About Us
Our Core Beliefs
Below is a summary of our basic theological beliefs that inform our life and ministry.
What is the Root Problem of the World?
Sin is the root problem of the world, which ultimately separates us from God. Separation from God, in turn corrupts our relationships with each other, creation and ourselves. Sin is any act that goes contrary to God's law and nature, and ultimately stems from loving things more God (Matthew 22:36-40).
What is the Cure for the World?
The only cure for sin is to be born again through the forgiveness accomplished by Jesus at the cross, and be given a renewed heart accomplished through the Holy Spirit.
We believe that the Gospel is the one true hope of the world and holds the only lasting power to change lives. We believe that individual lives, restored by Jesus restore neighborhoods. Neighborhoods, in turn restore communities. Communities restore cities, cities restore nations, and nations the world. We believe that knowing Christ and being reconciled to God is the foundation for the healing of the world.
What is the Gospel?
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, took on flesh and came to our world to reconcile us to God. He lived the perfect life we could never live, and then died on the cross to bear our punishment for sin that we could never bear ourselves. He took our sin upon himself, and in exchange he gave us his own righteousness- the very righteousness and purity of God himself. On the third day Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death our greatest enemy, and provided eternal life for all those who believe in Him.
What is Eternal Life?
Eternal life is knowing Jesus Christ and being reconciled to God (John 17:3). It is not simply living forever, nor is it simply being in Heaven. Rather, eternal life begins with a restored relationship with God and being united with Christ in perfect harmony. It begins in this world now when we put our faith in Jesus and continues on into eternity in the presence of God forever in Heaven.
Philosophy of Ministry
We believe in following after the pattern of Jesus, who both met people's physical and spiritual needs together (Mark 2:5-12), and that doing true justice and mercy are always in conjunction with preaching the Gospel. We believe meeting physical needs apart from the Gospel ultimately has no lasting transformative or healing power. At the same time, we believe the natural fruit of a life transformed by the Gospel is always demonstrated through acts of love and mercy to others (James 2:26). Therefore, following after the example of Christ, our ministry endeavors focus on both Gospel preaching and acts of justice and mercy in the world.
Theological Beliefs
We adhere to the Apostle's Creed as well as the Westminster Confession of Faith in our theological beliefs.
We are both reformed and charismatic. We love the Bible and believe it is the inspired word of God, as well as the supreme authority for Christian doctrine to be studied carefully and honestly, submitted to, obeyed and applied correctly.
We also believe in the power of worship and prayer as critical for life and ministry, knowing that God primarily does his work in the world through the prayers of the saints. We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to work miracles, transform lives, bring revivals, as well as empower us to forgive the unforgivable, love the unlovable and endure hardship and suffering with joy (James 1:2, 2 Tim 1:8). We believe our sanctification can only be achieved through living by the Spirt, not the flesh (Gal 5:16); and that the Christian life is about learning how to live by grace through faith in every aspect of life, experiencing daily Gospel renewal throughout our lives.