Josh Kelley Resume
360-421-5530
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @joshkelley
Website and blog: www.joshkelley.ink
360-421-5530
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @joshkelley
Website and blog: www.joshkelley.ink
Introduction
I’ve been a pastor for about 16 years. I was an assistant pastor at a large church (1,000+) for the first eight years and the lead pastor of a small church (100) for the next seven years. After a one-year sabbatical (which included an eight-month, 40-state and two-province trip with my family around America), I’m looking for either a full-time senior pastor position at a multi-staff church or an associate/teaching pastor position (full or part-time).
My greatest strengths are preaching, teaching, and writing. I excel at explaining complex ideas in an engaging and relatable manner. I also recently published my first book, Radically Normal: You Don’t Have to Live Crazy to Follow Jesus (published by Harvest House, 2014). By the same token, details and administration are my weakness.
I turn 42 this fall and have been married to my first and only love, Marilyn, for 16 years. We have two daughters, Grace (12) and Sarah (10). I was born in southern California but grew up in the Seattle area. We are willing to relocate.
I’ve been a pastor for about 16 years. I was an assistant pastor at a large church (1,000+) for the first eight years and the lead pastor of a small church (100) for the next seven years. After a one-year sabbatical (which included an eight-month, 40-state and two-province trip with my family around America), I’m looking for either a full-time senior pastor position at a multi-staff church or an associate/teaching pastor position (full or part-time).
My greatest strengths are preaching, teaching, and writing. I excel at explaining complex ideas in an engaging and relatable manner. I also recently published my first book, Radically Normal: You Don’t Have to Live Crazy to Follow Jesus (published by Harvest House, 2014). By the same token, details and administration are my weakness.
I turn 42 this fall and have been married to my first and only love, Marilyn, for 16 years. We have two daughters, Grace (12) and Sarah (10). I was born in southern California but grew up in the Seattle area. We are willing to relocate.
Below you will find my educational background, pastoral experience, additional ministry experiences, references, philosophy of ministry, core values, personality profiles, and statement of faith (in that order).
Education
Trinity Western University, Langley, BC, Canada
Graduate studies in Biblical Studies, 2000-2001
LIFE Pacific College, San Dimas, CA
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, Minor in Biblical Languages, 1998
University of the Nations (YWAM), Cambridge, ON, Canada
Discipleship Training School, 1994
Pastoral Experience
The Gathering, Mount Vernon, WA
Lead Pastor, 2007-2014
· Led the elder/pastor board and oversaw all aspects of church operation
· Preached approximately 40 sermons a year – sermons that were engaging and practical, but exegetically-driven
· Actively trained and developed new preachers and leaders
· Engaged the local community on a personal and professional level, easily interacting with people of various ages, backgrounds, and beliefs
· Was the driving force behind the local pastoral association
· Promoted hospitality and small groups through example
· Maintained a high standard of personal integrity
· Led the church through a split and its eventual closing, in a redemptive manner
His Place Community Church, Burlington WA
Assistant Pastor, 1998-2007
· Assisted the senior pastor in many different ways: Biblical research, youth pastor search, writing support, program development, etc.
· Learned to work in an environment of high expectations and constant (but loving) critique
· Learned to work effectively in a multi-staff environment
· Oversaw numerous projects
· Preached occasionally and taught various classes
· Oversaw small groups and facilitated “interest-based” groups
· Served as secretary for the council
· Conducted weddings and funerals
· Developed the church’s structure and drafted its new constitution
Additional Ministry Experiences
Ordination: International Church of the Foursquare Gospel
October 2002
Friendship House (a homeless shelter), Mount Vernon, WA
Board Member, 2012
Vice-President, 2013
President, 2014
· Provided highly-valued input on mission and operations
· Interacted with clients on a personal level
· Oversaw the hiring of a new Executive Director
Pacific LIFE Bible College, Surrey, BC, Canada
Adjunct Professor, 2001
· Taught “Intro to Greek and Hebrew” and “Early Pauline Epistles”
Joshkelley.ink, Mount Vernon, WA
Author, speaker, and consultant, 2011-present
· Sermon consultant
· Author of Radically Normal (Harvest House)
· Professional speaker for churches, chapels, guest lecturer, etc.
· Writer’s coach
References
Bruce Wersen (former employer and personal friend)
His Place Community Church
Senior Pastor
1480 S. Burlington Blvd
Burlington, WA 98233
(360) 757-3111
[email protected]
Marc Marion (former elder at The Gathering and personal friend)
515 N. Baker St
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 708-5598
[email protected]
Dave Browning (local pastor and personal friend)
Christ the King
Senior Pastor
1000 Fountain St
Burlington, WA 98233
(360) 707-2383
[email protected]
Philosophy of Ministry
I don’t look at a new church like a blank canvas that I can paint however I want. It’s more like a mural that I get to add to. My experience as a consultant and board member has taught me to ask a lot of questions in order to understand an organization’s history, purpose, and assets before crafting a vision. This approach means that I’ll only work at a church that I fall in love with and is already going in a direction that excites me, even if imperfectly. (The core values below will help clarify what I am looking for in a church.)
