Our Practices

God-centered beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into God-honoring actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we commit ourselves to the following twelve practices. (Note that the first letter of each of our twelve practices will spell the word Presbyterian.)

Priesthood of Every Believer

"You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5).

The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full-time" Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every member is a minister by encouraging each member to find a place of ministry to express their spiritual gift in service to others.

Representative Form of Government

"Appoint elders in every city" (Titus 1:5).

For the edification of the local church, Christ has appointed officers not only to preach the Gospel and administer the Sacraments, but also to exercise government and discipline for the preservation of the church.

Enlarging the Vision of God

"Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us..." (Ephesians 3:20).

Widespread biblical illiteracy and a misdirected preoccupation with self-esteem have joined to rob us of a gloriously breathtaking vision of who God is and what He delights to do for us. We want to take dead aim at reversing this situation by faithfully presenting the biblical vision of God and His glory.

Spirit-Led Living

Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

We believe that the only way to live the Christian life is by God's power working within us for His glory. We seek to practice daily dependence upon God's Spirit to enable us in a way that bears fruit for His glory and our happiness.

Bible as Our Supreme Authority

"...from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15).

Since the Bible is God's word, it is the only completely reliable and truthful authority. We accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is "What does the Bible say?" We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe and do individually and corporately.

Yearning to Make Christ Known Locally and Internationally

"Always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).

It is the responsibilty of every Christian to share the Good News with those whom God brings us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.

Tithing

"'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this', says the Lord of hosts, 'if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows'" (Malachi 3:10).

Enlarging the Head and the Heart

"'But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth'" (John 4:23-24).

We believe that true worship must enlarge the mind and deepen the affections of the heart. While we will strive to make worship as understandable to the unbeliever, our focus and passion is the wholehearted pursuit of the holy and awesome God through worship, teaching, discipleship, and evangelism.

Reformed World Life View

"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).

We are committed to understanding the implications of Christ's Lordship across all of life, seeking to implement the cultural and social implications of the truth of God's Word. We believe that our faith should be visible in concrete forms of personal and social behavior that brings glory to His Name.

Involved in the Community

"'Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven'" (Matthew 5:16).

We view every wholesome activity in the community as a strategic opportunity for the kingdom of God. Not only do we strive to bring people in the community to our church, but we make an effort to take the church to the community.

Administration of the Sacraments

"Many...when they heard were believing and being baptized" (Acts 18:18).

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26).

We believe that the practice of baptism is to highlight the glory of God's grace in conversion and the value of our covenant promises are vivid testimonies to the world. We believe that the regular and serious enjoyment of the Lord's Supper is a testimony to His grace until He comes again.

Non-Negotiable Commitment to Relationships

"Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).

As brothers and sisters in the family of God, we are committed to living together in love and harmony. Thus we are quick to be honest, to show deference, to admit wrongdoing, and to seek forgiveness with one another.