The following beliefs represent the core doctrinal truths of Christianity as they have been consistently accepted from a biblical and historical perspective. Agreement with these beliefs is essential for covenant membership at Harvest while the explicit rejection of any one of these would disqualify one from membership. 

• The Bible is God's book that reveals Him and His will. It is true, authoritative, and sufficient. (Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1: 20-21)

• There is only one God. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-6, 46: 9-10; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; 1 Timothy 2:5)

• The Father is God. The Son is God. The Holy Spirit is God. The Father is neither the Son nor the Holy Spirit. The Son is neither the Father nor the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son. (Genesis 1:26; Psalm 45:6-7; Psalm 110:1; Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 28:17-20; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

• I am, along with all humanity (Christ excluded), by birth and action a sinner. (Genesis 6:5; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23, 5:8,12-21, 7:18; Ephesians 2:1-3)

• The deserved penalty for sin is death, both physical and spiritual. (Genesis 2:15-17, 3:19; Romans 5:12, 6:23; James 1:14-15)

• Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, was born of a virgin, and is both fully God and fully human. (Matthew 1:20; Luke 2:52; John 1:1-4,14; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-3)

• Jesus Christ died as a substitute to pay the penalty for my sin. (John 1:29, 10:1-18; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 3:18)

• Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead. (Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-53; John 1:20-25; 1 Corinthians 15:12-34)

• Jesus Christ physically ascended into heaven and will one day physically return. (John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:26; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 1:7)

• There will be a physical resurrection of the dead. Those who trust in Jesus Christ alone will be raised to eternal reward. Those who have not trusted in Jesus Christ alone will be raised to eternal punishment. (Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15)

• Only by trusting in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone can I be reconciled to God and experience true life and joy. (John 3:16-18, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6)

• While the doctrines expressed in the Statement of Basic Beliefs are those that are recognized to be universal and primary within the church, and thus are essential for member agreement, it should be recognized that the full Harvest Church Doctrinal Statement explains these beliefs in greater detail and provides direction on other secondary beliefs as well. The full HC Doctrinal Statement provides the direction and boundaries for the teaching, counsel, and ministry at Harvest. It is the responsibility of HC members to read the full HC Doctrinal Statement in its entirety and address any comments, questions, or concerns with an elder or pastor. 

As shepherds and overseers of a local church, elders are entrusted with protecting, leading, equipping, and caring for the corporate church body and her individual members. The following is a statement of responsibility from our elders to the church family regarding doctrine, direction, and discipleship.

As elders, we commit...

• To appoint elders and deacons (including staff members who serve in these offices) according to the criteria assigned to them in the Scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

• To prayerfully seek God's will for our church and steward her resources to the best of our ability based on our study of the Scriptures and by following the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

• To care for the church and seek her growth in grace, truth, and love (Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:15-16; Colossians 1:28; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17)

• To provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:1)

• To equip the members of the church for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16)

• To be on guard against false teachers and teachings (Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:28-31; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 1 John 4:1)

• To lovingly exercise discipline when necessary, for the glory of God, the good of the one disciplined, and the health of the church as a whole (Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20; Titus 3:9)

• To set a humble example and join members in fulfilling the obligations of church membership stated hereafter (Philippians 3:17; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7-8; 1 Peter 5:3; Hebrews 13:7, 17)

Please read the following four statements from the Elders of Harvest Church. You will be asked to affirm that you have read and acknowledged these statements before signing the application for membership.

1. A STATEMENT ON PEACEMAKING AND RECONCILIATION

Our church is committed to building a “culture of peace” that reflects God’s peace and the power of the gospel of Christ in our lives. As we stand in the light of the cross, we realize that bitterness, unforgiveness, and broken relationships are not appropriate for the people whom God has reconciled to himself through the sacrifice of his only Son (John 13:34-35; Eph. 4:29-32; Col. 3:12-14).

Therefore, we look to the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit for guidance on how we can respond to conflict in a way that will honor God, promote justice, reconcile relationships, and preserve our unity in Christ. As God gives us his wisdom and grace, we are committed to actively teaching and encouraging one another to live out the following principles of peacemaking and reconciliation.

