Beliefs & Unity
As you read over (1) our essential beliefs and (2) how we maintain our unity amidst issues that often divide churches today, please keep in mind that while these statements are absolutely critical for a church, the best way to fully grasp what a group of Christians believe is to experience it on the relational level. If you’d like to discover our faith in action, come to the church.
Our Essential Beliefs
The Basis of Our Faith
We believe that the Bible is inspired by God, without error and is authoritative for living. It is His personal Word written to each person and is to be passionately believed and obeyed. (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21) We believe that the Bible has a story to tell that includes creation, fall, redemption and a resolution:
Creation
We believe that there is only one Creator God who is infinite in being and perfection. God exists as Trinity in the Persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are of one substance and equal in power and glory. We believe that out of an expression of love, God created all people in His image. (Gen. 1:1; Matt. 28:18-19; Jn. 1:3; Heb. 1:1-4; Gen. 1:27)
Fall
We believe that because of Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden, every aspect of creation has fallen from its original and glorious design and all persons are totally depraved. This is why everyone is born spiritually separated from God and can incur an eternal punishment by dying in that condition. This means that everyone is dependent on the grace of God for salvation and a fulfilling life. (Gen. 3:1-7, 19; Rom. 3:9-19, 23)
Redemption
We believe that God the Father graciously sent His Son, Jesus Christ (who lived a sinless life as fully God and fully man), into the world to redeem it for the glory of God. We believe that the only way people are saved from their sin is to respond to God’s grace by believing that Christ died on the cross as an atonement for their sin and was completely resurrected. All who believe this are immediately justified before God, given an eternal and fulfilling relationship with Him, permanently sealed by the Holy Spirit and become a member of the body of Christ. After salvation, believers rely on the Holy Spirit to become like Christ by abiding in Him and engaging in intentional relationships with believers who worship God, obey His Word, celebrate the sacraments (communion and baptism), love one another and boldly make disciples of all nations. (Jn. 3:16; Eph. 2:8-9; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Rom. 3:21-26; 8:20-21; Eph. 1:1-13; John 15)
Resolution
We believe that God, in His own timing and way, will some day bring this world to an end. He will establish a new heaven and earth where believers will spend eternity giving glory and honor to Him. (Tit. 2:13; Matt. 25:31-46; Rev. 20-22)
In essential beliefs, we have unity. In non-essential beliefs, we have diversity. in all our beliefs, we show love.
Our Unity Commitment
In his epistles, Paul established decrees on many facets of the faith to preserve the church's unity as Christ commanded. Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 1:10-11: "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For... there is quarreling among you."
In light of this instruction, we agree to preserve our unity on the issues listed below that tend to cause division in churches today. While we may engage in respectful dialogue on the following issues we will not seek to divide or act divisively regarding our personal preferences on these issues.
Marriage and Divorce
Scripture says that marriage is a God-ordained institution that involves a life-long vow between a man and a woman (e.g. Gen. 2:24; Mic. 2:14). While scripture permits divorce in rare cases, we will encourage reconciliation to a couple that's in trouble by exhorting them to rely upon God's readiness to forgive sin and restore lives (e.g. Mt. 19:3-9; 1 Cor. 7:10-16).
Corporate Worship
We will do our best not to focus on our own preferences in the style of music, use of art or other forms of worship, but focus on giving God glory and learning His truth (e.g. 1 Cor. 11:17-34).
Men & Women's Involvement
Both men and women will be welcomed by the leadership to serve in staff positions, lead small groups, lead worship, serve communion, baptize, teach and serve in all of our ministries. While scripture says that only men will serve as elders/pastors (see 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6), this practice should by no means dissuade women in our church to lead in any other venue and share their wisdom, gifts and commitment to fulfilling the church's mission.
Alcohol
Scripture includes many instances where alcohol is moderately consumed and doesn’t prohibit drinking alcohol (e.g. Deut. 14:26; Jn. 2:6-10; 1 Tim. 5:23). Therefore, we are free to drink in moderation. However, scripture also commands us to be disciplined in order to avoid the sins of: drunkenness, alcoholism, violating governmental laws (such as under-age drinking) and becoming a stumbling block to the weak by refusing to love them well by abstaining (e.g. Ecc. 10:17; Eph. 5:18; Rom. 14:21; 1 Cor. 10:23-33; 1 Pet. 2:13-17).
Peacemaking in Conflicts
From the outset of a conflict we will (1) get right with God and remove any sin from our life (Matt. 7:5) and (2) pray for His wisdom (Js. 1:5). After that will we (1) maturely approach one another with a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1) and (2) follow the process that Jesus suggested in Matt. 18:15-17. We also agree to mediation of conflicts before reverting to lawsuits (1 Cor. 6:1-11). At any point, if a person repents, we will re-affirm our love for them by (1) forgiving and (2) comforting so that they will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow (2 Cor. 2:7-8).
Since issues that threaten church unity rise & fall over time, it is expected that the leadership of RCC will update this statement from time-to-time.