What We Believe

What We Believe . . .

Christ is the head of His Body, the Church. For this reason, First Christian Church is not a denomination or any part of a denomination system. It is a local body of believers associated with a movement of some five million persons to restore New Testament Christianity in our day. These assemblies are made up of individuals who through faith have confessed Jesus Christ as both the Son of God and the Lord of their life, and through repentance and baptism (immersion in water) have received remission of sins and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:36-38) and through God's grace have been added to His Church (Acts 2:47).

While primary authority remains in Christ Jesus, "He gave some to be apostles and prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the perfection of the saints for the work of ministering for the building up of the Body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12).

The qualifications for Elders (Bishops) and Deacons (Servant Ministers) within the assemblies are set forth in Scripture . . . I Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:7-9, and I Peter 5:1-4.

Elders are to superintend, shepherd the flock (Acts 20:17-32), and Deacons, or special servants, are to meet the special needs under the direction of the Elders (Acts 6:1-7).

At present, a Board of Elders conduct the routine business of the congregation through monthly meetings and through standing ministry teams (and other ministry teams are appointed as need arises). This Board acts upon such matters as election of officers, the hiring of special ministers, the expenditure of large sums of money, and in spiritual changes of policy. The New Testament is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. For further information on these matters, copies of the By-laws of First Christian Church are available in the church office.

Our aim is the restoration of primitive Christianity, and consequent union of all the followers of Christ in one body (John 17:21) and the leading of sinners to Christ in the clear light of New Testament teaching. On nonessentials, we admit the largest liberty; on the essentials, we appeal to the New Testament. "Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent." In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things, charity (love).

Core Values

1. Bible---We value the Bible as the Word of God and it is our rule to follow and live by. Psalm 119:105

2. Trinity---We value:

God-as the one true God, our Father/Creator (Genesis 1:1, John 1:1),

Jesus-as God’s Son/our Living Savior (Luke 1:31-35), and the

Holy Spirit-God’s continuous presence to guide our lives (John 15:26, 16:7-8).

3. Plan of Salvation---We value the Bible’s plan of salvation. Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Baptized, Live and Grow in your new life in Christ

Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:17

4. Prayer---We value prayer as a means through which we communicate with God and through which He brings about eternal changes in us

Luke 11:1-13; John 17

5. Worship---We value corporate worship and biblical teaching as fundamental for the well being of each believer and the body as a whole.

John 4; Hebrews 10.25

6. Evangelism---We value making disciples as a command given to the Church in which each believer is to play a part.

Matthew 28:18-20

7. Fellowship---We value personal relationships beyond Sunday morning as an essential part in which evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development take place.

Acts 2:46-47

8. Discipling---We value growing and maturing each other in our faith and walk with the Lord.

II Peter 3:18; Galatians 6:1-4

9. Service (Servant) ---We value being a servant of Jesus by helping each other-expressing our love for God and people in both word and deed.

Mark 12:28-31; I John 3:13-18; Titus 2:7-8

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