PERSONAL PEACEMAKING PRINCIPLES – GUIDANCE FOR RESOLVING CONFLICT

Whenever we are faced with conflict, our primary goal will be to glorify God with our thoughts, words and actions (1 Cor. 10:31).

We will try to get the “logs” out of our own eyes before focusing on what others may have done wrong (Matt. 7:3-5).

We will seek to overlook minor offenses (Prov. 19:11).

We will refrain from all gossip, backbiting and slander (Eph. 4:29). If we have a problem with others, we will talk to them in person, not about them.

We will make “charitable judgments” toward one another by believing the best about each other until we have facts that prove otherwise (1 Cor. 13:7).

If an offense is too serious to overlook, or if we think someone may have something against us, we will go promptly to seek reconciliation (Matt. 5:23-24; 18:15).

When we offer a word of correction to others, we will do so graciously and gently, with the goal of serving and restoring them, rather than beating them down (Prov. 12:18; Eph. 4:29; Gal. 6:1).

When someone tries to correct us, we will ask God to help us resist prideful defensiveness and to welcome correction with humility (Ps. 141:5; Prov. 15:32).

When others repent, we will ask God to give us grace to forgive them as he has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32).

When we discuss or negotiate substantive issues, we will look out for others’ interests as well as our own (Phil. 2:3-4).

ASSISTED PEACEMAKING PRINCIPLES – GUIDANCE FOR INVOLVING OTHERS WHEN RESOLVING CONFLICT

When two of us cannot resolve a conflict privately, we will seek the mediation of wise people in our church and listen humbly to their counsel (Matt. 18:16; Phil. 4:2-3). If our dispute is with a church leader, we will look to other leaders for assistance.

When informal mediation does not resolve a dispute, we will seek formal assistance from the elders or people they appoint, and we will submit to their counsel and correction (Matt. 18:17-20).

When we have a business or legal dispute with another Christian, we will make every reasonable effort to resolve the conflict within the body of Christ through biblical mediation or arbitration, rather than going to civil court (1 Cor. 6:1-8). If the other party attends another church, the elders will offer to cooperate with the leaders of that church to resolve the matter.

If a person coming to our church has an unresolved conflict with someone in his former church, we will require and assist him to make every reasonable effort to be reconciled to the other person before joining our church (Matt. 5:23-24; Rom. 12:18).

When a conflict involves matters of doctrine or church discipline, we will submit to the procedures set forth in our Statement on Accountability and Church Discipline.

If any of the above disputes or conflict involves a crime (e.g. abuse, embezzlement, etc.), governing authorities should be contacted in concurrence with efforts to receive the assisted peacemaking from the church (Romans 13:1-2).

Above all, we pray that our ministry of peacemaking will bring praise to our Lord Jesus Christ and lead others to know his infinite love and peace.

This Statement on Peacemaking and Reconciliation is adapted from The Peacemaker Church. Used by permission of Peacemaker® Ministries (www.PeacemakerChurch.net).

2. A STATEMENT ON DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE

God created marriage to be a permanent union, a covenant between one man and one woman that would only be separated by death (Genesis 2:24, Romans 7:2-3). But because of the reality of sin in our world and our lives, not all marriages live up to that design. Sadly, many marriages that have been marked by strife, division, and unfaithfulness end in divorce. And when divorce occurs, it not only brings pain and loss to all parties involved, but it grieves the heart of God. So how does God respond to this departure from His design? What does His word say about divorce? Are there any situations where divorce is not sinful? This document seeks to answer these questions and clarify our beliefs about divorce and remarriage.

DIVORCE IS ADDRESSED AND LEGISLATED BY GOD AS A CONCESSION TO SIN

The Bible is clear that God acknowledges the reality of divorce. That is why, for instance, Moses provided legislation related to divorce in Deuteronomy 24. But it must be understood that such legislation does not mean that God changed His mind about His intention for marriage. Rather, it demonstrates that God addressed divorce as a concession - an unfortunate reality of a world that is fallen and filled with sin.

One place where Jesus articulates this truth is when he responds to the Pharisees about the lawfulness of divorce in Matthew 19:3-9. First, Jesus reinforces God’s original purpose for the intimate unity and permanence of the marriage bond (vv.4-5). Second, he explains that it was “because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.” So while divorce is both addressed and legislated by God in Scripture, it is done so as a concession.

