Scripture
The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are God-breathed, truthful, authoritative, necessary, clear in their central message, and sufficient for faith and obedience.
Our theological posture
Deep roots. Open hands. A tested flame.
Reformed in our doctrine of God, Scripture, sin, grace, and salvation; charismatic in our expectation that the Spirit still empowers, speaks subordinately, heals, distributes gifts, and sends.
Core convictions
The doctrinal center of the course.
The Triune God
The one living God eternally exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each fully God, personally distinct, equal in deity, united in will and glory.
Sovereign grace
Salvation is planned by the Father, accomplished by the Son, and applied by the Spirit. The ungodly are justified by faith apart from works and preserved in Christ.
The person of Christ
The eternal Son was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He is one person in two natures, fully God and fully man, without sin.
The present work of the Spirit
Every believer is indwelt by the Spirit. The church should seek his filling and all biblical gifts while testing every claim and maintaining accountable order.
The church and mission
Christ gathers one new-covenant people from every nation to worship, mature, practice the gifts, proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and await his return.
Recognizing leaders
Character before charisma.
Elders must be biblically qualified and able to teach; deacons must be tested servants. A claimed anointing can never replace the qualifications Christ has given his church.
| Qualification | What the church should observe | Key texts |
|---|---|---|
| Above reproach | A credible pattern of holiness; not sinless, but neither double-lived nor resistant to correction. | 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6–7 |
| Household faithfulness | Leadership is visible first in ordinary responsibility, fidelity, nurture, hospitality, and self-government. | 1 Tim. 3:2, 4–5, 11–12 |
| Self-controlled | Not violent, domineering, quarrelsome, impulsive, addicted, or driven by appetite. | 1 Tim. 3:2–3; Titus 1:7–8 |
| Not greedy | Money, platform, and recognition do not govern the leader’s decisions or relationships. | 1 Tim. 3:3, 8; 1 Pet. 5:2 |
| Holds firm truth | Able to teach sound doctrine, refute contradiction, and submit personal impressions to Scripture. | 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9 |
| Tested over time | Gift does not accelerate character. New converts and unproven servants are given time before office. | 1 Tim. 3:6, 10 |
| Servant-hearted | Exercises authority as an example under the Chief Shepherd, never as a celebrity or spiritual controller. | Mark 10:42–45; 1 Pet. 5:1–5 |
The aim
Not merely informed believers—entrusted believers.
The goal is a mature people who can open the Bible, handle it honestly, articulate doctrine, discern spiritual claims, give a reasoned defense, care for souls, and train others.