My leadership style is extremely relational and interactive. It is also very cooperative – I want to see others (especially the next generation) brought up into leadership. Better to give someone too much responsibility and help them learn from their mistakes than withhold opportunities.
Stylistically, I’m most at home in more contemporary churches that avoid the extremes of lifelessness, excessively Pentecostal expression, and overly-polished productions.
Core Values
While my statement of faith says what I believe, these core values represent some things that are very important to me. They drive how I approach pastoral ministry.
“To the glory of God and the joy of the saints” isn't simply how I sign my letters, it’s my life purpose.
Pastors shouldn’t joke about ministry being great “if it weren’t for the people.” A pastor must genuinely love (and like) his congregation. It is our privilege to care for God’s people.
Preaching should be driven by strong exegesis but delivered in a way that is engaging and immensely applicable to the people in the pew.
Through honesty and authenticity, pastors need to actively avoid being placed on a pedestal. They should be models of humility and servanthood.
Prayer marks a church’s dependency on God. We must eagerly expect God to lead and the Holy Spirit to empower.
A church should be creative and well run, but always on guard against pursuing coolness.
God intends for us to enjoy this life – from a good meal, to a beer with friends, to a football game. Enjoyed properly, this life increases our hunger for heaven. But overindulgence distracts us from God.
The church must engage the culture without becoming enmeshed in it.
We don’t need to be threatened by tough questions from skeptics, questioning believers, or even our own doubts. Honest questions and open discussion will lead us to the Source of truth.
We must keep the main thing as the main thing. Though secondary issues may still be important, they must not distract us from the core of the gospel – Christ crucified and risen. In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity.
Personality Profiles
Personalities are very difficult to quantify and are best assessed in person, but the Myers-Briggs assessment and Gallup’s StrengthFinders profile can provide some insights into how I would function on a team.
Myers-Briggs Type: ENTP “Quick, ingenious, stimulating, alert, and outspoken. Resourceful in solving new and challenging problems. Adept at generating conceptual possibilities and then analyzing them strategically. Good at reading other people. Bored by routine, will seldom do the same thing the same way, apt to turn to one new interest after another” (www.myersbriggs.org).
Gallup’s StrengthFinders 2.0 top five strengths:
Learner: “People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve.”
Connectedness: “They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has a reason. ...[they] naturally build bonds that unite different types of people who have separate and often clashing agendas.”
Input: “People who are especially talented in the Input theme have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information.”
Strategic: “People who are especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.”
Analytical: “People who are especially talented in the Analytical theme search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all the factors that might affect a situation””
Some other thoughts:
The “E” in Myer-Briggs stands for extroverted, and I am certainly that. I genuinely like being with people.
As these profiles indicate, I’m very teachable and open to critique.
As you might also gather, I make a better communicator than counselor and am better at analyzing a problem than walking a person through years of growth.
Statement of Faith
This is a modified version of my former church’s “Elders’ Statement of Faith,” which I drafted. It still represents my beliefs, yet I do not hold all points with equal tenacity. I can be in complete unity with someone who disagrees with me about Calvinism vs. Arminianism but not the divinity of Christ.
The Bible: I believe that the sixty-six books Old and New Testament to be the inspired Word of God, having authority over all matters of faith and conduct, inerrant in the original copies and reliably preserved throughout the ages by God's sovereign power. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105; John 16:12-13; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
The Trinity: I believe there is only one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory, yet distinct in function. (Isaiah 44:82 Corinthians 13:14; Mark 1:912; Mathew 28:19; Deuteronomy 6:4)
God the Father is the sovereign creator of all things, transcendent and personal. He is all-knowing, all-present, and all-powerful, perfect in love, justice, and holiness. (Genesis 1:1, 21:33; Like 1:37; Psalm 139; 1 John 4:16; Leviticus 11:44; 1 Corinthians 8:6)
Jesus Christ is God the Son and has always existed with God the Father. He was co-creator of all things and holds the cosmos together. Jesus was the Messiah (Christ) foretold by the Old Testament prophets. He became a man, born of the virgin Mary, yet never ceased to be fully God. He lived among us, performing many miracles and enduring all the temptations we face, yet without sin. In fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, he died in payment for our sins and was resurrected three days later. He ascended to the right hand of the Father where he remains as our intercessor and advocate. (Matthew 16:16; John 1:1-3, 14; Colossians 1:16-17; Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 15:2-9; Acts 1:9; 2:33; 1 Timothy 2:5-6)
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, not an impersonal force. He convicts the world of sin and righteousness and baptizes all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and guiding us in the ways of God. He replenishes and empowers us for growth, good works, and the service of God. (John 16:8-11; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 8:9-16)
The Sinful Nature of Humanity: I believe that God created men and women in his image, for his purpose and good pleasure, that we might “glorify God and enjoy him forever.” Through Adam's sin, humanity inherited a sinful nature and now, both by our sinful nature and individual rebellious choices, we are alienated from God. (Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 16:5-11, 139:16; Romans 3:22-23, 5:12, 11:36; Ephesians 2:1-3, 12).