As couples consider this reality it should lead them to be very cautious even in the consideration of divorce. Though God does allow and permit divorce under specific circumstances (see next section below), divorce never has to happen. And even when legitimate divorce happens, it occurs as a concession against God’s original design.

THE GROUNDS FOR BIBLICAL DIVORCE

The only New Testament grounds for divorce are sexual immorality or desertion by an unbeliever. The first is found in Jesus’ use of the Greek word “porneia” (Matthew 5:32, 19:9). This is a general term that encompasses sexual immorality such as adultery, homosexuality, bestiality, and incest. When one partner violates the unity and intimacy of a marriage by sexual sin and thus forsakes his or her covenant obligation, the faithful partner is placed in an extremely difficult situation. After all means are exhausted to bring the sinning partner to repentance, the Bible permits release for the faithful partner through divorce (Matthew 5:32, 19:9).

The second reason for permitting a divorce is in cases where an unbelieving spouse does not desire to live with his or her believing spouse (1 Corinthians 7:12-15). Because “God has called you to peace” (v. 15), divorce is allowed and may be preferable in such situations. When an unbeliever desires to leave, trying to keep him or her in the marriage may only create greater tension and conflict. Also, if the unbeliever leaves the marital relationship permanently but is not willing to file for divorce, perhaps because of lifestyle, irresponsibility, or to avoid monetary obligations, then the believer is in an impossible situation of having legal and moral obligations that he or she cannot fulfill. Because the brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases (1 Corinthians 7:15) and is therefore no longer obligated to remain married, the believer may file for divorce without fearing the displeasure of God.

THE POSSIBILITY OF REMARRIAGE

Remarriage is permitted for the faithful partner only when the divorce was on biblical grounds. In fact, the purpose for a biblical divorce is to make clear that the faithful partner is free to remarry, but only in the Lord (Matthew 5:32, 1 Corinthians 7:15).

Those who divorce on any other grounds have sinned against God and their partners, and for them to marry another is an act of “adultery” (Mark 10:11-12). This is why Paul says that a believing woman who sinfully divorces should “remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband” (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). If she repents from her sin of unbiblical divorce, the true fruits of that repentance would be to seek reconciliation with her former husband (cf. Matthew 5:23-24). The same is true for a man who divorces unbiblically (1 Corinthians 7:11). The only time such a person could remarry another is if the former spouse remarries, proves to be an unbeliever, or dies, in which cases reconciliation would no longer be possible.

The Bible also gives a word of caution to anyone who is considering marriage to a divorcee. If the divorce was not on biblical grounds and there is still a responsibility to reconcile, the person who marries the divorcee is considered an adulterer (Mark 10:12).

THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH

Believers who pursue divorce on unbiblical grounds are in disobedience to God’s Word. Furthermore, those who obtain an unbiblical divorce and remarries are guilty of adultery since God did not permit their original divorce (Matthew 5:32; Mark 10:11-12). Such persons are subject to the steps of correct church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-17.

If a professing Christian violates the marriage covenant and refuses to repent during the process of church discipline, Scripture instructs that he or she should be removed from membership and treated as an unbeliever (v. 17). When such discipline results in a reclassification of the disobedient spouse as an unbeliever, the faithful partner would be free to divorce in the same way a believing spouse is free to divorce an unbelieving spouse who separates (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:15). Before such a divorce occurs, however, reasonable time should be allowed for the disobedient spouse who has been removed from membership to repent of their sin and seek restoration in the marriage.

The leadership in the local church should also help single believers who have been divorced to understand their situation biblically, especially in cases where the appropriate application of biblical teaching does not seem clear. For example, the church leadership may at times need to decide whether one or both of the former partners could be legitimately considered “believers” at the time of their past divorce, because this will affect the application of biblical principles to their current situation (1 Corinthians 7:17-28). Also, because people often transfer to or from other churches and many of those churches do not practice church discipline, it might be necessary for the leadership to decide whether a member’s estranged or former spouse should currently be considered a Christian or treated as an unbeliever because of continued disobedience.

