1. Christ-Centeredness Jesus Christ is our all in all. In Him we are complete. Ministry is not an end in itself, but the outflow of our personal relationship with Christ.
2. The Biblical Gospel The method that God uses for the conversion and transformation of lives is the biblical Gospel. Just to plant churches is not enough. Planting churches is in vain if they are not deeply rooted in the biblical and historical “faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3b) The accurate understanding of God’s message will also determine effective missionary methodology.
3. Compassion Compassion is the fruit of genuine faith. Is also the nature of God. If we genuinely know God, we will love others and care for those in need. The conviction of Gospel truth always impacts every area of life, both spiritual and physical.
4. The Guidance of the Holy Spirit Where we work and how is not determined by ourselves but by the Holy Spirit. We determine His guidance through the Word of God and through God’s providence when great needs, great opportunities, and an ability to help intersect.
5. Prayer Because the task of making disciples of all nations is far beyond our own ability, we must devote ourselves to continual prayer. Through prayer, we remain dependent upon the Spirit who alone can do the work.
6. Church Planting The Church, established in every locality, is God’s instrument in reaching out to the world. Often, mass evangelistic efforts only produce quick and superficial decisions leading to false conversions. the local church’s influence; however, is not short-term or haphazard. Each biblically-based church is a beachhead from which the Gospel continues to be preached and disciples taught.
7. Leadership training The key to church planting is leadership. Without strong leaders, planted churches will fall apart. Our part is to come alongside leaders that are called of God and equip them to serve.
8. Working Through Relationships Fulfilling the Great Commission is only possible through the body of Christ working together in unity. Fruitful ministry flows out of Christ-centered relationships.
9. Indigenous Methods Our aim is to plant churches that are not dependent on outsiders for their continuance. Dependency robs native leaders of initiative and stifles responsibility. Indigenous churches are self-governing, self-financing, and self-propagating.
10. Building for the Long Term Our aim is not to engage in random, short-term ministry, having no sense of continuance in the fields where we labor. Our priority is to build works that will stand and keep functioning after we leave, even for generations. The true test for missionary work is not what happens when we are on the field, but what continues to happen when we leave.
11. Cultural Sensitivity We prove that we value and respect the people we are trying to reach by becoming learners of their language and culture. We should adapt to all cultural practices that do not compromise the Gospel.
12. Unreached and Receptive Peoples Our first priority is to the completely unreached peoples over those who already live within the reach of a community of believers. We also place a priority toward receptive people above those who are unreceptive. Receptive peoples are those who, by the Holy Spirit’s working, are open and hungry to hear the Gospel.
We will demonstrate our commitment to Christ through our practice of the spiritual disciplines; we will demonstrate our commitment to the body of Christ through our loyalty to God and commitment to His church; and we will demonstrate our commitment to the work of Christ through our being good stewards through the Following:
Spiritual Example
Moral Purity
Personal Integrity
Family Responsibility
Behavioral Temperance
Modest Apperance
Social Obligation
THE GODHEAD
Our God is One God but manifests Himself and reveals Himself in three Persons: The Father, The Son, and the Holy Ghost. They are co-equal, co-existent, co-operative, eternal in nature, and holy in divine essence. Jesus said, “I and my Father are One.” (John 10:30). God said, “Let us make man in our image.” (Genesis 1:26)
Scripture references: 1 John 5:7‑8; 1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 1:9, 11, 17-18; Colossians 2:8‑10; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 2:6‑7; John 1:1, 3, 14; Genesis 1:1, 26; Hebrews 1:1‑3, 10.
THE SCRIPTURES
The Bible is the inspired Word of God as has come down to us as holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. The Bible, God’s Word is our infallible guide in matters pertaining to faith, doctrine, and conduct.
Scripture references: 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21.
Open Prophecy: Prophecies coming forth in the body, whether by tongue and their interpretation, or otherwise. These shall be confirmed by scripture to be accepted as valid according to 1 Corinthians 14:13, 29‑32. They are for the purpose of edification, exhortation, and comfort (2 Peter 1:19‑21).
THE FALL OF MAN AND HIS REDEMPTION
Man was created and made by the special acts of God (Genesis 1:27; 2:7).
