These statements are our attempts to describe who we are and the principles that guide our practices.

WE ARE Christ-Centered: First and foremost we are believers and disciples of Jesus Christ. He is the Lord of our lives and of this church. We want to live, speak, act and love in a way that honors Him above all else! We are constantly seeking to build all that we are upon the firm foundation of Jesus Christ and the Word of God.

WE ARE NOT a denominational church or the only true church: Neither are we opposed to denominations as such, only the over-emphasis that has lead to division in the Body of Christ. God has given us a vision and a purpose that is changing the lives of many people in our community. However, we are not the only local church that has heard from Him or is attempting to be faithful to His commands. Our desire is not to compete with other churches, but to be faithful to the call God has placed on our fellowship in the context of the Body of Christ.

WE ARE affiliated with Calvary Chapel: As such, there are certain distinctive that we hold as we seek to be a witness in the community and equip believers to become disciples.

• We teach systematically through the Bible.
• We put greater emphasis on what God has done for us, than what we can do for Him.
• We are somewhere between the ‘Fundamentalist’ church and the ‘Pentecostal’ church. We believe all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are for today, yet we believe they are to be used according to the directives of scripture.

WE ARE a Growing, Caring Family: Our fellowship is much like a family that values communication, informality, spontaneity, personal and corporate growth, freedom of expression, honesty, honesty, openness, humor, fun and commitment. As we grow together we expect to encounter problems and find solutions to them as they arise.

WE ARE NOT Typical or Formal: We affirm and appreciate those churches that worship God with a tightly formulated liturgy and structure. However, we have chosen to worship God in a somewhat non-traditional and informal setting. We value expressive and spontaneous worship.

WE ARE Loosely Structured: We place a high priority on openness, flexibility and practicality, believing that such a climate is conducive for personal, relational and spiritual growth. Being loosely structured allows for change, freshness and innovation.

WE ARE NOT Authoritarian, Rule-Driven, Coercive or Legalistic: Many of us have found authoritarian and rule-driven religion to result in spiritual bondage and emotional defeat. Although we make our belief in the Bible and convictions very clear, we do not seek to enforce them upon people through rigid authoritarianism. Rather, we trust the Holy Spirit to change people from the inside as they yield their heart, soul, mind and strength to Him.

WE ARE Committed to Serve and Committed to Grow: We believe that every person has something of value to offer and that people mature spiritually as they serve. We would love it if you would come and grow with us!!

SOME OF OUR DEFINING ASSUMPTIONS:

The Bible is the authoritative Word of God and is the primary means of spiritual growth.

Church should equip, train and teach people to live a Christian life through all of life’s seasons and transitions.

The primary source of ministry ability comes from prayer and personal devotion.

Biblical Christianity puts the emphasis on what God has done for us, not on what we can do for Him.

It is normal for every Christian to give and serve. Concern for the poor, widows and orphans grows as the Christian grows in God’s love.

Suffering is part of every life and is beneficial to Christian growth.

The Holy Spirit is willing and able to break in and carry on His work in non-spectacular, non-manipulative and surprising ways.

No two churches are alike and each should express their God-given identity to the glory of God.

Conflict with one another is a normal part of life and the Christian experience. Conflict within a fellowship is used by God to develop many positive qualities in Christians that are important and cannot be developed with conflict coming about.

People who want friends should show themselves friendly.

Where God guides He provides.

Just as individuals are required to give in order to grow and be obedient, so the local church has an obligation to give to those from whom it derives no direct benefit in order to grow, be obedient and fruitful. Without consistent giving of time, energy and money, both churches and individual Christians become stagnant.

Something happens when people are drawn together to worship God that no other feature of human existence can accomplish.

Leadership in the church means serving and is functional. It has nothing to do with title, power or position.

There is no substitute for the constant, regular preaching, teaching and reading of the Word of God.