PRE-CONVERSION DIVORCE

In 1 Corinthians 7:17-28 Paul addresses new converts and helps them think through how to respond to the various circumstances they find themselves in. When it comes to marital status, he gives the following instructions: “Are you bound [i.e. married] to a wife? Do not seek to be free [i.e. divorced]. Are you free [i.e. previously divorced] from a wife? Do not seek [remarriage to] a wife. 28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries [i.e. one who has never before been married], she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that” (vv.27-28).

So according to Paul, if the individual was converted while married, then they are not required to seek a divorce (even though divorce may be permitted on either of the previously stated biblical grounds). If the individual was converted after being divorced and cannot be reconciled to their former spouse because that spouse is an unbeliever or is remarried, then he or she is free to either remain single or be remarried to another believer.

REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS

In cases where divorce took place on unbiblical grounds and the guilty partner later repents, the grace of God is operative at the point of repentance. A sign of true repentance will be a desire to implement 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 which would involve a willingness to pursue reconciliation with his or her former spouse, if that is possible. If reconciliation is not possible, however, because the former spouse is an unbeliever or is remarried, then the forgiven believer could pursue another relationship under the careful guidance and counsel of church leadership.

In cases where a believer obtained a divorce on unbiblical grounds and remarried, he or she is guilty of the sin of adultery until that sin is confessed (Mark 10:11-12). God does forgive that sin immediately when repentance takes place, and there is nothing in Scripture to indicate anything other than that. From that point on the believer should continue in his or her current marriage.

NOTE: While this position statement is limited to our understanding of divorce and remarriage, the elders of Harvest Bible Chapel North Indy do recognize that marital separation is at times a wise and safe course of action (e.g. where someone is in physical danger). Support for and terms for such marital separation are handled on a case-by-case basis.

3. A STATEMENT ON MARRIAGE, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY

God designed marriage to reflect the beauty and permanence of Christ’s loving relationship with His bride, the church (Eph. 5:22-33; Rev. 19:7). Therefore, He established marriage to be a life-long, exclusive relationship between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24-26, Matt. 19:4-6). God also designed it to provide mutual companionship through life’s joys and difficulties, to create stability for raising and nurturing children, and to give strength and cohesiveness to society in general. As a result, the church will only host ceremonies, perform weddings, and recognize marriages to the extent that they are consistent with the above biblical description of marriage.

GENDER ASSIGNMENT, IDENTITY, AND EXPRESSION

We believe that all humans, male and female, reflect the image of God. And it is God who assigns our fundamental human identity and gender. Genesis 1:27 provides the definitive statement: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Reaffirmed in Genesis 5:2 and again by Jesus (Matthew 19:4, Mark 10:6), this passage clearly defines human gender in binary terms—as two distinct genders.

Our bodies are God’s dwelling place. In the context of discussing sexual identity and behavior, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). To honor God with our bodies is to affirm the biological birth gender to which God has assigned each person*.

HUMAN SEXUALITY

Human sexuality is part of God’s divine design for human beings (Gen. 1:28). However, the Bible restricts all forms of consensual sexual activity to within the boundaries of the marriage relationship (1 Cor. 7:1-5; Heb. 13:4). The Bible clearly prohibits not only non-consensual sexual misconduct (Deut. 22:25-27) but also any consensual sexual activity outside the boundaries of heterosexual marriage (1 Thess. 4:1-8). Furthermore the Bible specifically names as sinful and prohibits any form of sexual activity between persons of the same sex (Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 1 Tim. 1:10), polygamy (Matt. 19:4-6; 1 Cor. 7:11), incest (Lev. 18:6-18; 1 Cor. 5:1), bestiality (Exod. 22:19; Lev. 18:23; 20:15-16; Deut. 27:21; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5), adultery (Exod. 20:14; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20; James 2:11), and fornication of any sort including pornography (1 Cor. 6:9-10; 1 Thess. 4:3-8; Lev. 18:20).

