Beliefs
Our Principles
Centrality and Authority of Scripture – We affirm the authority of scripture. We believe the Bible, under the Lordship of Christ, is central in the life of the individual and church.
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Priesthood of All Believers – We affirm the freedom and right of every Christian to interpret and apply scripture under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We affirm the freedom and responsibility of every person to relate directly to God without the imposition of creed, the control of clergy or the interference of government.
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Autonomy of the Local Church – We affirm that Baptist churches are free, under the Lordship of Christ and guidance of the Holy Spirit, to determine their membership and leadership, to order their worship and work, to ordain whomever they perceive as gifted for ministry and to participate, as they deem appropriate, in the larger Body of Christ.
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Freedom of Religion – We affirm religious freedom for all people and the separation of church and state.
Our Values
Lordship of Christ – We are bound together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He is the center of all that we think, say and do, and is our authority for faith and practice. By “taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7), Jesus Christ is our model for leadership, ministry and service. In our obedience to the will of God, the love of Jesus shall be reflected in our relationships, fellowship and witness.
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Spiritual Formation – We are bound together in the practice of prayer and other spiritual disciplines. By nurturing life in the Spirit and being empowered by the Spirit, we will strengthen our relationship with God and our relationships with one another. We shall draw upon the breadth and depth of the Christian tradition to under gird every facet of our ministry.
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Global Missions – We are bound together by a passion to fulfill the Great Commission in our communities and throughout the world. Our strategy is to do global missions in a world without borders.
Our Virtues
Cooperation – We are bound together by a common calling to Christian mission and ministry. Toward that end, we shall establish strategic, ecumenical partnerships with other Great Commission Christians who encourage innovative and creative approaches to missions and ministry. We also affirm the right of each believer, church and religious body to cooperate voluntarily with others in mission and ministry.
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Ecumenical – We welcome Christians from many traditions and denominations. We value the uniqueness of other Christian traditions. We respect and value the spiritual heritage of non-Christian religions who bear witness to the love of God, and who are dedicated to achieving the highest and best for each of God’s children.
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Stewardship – We are bound together as “stewards of God’s varied grace” (1Peter 4:10). We shall be faithful stewards of the financial and human resources entrusted to us. We shall be properly accountable for the strategic, effective, and wise use of our resources.
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Integrity – We are bound together by integrity in our relationships and actions. The evidence of our integrity shall be our openness, accountability, trustworthiness, honesty, and mutual respect from both leaders and followers. Our decision-making process shall be based on our common mission rather than on personal agendas.
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Lifelong Learning – We are bound together in our commitment to lifelong learning to equip all persons for mission and ministry. We believe in quality theological education that prepares persons called by God to ministry.