He was made in the likeness and image of God in holiness, endowed with intelligence, conscience, and will so that he could hold dominion over all things on earth and exercise free choice. His intelligence made him responsible for all his acts, but through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God and fell from his original holiness. Whereby his posterity inherited a sinful nature corrupt and in bondage to Satan’s dominion, are under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral judgment (age of accountability) or have the knowledge of good and evil, they become actual transgressors.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who by the Holy Spirit was born of the virgin Mary, took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin, honored the command of God by personal obedience, gave His life, and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God. Redemption is provided for all, but not all accept.
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST
The literal resurrection of Jesus Christ is established by many infallible proofs:
Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 15:3‑4; 2 Corinthians 5:1‑8; John 5:28‑29; 20:1‑9, 24‑29; Acts 24:15; Matthew 28:6; 1 Timothy 2:5‑6.
THE NEW BIRTH (SALVATION)
The new birth brings God’s salvation to a person by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Godly sorrow works repentance in the heart and produces faith in Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. Born again people become partakers of God’s nature as we believe in Jesus Christ in our heart, and subsequentially confess to Him with our mouth as Lord and Savior.
Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:12; Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5‑6; Galatians 5:24.
SANCTIFICATION
We believe in the doctrine of sanctification, as a definite, yet progressive work of grace. Sanctification is the experience beginning with the new birth by which the believer is set apart for God’s purposes and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual excellence through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerated person’s life.
The Bible teaches that without true holiness, no man can truly see the Lord.
Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 1:3; John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:12; Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5‑6; Galatians 5:24.
THE CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST
Scripture references: Hebrews 10:24‑25; 1 Corinthians 12:12‑27; Ephesians 1:22‑23; Colossians 1:17‑19; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 2:41‑42; Romans 12:4‑5.
THE ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH
The ordinances of a New Testament Church are water baptism and the Lord’s Supper (communion). They are symbolic acts, setting forth spiritual truths.
WATER BAPTISM
New Testament baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
It is considered an act of obedience, symbolizing the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Jesus Christ.
It is a testimony to his faith in the coming final resurrection from the dead.
Scripture references: Matthew 28:18‑20; Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:4; Acts 8: 36‑39.
THE LORD’S SUPPER
This ordinance symbolizes the Lord’s body and the shed blood of our Savior, our participation in the benefits of His atoning death and the covenant which He sealed with His own blood.
It represents our union with Him who is the sustenance of our spiritual life.
It is a memorial of His death and looks forward to His coming again.
We are to search our hearts diligently and examine ourselves carefully before coming to this ordinance.
We are to approach it with reverence and understanding.
The “cup”/the “fruit of the vine” represents the precious blood of Jesus.
The bread is a symbol or emblem for the broken body of Jesus.
When we partake of it in communion, we are to remember that His body was given for our physical and spiritual health/healing.
It should bring us into closer fellowship with God and also each other.
Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 11:27‑32; Matthew 26:26‑27; 1 Corinthians 11:24; Matthew 26:28‑29; Psalms 22:14, 34:20; John 19:36.
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY GHOST
The baptism in/with the Holy Spirit is a gift from God as promised by Jesus to all believers. This experience is accompanied by the speaking in new or other tongues as the Holy Spirit Himself gives the utterance.
The Spirit brings power for service and ministry. The nine gifts of the Spirit can and should operate through the believer who has received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Scripture references: Acts 19:1-7; John 14: 16-17; Matt. 3:11; Acts 2:4; Mark 16:16-18; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:38-39.
STEWARDSHIP
God is the source of all temporal and spiritual blessings. All that we have and all that is good, we owe to Him. We are under obligation to serve Him with our time, talents, and material blessings, and should recognize all these as entrusted to us to use for the glory of God in helping others.
Christians should cheerfully, regularly, proportionately and liberally contribute of their means to advancing the Redeemer’s cause in the earth. We believe in the principles of tithing and in the principles of sowing and reaping. One always reaps more than he sows.
Scripture references: Malachi 3:8‑10; Matthew 25:14‑20; 2 Corinthians 9:6‑12; 2 Corinthians 8:1‑7; Luke 12:42‑43; 16:10‑13; 12:15; Matthew 22:21; Psalms 126:6; Galatians 6:7‑9; Genesis 26:12.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the teachings, traditions and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained therein. We also believe in a free church (called-out ones, existing on earth or in Heaven) in a free state.