HOPE FOR SEXUAL BROKENNESS

All of us are sinners who have fallen short of God’s glory. And regardless of our particular sins, God offers forgiveness and help to anyone who repents and forsakes their sin and turns in faith to Him (Acts 3:19-21, Romans 6:23, 10:9-10, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 John 1:8-9). As a result, we should treat all who experience same-sex attraction or confess sexually immoral acts with respect, compassion, and sensitivity (Mark 12:28-31, Luke 6:31). Additionally, we should speak the truth in love as we minister to individuals struggling with sexual brokenness by encouraging them to resist further sexual temptation, refrain from sexual immorality, and pursue a life of holiness (I Corinthians 10:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:14-16).

*In rare cases today, a human being is born with both male and female sexual organs (hermaphroditism) or without complete sexual organs (e.g. Turner’s Syndrome). We believe such physical anomalies to be a result of the fall (Genesis 3; Romans 8:18-25).

4. A STATEMENT ON ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHURCH DISCIPLINE

MOST CORRECTIVE DISCIPLINE IS PRIVATE, PERSONAL, AND INFORMAL

God gives every believer grace to be self-disciplined. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7). Thus, discipline always begins as a personal matter and usually remains that way, as each of us studies God’s Word, seeks him in prayer, and draws on his grace to identify and change sinful habits and grow in godliness.

But sometimes we are blind to our sins or so tangled in them that we cannot get free on our own. This is why the Bible says, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently” (Gal. 6:1). In obedience to this command, we are committed to giving and receiving loving correction within our church whenever a sin seems too serious to overlook (Prov. 19:11).

If repeated private conversations do not lead another person to repentance, Jesus commands that we ask other brothers or sisters to get involved. “If he will not listen, take one or two others along” (Matt. 18:16). If informal conversations with these people fail to resolve the matter, then we may seek the involvement of more influential people, such as a small group leader, Sunday school teacher or church leader. If even these efforts fail to bring a brother or sister to repentance, and if the issue is too serious to overlook, we will move into what may be called “formal discipline.”

FORMAL DISCIPLINE MAY INVOLVE THE ENTIRE CHURCH

If a covenant member persistently refuses to listen to personal and informal correction to turn from speech or behavior that the Bible defines as sin, Jesus commands us to “tell it to the church” (Matt. 18:17a). This first involves informing one or more elder about the situation. If the offense is not likely to cause imminent harm to others, our elders may approach the individual privately to personally establish the facts and encourage repentance of any sin they discover. The individual will be given every reasonable opportunity to explain and defend his or her actions. If the individual recognizes his sin and repents, the matter usually ends there, unless a confession to additional people is needed.

If an offense is likely to harm others or lead them into sin, or cause division or disruption, the elders may accelerate the entire disciplinary process and move promptly to protect the church (Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; Titus 3:10-11).

As the disciplinary process progresses, the elders may impose a variety of sanctions to encourage repentance, including but not limited to private and public admonition, withholding of the Lord’s Supper, removal from office, withdrawal of normal fellowship, and, as a last resort, removal from membership (Matt. 5:23-24; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; Matt. 18:17).

If the straying individual does not repent in response to private appeals from our elders, they may inform others in the church who may be able to influence that individual or be willing to pray for him or her, or people who might be harmed or affected by that person’s behavior. This step may include close friends, a small group, or the entire congregation if the elders deem it to be appropriate (Matt. 18:17, 1 Tim. 5:20).

If, after a reasonable period of time, the covenant member still refuses to change, then the elders may formally remove him or her from membership and normal fellowship. They also may inform the church body of their decision and instruct the congregation to treat the individual as an unbeliever. This means that we will no longer treat him as a fellow Christian. Instead of having casual, relaxed fellowship with the individual, we will look for opportunities to lovingly bring the gospel to him, remind him of God’s holiness and mercy, and call him to repent and put his faith in Christ (Matt. 18:17; 1 Cor. 5:5; 1 Tim. 1:20)

FORMAL DISCIPLINE WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL LEAVES THE CHURCH

We realize that our natural human response to correction often is to hide or run away from accountability (Gen. 3:8-10). To avoid falling into this age-old trap and to strengthen our church’s ability to rescue us if we are caught in sin, we agree not to run away from this church to avoid corrective discipline. Therefore, covenant members of the church waive their right to withdraw from membership or accountability if discipline is pending against them. Although they are free to stop attending the church at any time, they agree that a withdrawal while discipline is pending will not be given effect until the church has fulfilled its God-given responsibilities to encourage their repentance and restoration, and if necessary to bring the disciplinary process to an orderly conclusion, as described above (Matt. 18:12-14; Gal. 6:1; Heb. 13:17).

