upon Him. We may be confident that God hears our prayers and answers in the way that most glorifies Him. 

We are intentionally relational

Christianity is inherently relational. Loving, knowing, and worshiping our relational God gives us a foundation of love upon which we actively build strong, substantive relationships with believers and unbelievers. 

We are outwardly focused

We do not exist solely for ourselves but for our lost friends, neighbors and the world. We answer God’s call to be salt and light in a dying world by directly proclaiming the gospel in word and deed and supporting others who do the same.

All Christians are called to be disciples of Christ. A healthy, maturing disciple is someone who is growing and changing, and becoming more like Jesus. This transformation takes place by the power of the Holy Spirit as an individual learns and experiences the truth of the gospel through the means of grace in loving, accountable community with other believers.

The Gospel informs, guides and redeems all areas of life. It restores us as true image-bearers of God. As a result, the categorical distinction between “sacred” and “secular” is dissolved as all of life is lived under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

We believe discipleship is best nurtured in the context of gospel-centered relationships in which we help each other think and live biblically in relationship with Christ and one another.

A healthy, maturing disciple is characterized by continued growth in three main areas:

THE HEAD

• Discipleship begins when one is brought into a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Spiritual growth, then, is centered on a true knowledge of Jesus’ person and work.
• The Bible is the primary source for everything we need to understand who God is and what He requires of us. We must engage our minds in the study of the Scriptures, both personally, in Bible reading, study and memorization, quiet time, and using other methods, as well as corporately, in large groups, small groups, and one on one.
• We engage our minds in God centered worship by singing hymns and songs that are defined and directed by Scripture, ever mindful that God himself is our audience.
• We seek to be so filled with His Word and wisdom that we are fully equipped for all of life.

THE HEART

• While scripture commands us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, acquiring biblical knowledge is not the end of Christian discipleship. Genuine believers live in dynamic relationship with God.
• By the work of the Holy Spirit, God becomes our first love and the object of our worship. As a result, we come to love what he loves, desire what He desires, delight in what delights Him, and live out gospel truth in our daily lives.
• Those who have been transformed by the Spirit of God will find great joy and confidence in the finished work of Christ.
• Transformed hearts also value and embrace human relationships. Growing disciples spend significant time in various settings (large groups, small groups and one-on-one) with other believers, encouraging one another, loving one another, correcting one another, praying with and for one another, and moving one another on toward greater gospel health.

THE HANDS

• As we grow in our understanding of God and the gospel, our love expands beyond ourselves toward others.
• Our love for others manifests itself through practical, sacrificial service. Our service begins in the household of God by showing mercy to our own families and to those in our congregation.
• Christian service also addresses those outside the visible church. Ministries of word and deed proclaim the gospel and provide practical care for unbelievers. Such service looks to our families, friends and neighbors, and the whole world, personally, corporately, and through those called to mission work.