I have my doubts about whether people even read these things anymore. Maybe it’s because it’s such dry reading…I hope that’s it, because these are the truths that guide us, even more than Core Values, Master Plans and Strategy Statements. These are the tenants of the faith…so much bigger than just our local body of Christ-followers and Christ-investigators.

We want to approach this simply, without trying to nail things to the floor God might not have intended to be- this side of heaven (So I guess I just gave away that we believe there is a real heaven eh?). At the same time we know that there are things God never intended to be thought of as “maybe’s”

So with that all being said, here is a list of things we believe…

ABOUT GOD

• He is one-of-a-kind…there is no other HE IS REAL
• He exists in three persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit
• He is the creator of all
• He was completely glorious before we told him so
• He is eternal
• He knows everything
• He is everywhere
• He is not lovING, He IS love (there is a difference)

ABOUT JESUS

• He is the Son of God
• He was fully God & fully man
• He was born of a virgin Mary
• He was sinless
• He died on the cross willingly
• He rose from the grave

ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

• Is Divine
• Is very active in lives of Christ-followers
• Is God’s voice of conviction, judgment & righteousness regarding sin

ABOUT PEOPLE

• We are really screwed up
• We are hopeless on our own to do good or approach God
• We were created IN God’s very image
• We are intended to be in relationship with God

ABOUT THE BIBLE

• We as Christ-followers and as a local church are under it’s authority
• People have used it to commit atrocities never condoned by God
• It confuses us all the time and it’s mysteries are healthy for you and me
• It’s central themes are 1) God’s glory,  2) our sin and 3) God’s story of redemption through Christ

ABOUT SALVATION

• God provided for it through Jesus
• It’s about way more than a prayer or a t-shirt
• Requires the abandonment of a former life

ABOUT THE CHURCH

• Jesus is in charge and calls all the shots
• It is led by imperfect people
• It is the Bride of Christ and should be treated as such
• It’s messy and full of liars, fakes and cheats
• It’s the greatest hope this world has to meet and live for Christ

and for those of you still reading...

ABOUT BEER

• It tastes good, especially on tap.
• drinking it in excess or in dangerous company saddens God…just like eating till you’re sick or working till your family leaves you.

ABOUT CHURCH MUSIC

• Most of it is poorly written and sung off-key. But verbalizing in melody the greatness of God is still beautiful.
• It does not have to be 300 years old to honor God, and it does not have to be 3 days old to sound cool.
• It usually sounds better loud.
• It gets way too much attention and argument that ultimately distracts us from our mission. If you want to argue with us about ours, you might be wasting your time.

ABOUT WOMEN

• They are way more than baby factories to God and this church.
• Some should lead in the church and some should not (just like men).

ABOUT MONEY

• Being in love with it is the root of all evil.
• The amount of it you give to any given cause is a direct sign of your commitment to that cause, mission or movement.
• If you are a committed part of this community you will be invited to invest finances generously and regularly out of joy and passion not guilt or obligation.