If a covenant member leaves the church while discipline is in effect or is being considered, and our leaders learn that he or she is attending another church, they may inform that church of the situation and ask its leaders to encourage the individual to repent and be reconciled to the Lord and to any people he or she has offended. This action is intended both to help the individual find freedom from his sin and to warn the other church about the harm that he or she might do to their members (see Matt. 18:12-14; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 3 John 1:9-10).

CLOSING COMMENTS

It is the deep desire of the elders that all church discipline be administered in love and humility. Loving restoration always stands at the heart of the disciplinary process. If an individual repents, and the elders confirm his or her sincerity, we will rejoice together and gladly imitate God’s forgiveness by restoring the person to fellowship within the body (see Matt. 18:13; Luke 15:3-7, 11-32; 2 Cor. 2:5-11; Col. 3:12-14).

While this statement applies primarily to covenant members of the church, its principles also apply to individuals who have been excluded from another church due to church discipline and seek participation in our church. Unless the elders determine that the former church’s discipline was not biblically appropriate, such individuals must first repent of their sins and make a reasonable effort to be reconciled with those who have been wronged prior to partaking in the ordinances of baptism or the Lord’s Supper, becoming covenant members, or participating in the regular fellowship of the church.

As we pursue the blessings of accountability and church discipline, we will hold fast to the promise of Scripture: “God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:10-11).

*This Statement on Accountability and Church Discipline is adapted from The Peacemaker Church. Used by permission of Peacemaker® Ministries (www.PeacemakerChurch.net).

THE SCRIPTURES

We believe that the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments are the full record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. Different men, while writing according to their own styles and personalities, were supernaturally moved along by the Holy Spirit to record God’s very words, inerrant in the original writings. Therefore, those applying themselves to study its literal, historical-grammatical context can accurately understand God’s Word. Scripture is fully trustworthy as our final and sufficient authority for all of life (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).


THE TRIUNE GOD

We believe in the one living and true God, eternally (John 17:3) existing in perfect unity as three equally and fully divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). Each member of the Godhead, while executing distinct but complementary roles in redemptive history, has precisely the same nature, attributes and being, and is equally worthy of the same glory and honor and obedience (John 1:1-4; Acts 5:3-4).


GOD THE FATHER

We believe God the Father created all things in six literal days for His glory according to His own will (Revelation 4:11), through His Son, Jesus Christ. He upholds all things by the Word of His power and grace, exercising sovereign headship over all creation, providence and redemption (Colossians 1:17, Hebrews 1:3).


GOD THE SON

We believe that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son, moved by love in accordance with the will of the Father, took on human flesh (John 1:1, 14, 18). Conceived through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the virgin Mary. He, being fully God and fully man (John 14:8-9), lived a sinless life and sacrificially shed His blood and died on the cross in our place accomplishing redemption for all who place their faith in Him. He arose visibly and bodily from the dead three days later and ascended into heaven, where, at the Father’s right hand, He is now Head of His Body the Church, the only Savior and Mediator between God and man, and will return to earth in power and glory to consummate His redemptive mission (1 Timothy 3:16).


GOD THE SPIRIT

We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ during this age. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He draws the unredeemed to repentance and faith, and at salvation imparts new spiritual life to the believer, bringing that person into union with Christ and the Body of Christ. The Holy Spirit sanctifies, seals, fills, guides, instructs, comforts, equips, empowers, permanently indwells at salvation, and bestows spiritual gifts to the believer for Christ-like living and service (John 16:8; 13:15; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 1:22; 4:11-12; Romans 8:9-17; 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 12:4-5, 11-13, 19; Galatians 5:25; Hebrews 2:1-4; 2 Corinthians 12:12).


MANKIND

We believe that God created mankind—male and female—in His own image and likeness, free of sin, to glorify Himself and enjoy His fellowship. Tempted by Satan, but in the sovereign plan of God, man freely chose to disobey God, bringing sin, death and condemnation to all mankind. All human beings, therefore, are totally depraved by nature and by choice. Alienated from God without defense or excuse, and subject to God’s righteous wrath, all of mankind is in desperate need of the Savior (Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 3:10-19; Romans 1:18, 32). 