Scripture references: Matthew 16:18; 1 Timothy 2:1‑2; Matthew 15:1‑6; Mark 7:5‑13; Romans 13:1‑7; Deuteronomy 18:22.
DIVINE HEALING
Sickness and death came upon the human family (race) because of sin. Healing is for the physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God through the prayer of faith, the laying on of hands and by anointing with oil. The Lord committed this healing ministry to all believers. It is provided for in the Atonement of Christ for all who will receive this provision by faith.
Scripture references: Romans 5:12; Mark 16:15‑20; James 5:14‑15; 1 Peter 2:24; Matthew 8:17; Isaiah 53:4‑5.
HEAVEN AND ETERNAL BLISS
We believe in Heaven as a literal place prepared by Jesus for all true believers and is the abode of all who have departed this earthly life in the faith and grace of God.
Scripture references: John 14:1‑4; 2 Corinthians 5:1‑4; Revelations 21:27; Luke 23:42‑43; Psalms 16:11; 1 Corinthians 15:41‑44, 53; 1 John 3:2.
HELL AND ETERNAL RETRIBUTION
The one who physically dies in his sins without accepting Christ’s salvation is hopelessly and eternally lost to be placed in the lake of fire, and therefore, has no further opportunity of hearing the gospel and repenting.
The Lake of Fire is literal!
The terms “eternal” and “everlasting” used in describing the duration of the punishment of the damned in the lake of fire, carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence as used in denoting the duration of joy and ecstasy of the saints in Heaven in the presence of God.
Scripture references: Revelations 20:12‑15; Hebrews 9:27; Revelations 19:20; Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:44‑48; Revelations 21:8; John 15:6; Psalms 7:11.
RESURRECTION OF THE JUST AND THE RETURN OF OUR LORD
The angels said to Jesus’ disciples, “This same Jesus shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven.”
His coming is imminent.
When He comes, “the dead in Christ shall rise first; then, we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.” Following the tribulation to come (7 years), He shall return to the earth as King of kings, and Lord of lords, and together with His saints, the kings and priests, He (to include the good angels also) shall reign a thousand years during which time Satan, fallen angels and all demons shall be bound.
Scripture references: Matthew 25:31‑32; Acts 1:9‑11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16‑18; Revelations 19:11‑16; 20:1‑4.
THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE
We believe God is the Creator and the Sustainer of all life. We believe that human life is made in God’s image having eternal value and is therefore sacred. God’s sovereignty is involved in every stage of life including the pre-birth process, for human life begins at conception, and nothing is added to it after conception so as to make it fully human, either spiritually or physically. God bestows on human life great value regardless of age, intelligence, physical advantage, or social opportunity. God has said He has a purpose for each human life potentially involving coming to faith and newness of life in Christ Jesus the Lord. We believe that abortion and euthanasia are sins against the human race but especially against the Sovereign God which will meet with His righteous judgment.
Scripture references: Genesis 1:27; Colossians 1:16‑17; Psalms 139:13‑16; Jeremiah 1:5; Exodus 4:10‑11; Isaiah 46:3‑4; Luke 14:13‑14; Proverbs 6:16‑17; Exodus 23:7.
CHRISTIANS AND GOVERNMENT
We believe that Christians should take an active part in the privileges of voting, having their voices heard for what is just and righteous in the sight of God, and taking an active part in political issues that concern our future. We should all take a stand for the things that are moral and for the principles God has given us in His Word to live by. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto, in all things not contrary to the revealed will (Word) of God.
Scripture references: Romans 13:1‑7; 2 Timothy 2:4‑5; Luke 20:22‑25.
EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS
It is the duty of every believer and the church corporate to seek to extend the Gospel to the ends of the earth. It is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort and by all other methods sanctioned in the gospel of Christ. Not only is this our duty, but a true privilege.
Scripture references: Matthew 10:5‑13, 18‑23; 22:9‑10, 28:19‑20; Mark 16:15‑16, 19‑20; Luke 24:46‑53; Acts 1: 5‑6.