While our doctrinal statement establishes our core beliefs, the following convictions clarify our position on several theological and ministry issues that are often the subject of disagreement or misunderstanding. These statements are intended to provide additional clarity rather than replace or expand our doctrinal statement.

Pastors are Qualified Men

We affirm that the office and function of pastor/elder are reserved for qualified men, who bear responsibility for the leadership of the church, while the work of ministry is shared by the whole church. Men and women alike serve and lead within the church through a diversity of roles, gifts, and ministries.

The Sunday Sermon Belongs to Pastors

We affirm that the Sunday sermon is the primary expression of pastoral teaching and authority and is not to be shared, delegated, or substituted. At the same time, the broader ministry of the Word is shared by the whole church. The teaching gifts of both men and women should be encouraged and exercised in other contexts.

Christ Will Reign on Earth for 1000 Years

We affirm that Jesus Christ will return bodily and visibly before reigning on earth for one thousand years. Following a consistent grammatical-historical reading of Scripture, we understand the promises of the prophets and the events of Revelation to describe future realities yet to be fulfilled.

The Church Will Be Raptured Before the Tribulation

We affirm that the Church will be caught up to meet Christ before the tribulation described in Scripture. We understand God’s future purposes for Israel and the Church to be distinct and therefore do not view the tribulation as intended for the Church.

Spiritual Gifts Continue Today

We affirm that the Holy Spirit continues to guide, empower, and actively direct the life and ministry of the church today as in the Book of Acts. We therefore seek to depend upon the Spirit’s leading and actively seek and exercise the full range of spiritual gifts for the building up of the church.

We are not Calvinists

We affirm that Jesus Christ died for all people and that salvation is genuinely available to all who believe. We affirm both God’s sovereignty in salvation and humanity’s responsibility to respond to the gospel, while rejecting the theological conclusions of the system known as Calvinism.

Same Sex Attraction has no God-ordained Expression

We affirm that the only valid context for sexual activity is the covenant union of one man and one woman in marriage. While same-sex attraction may be experienced as part of humanity’s fallen condition, no expression of same-sex sexual desire is consistent with this design, and all Christians are called to steward their sexuality through either marriage or celibate singleness.