SALVATION

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, as the substitutionary atonement in our place, and that salvation is found in none other than Jesus Christ. Before Creation, God chose those who would be saved and granted this unearned grace solely based on His sovereign good pleasure. Jesus Christ’s death on the cross was the sole and complete payment for sins, fully satisfying God’s righteous wrath, for each person that turns from sin in repentance and places their faith in Christ alone by grace alone. At salvation, each person is made a new creation by the Holy Spirit, declared righteous before God, and secured as an adopted child of God forever. Genuine faith continues in obedience and love for Jesus Christ with a life eager to glorify God and persevere to the end (Romans 8:37-39; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 12:13). 


THE CHURCH

We believe that upon placing one’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, the believer is made part of the Body of Christ, the one universal Church, of which Jesus Christ is the Head. The Scriptures command believers to gather locally in order to devote themselves to worship, prayer, teaching of the Word, fellowship, the ordinances of baptism and communion, service to the local body through the development and use of talents and spiritual gifts, and outreach to the world to make disciples (Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:42-46; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Matthew 28:18-20). Wherever God’s people meet regularly in obedience to this command, there is the local expression of the Church under the watchful care of a plurality of elders. A church’s members are to work together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ (Ephesians 4:16).


BAPTISM & COMMUNION

We believe that Christian baptism is a public declaration of the believer’s salvation in Christ, identifying with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection symbolized by immersion in water. The Lord’s Supper is the united commemoration by believers of Christ’s death until He comes and should be preceded by a careful self-examination (Acts 2:41; Romans 6:3-6; 1 Corinthians 11:20-29).


MISSIONS

We believe it is the aim, duty, and privilege of every believer and local church fellowship to glorify God by responding as active participants in the Great Commission call of Jesus Christ to go and make disciples of all nations. We believe the primary focus and priority of this call is centered on efforts that establish, strengthen, and reproduce biblically-based churches, which will then plant churches that plant churches for future generations and God’s glory.


THINGS TO COME

We believe in and expectantly await the glorious, visible, personal, premillennial return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The blessed hope of His return has vital bearing on the personal life, service, and mission of the believer (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). We believe in the bodily resurrection of both the saved and the lost. The lost will be raised to judgment and experience eternal wrath in hell. The saved will be raised to eternal joy in the new heaven and new earth in the manifested presence of God (Acts 1:3, 9; Hebrews 7:25-26).

AS A MEMBER, I COMMIT TO FOLLOW CHRIST PERSONALLY AND AS A PART OF THIS CHURCH FAMILY!

COMMIT by surrendering my life to Christ personally. (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9-10)

OBEY by professing faith in Christ publicly through believer’s baptism. (Acts 2:28, 16:31-32)

ABIDE by walking with Christ in relationship. (John 15:1-11)

AS A MEMBER, I COMMIT TO GROW TOGETHER WITH OTHERS IN THIS CHURCH FAMILY!

GATHER with others in biblical community and respond to God in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)

BELONG by connecting in Christ’s family, the church. (Ephesians 4:11-16)

SERVE by sacrificing my time and using my gifts to build up the church. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

AS A MEMBER, I COMMIT TO DISCIPLE OTHERS AS A PART OF THIS CHURCH FAMILY!

DISCERN and identify the need and privilege for making disciples. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

PREPARE by learning how to make mature, multiplying disciples. (Acts 2:36-42)

APPLY by embracing specific disciple-making opportunities. (2 Timothy 2:2)

AS A MEMBER, I COMMIT TO REACH THE WORLD PERSONALLY AND AS A PART OF THIS CHURCH FAMILY!

ENGAGE by stepping onto God’s mission locally. (Acts 1:8)

GO by participating in God’s mission globally. (Matthew 28:18-20)

MULTIPLY by advancing God’s mission collectively. (Malachi 1:11)

1. Have publicly professed faith in Christ through Believers Baptism

2. Attend Discover Harvest

3. Submit Membership Commitment Form

4. Attend Membership Commitment Night with an Elder & his wife

5. Affirmation Sunday