This page outlines our church’s doctrine. That may feel like a weighty word, but put simply, doctrine is our best way of explaining what we believe the Bible teaches. Every one of us believes something about God. As a member of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), we are a confessional church that affirms the Westminster Confession of Faith. The Bible alone is our final and infallible authority and we believe the Westminster Confession is an excellent exposition of the truths contained in God’s Word.
In case you aren’t familiar with the confession, we have briefly summarized some key doctrines below. This list is far from comprehensive, so if you have questions feel free to contact Pastor Tim. Even if you’re not sure you agree with all aspects of what we believe, we still want to warmly welcome you to join us for worship!
Beliefs
The Old and New Testament Scriptures are God’s inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word. God’s Word provides us with all we need to be able to live a life pleasing to Him and grow in spiritual maturity. Scripture alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice.
– 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:19-21; Ps. 19:7-10
We believe in one holy, eternal, and unchanging God who exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created all that there is and made mankind in his own image, calling us to live a life of perfect obedience and worship before him.
– Deut. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:6; 1 Tim. 1:17
The first man, Adam, fell into sin by rebelling against God’s just rule over his life. Consequently, all men and women are born sinners by nature, guilty in the sight of God and deserving of His wrath. We are completely unable to save ourselves and would justly suffer eternal punishment for sin.
–Ps. 14:3; Rom 5:12; Rom 6:23
Because of God’s great love for sinners, God sent His eternally-existent son, Jesus, into the world. Jesus was both fully God and fully man. Not only did Jesus live a perfect, sinless life; He gave his life up on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice to atone for the sins of all who trust in Him for salvation. After three days in the grave, he rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven. One day he will return bodily and visibly, to judge all mankind and to receive His people to Himself.
– Jn. 3:16; Jn. 14:6; 1 Tim. 1:15
We are saved by trusting in Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. Those who repent from their sins and trust in Jesus have eternal life. Their sins are forgiven, and they are adopted as sons and daughters of God. Moreover, the Holy Spirit indwells each believer, helping us grow to be more like Christ and protecting us from falling away from the faith.
Salvation is a work of God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. Salvation is a gift from God alone as He sovereignly chooses those He will save. His choice is based on His grace, not on any human individual merit, or foreseen faith. After death, Christians will spend eternity with the Lord in unending joy.
– Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9; 1 Jn. 3:1
Christians are called to live all of life to the glory of God under the Lordship of Christ. We are to love God and love others above ourselves. While none of us is without sin and we will never be perfect, we seek to be holy as God is holy.
– Matt. 22:37-40; Jn. 14:15; 1 Pet. 1:15-16
The church, made up of all Christians worldwide, exists to (a) call sinners to put their faith in Christ and (b) to help God’s people grow in Christlikeness.
The most important tool God has given the church to accomplish this mission is what we call the “means of grace” or the ministry of the Word, sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper), and prayer in the context of gathered worship. It is every Christian’s privilege and responsibility to belong to a local church body.
– Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:42; Heb 10:25
Baptism is the outward sign of our entry into the visible church (or “covenant community”). Contrary to the Catholic and Lutheran views, we believe water baptism does not regenerate or provide salvation to anyone. But, unlike our Baptist brothers, we do administer baptism to the children of believers. Why? Christ instituted baptism as a sign and seal of the covenant of grace. This reflects how, in the Old Testament, God gave His people circumcision as a sign and seal of His covenant and instructed that children were to be circumcised – or marked off as members of God’s visible covenant community. The outward sign of circumcision pointed to the inward necessity of faith to be realized among the children of God.
Similarly, baptism both signifies our need for faith in Christ and seals, or by faith provides confidence, in God’s covenant promises. We also gladly baptize any person who comes to faith in Christ but has not been previously baptized. Click here to read more about the Presbyterian and Reformed view of baptism.
– Gen. 17:9-14; Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38-39; Col. 2:11-12; Eph. 1:13-14
While baptism is only administered once, the Lord’s Supper is available to believers throughout their lives. Think of it as a spiritual meal – as physical food nourishes our bodies, so this spiritual meal nourishes our souls; we share in the death of Christ with all His benefits, not physically but by faith, and become spiritually stronger and grow in grace.
We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month. Any professing Christian who is a communing member of an evangelical church is encouraged to participate. If you aren’t a Christian or you are not connected to a local church, we still hope you’ll join us for worship! We just ask that you refrain from taking the bread and the cup.
– Matt. 26:26–29; 1 Cor. 11:23–26; 1 Cor. 10:16
Click below to download the full confession or shorter catechism: