My Doctrinal Statement
(Note that this is precisely written and reflects my priorities as a pastor. I am in complete agreement with the doctrinal statement of Dallas Seminary where I graduated with a master’s degree in Theology and later a doctrinal degree in Expository Preaching. Additionally, I have included some “pressure points” of typical issues that sometime cause disagreements and contention in the church.)
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings. They are entirely trustworthy as they have come to us in their many translations. Together with nature’s witness, they constitute the complete revelation of God’s will and are the Divine authority for the Christian’s faith and life.
I love the Word because I learn about the God I love there! (2Timothy 3:16, Joshua 1:8)
I believe in one God, a personal and relational God who is creator of all things, infinitely perfect, on in essence, and eternally existing in three persons: Father-Loving/Creating, Son- the Redeemer, Holy Spirit- the One called beside to reveal and empower. (2 Corinthians 13:14, Deuteronomy 6:4)
The tri-unity of God shows that He is relational in His essence. All real growth in the spiritual life is the result of Spirit-led interactions between people.
Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for the sins of all who would believe. He arose bodily from the dead and ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate. (1 Peter 3:18, Psalm 2)
We stand in grace before God because of what Christ did for us- ever humbled. (See Romans 12:1,2)
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, to convict all people of their sin, regenerate the believing sinner, and indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
It is through the Spirit’s enablement that we have the power to live the Christian life. (Romans 8)
Adam was created in the image of God but fell into sin and, therefore, we like him, are lost and separated from God. Only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained. We are called to faith by Him and urged to believe on Christ as our sin-bearer. (John 3:16, Isaiah 53:6)
Though spiritually dead/deaf to the One who calls us into fellowship, human-kind retains the image of the Living God. I believe that human life is sacred.
The shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only those who receive Jesus Christ by faith are born of the Holy Spirit and, thus become children of God. True believers can be assured of everlasting life. (John 1:11, John 3:36, 1 John 5:13)
I believe in the eternal security of the believer.
Water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances to be observed by the church. Water baptism is an important step of obedience and testimony to a repentant life and serves as a sign to all concerned of the believer’s death to sin and resurrection to a new life. I believe that the Lord’s Supper is a memorial service, open to all believers, setting forth in a symbolic manner the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Neither ordinance is to be regarded as a means of salvation. (Matthew 3:13-17, I Corinthians 11:23-34)
Persons seeking membership in the church are to be baptized according to Matthew 28:19, 20. However, taking the Lord’s Supper is the privilege of all believers.
The true Church is comprised of all such persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the Body of Christ of which He is the Head. The church began at Pentecost and is the organ through which God is primarily at work. (1 Corinthians 13:14, Matthew 16:13-20)
The visible church is at the heart of what God is doing in the world to redeem the world.
I believe that only those who are members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership in the local church. (Colossians 1:18, Philippians 1:27)
Though not mandated in Scripture, church membership is a proper way for believers to commit to the Lord’s work.
Jesus Christ is Lord and Head of the Church and that every local church has the right, under Christ, to decide and govern its own affairs. I believe pastors are called to lead the church, these whose lives are above reproach (Colossians 1:18, 1 Timothy 3).
Though I am not now nor ever have been divorced, I believe that leaders who have been divorced may or may not serve the body in an ordained capacity depending on their proven faithfulness to their present wife.
I believe in the personal and pre-millennial and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this “blessed hope” has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. (1 Thessalonians 4)
Since a large percentage of the Bible concerns prophecy, it is important that a church take a position on this subject and proclaim it gracefully with one voice. The return of Christ is the dogmatic certainty in areas of prophecy.
I believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; to the believer- everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; to the unbeliever-, sadly, judgment and everlasting punishment.
Our faith has significant long-term consequences. The world needs the Savior!