Salvation: I believe that God freely offers mankind salvation from sin’s penalty and destruction because of his unconditional love, granting eternal life and restoring the Christian’s intimacy with him. Christ died as a willing, atoning sacrifice to satisfy the penalty of sin and he rose from the grave to confirm his victory over sin. Through his sacrifice, we are forgiven of our sins, justified (given right-standing before God and bestowed with the righteousness of Christ), and adopted into God’s family. This salvation is given by God’s grace, not our good works. All that is required of us is that we believe and truly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord – and that he is our Lord – and repent of our sins, turning from them to God, out of a sincere conviction and Godly sorrow. (Romans 5:8; John 3:16; Romans 3:21-26; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, 16-20; Romans 5:1-2, 8:15; Ephesians 2:1-10; Acts 2:38, 16:30-31; 2 Corinthians 7:10)
God’s Sovereignty and Human Free Will in Salvation: I believe that God is completely sovereign over creation and history, yet he has sovereignly given us the ability to choose or reject him. The mystery of how these two realities coexist is beyond our comprehension, yet Scripture clearly teaches both.
Sanctification and Godly Living: I believe that, as believers, all our sins are forgiven when we are saved, yet sanctification is a life-long and daily process whereby we grow in faith and Godliness as a cooperative work with the Holy Spirit. Good works do not bring salvation, but if we are truly saved and the Holy Spirit is working in our lives, we will progress toward a godly lifestyle, growing to walk in a manner that glorifies God and is worthy of his children. Good works are an outer reflection of God’s inner work. (Romans 6:12-23, 8:1-14; Colossians 1:10-14; Galatians 5:16-26; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; James 2:18)
Priesthood of all Believers: I believe that each and every believer has been given skills, abilities, and spiritual gifts by God, and that it is the believer's responsibility and privilege to discover and develop these gifts and to use them to serve others. Ministry is not reserved for a privileged few; rather every Christian is a priest and saint, called to serve God out of gratitude and with joy. (1 Peter 2:9; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 14:40)
Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts: I believe that the Baptism of Holy Spirit, whereby we receive the full gift of the Spirit, occurs at the moment of salvation, as one of its core components. Separate from this is the Spirit’s filling and empowerment which we should continually seek. I believe that all of the gifts of the Spirit are active today, but must used in an orderly manner and be subordinated to the final authority of Scripture. Additionally, I believe that God still heals and works miraculously today, according to his will and in his manner. Physical healing is not a divine right of Christians: In his wisdom, God heals some through miracles, some through medicine, and some are not healed in this life. (James 5:14-16; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9)
The Church and Church Government: I believe that the universal church functions as Christ’s body; the instrument he uses to accomplish his work and plans on the earth. While every believer – past, present, and future – is a part of the universal church, it is vital that every Christian commit themselves to a local congregation so that they may be edified, receive correction, and have opportunity to serve the body of Christ. While there are many different denominations and congregations, everyone that believes in Jesus as Lord and Savior and practices Biblical Christianity is united through the body of Christ; every effort should be made to maintain unity among churches. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 6:1-2; Ephesians 4:11-14; Luke 10:27; Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:3-6)
Baptism and Communion: I believe that Christ established baptism and communion as the two ordinances of the church. They are outward, physical rites that are symbols of a spiritual work and reality. They are to be practiced in obedience to the commands of our Lord, but are not required for salvation. (1 Corinthians 11:24-26; Matthew 28:19)
Baptism by submersion is a symbol, first of our death and resurrection with Christ, and second of the washing away of our sins. It is to be a public confession and proclamation of our spiritual rebirth. As such, baptism should occur when a person is old enough to make a genuine confession of faith. However, I do not seek to invalidate other churches’ baptismal practices accepted in faith by the participant. (Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21; Colossians 2:12)
Communion is a symbol of Jesus’ atoning death and the establishment of the new covenant. It serves as a regular reminder of Christ’s great sacrifice and what it accomplished for us. Communion should be made available to all believers, regardless of church affiliation. (1 Corinthians 11:24-26)
Christ’s Second Coming: I believe that Jesus will literally come back to earth to establish the kingdom of God in fullness. His return should be anticipated with great hope and spur us on to Godly living, but we should not be distracted by excessive speculations regarding specifics, such as the “day or hour” of his coming. (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:4; Titus 2:11-13; Matthew 24:36-39)
Judgment: I believe that after death, all men and women will be judged by God for everything they have done. The believer will be found innocent on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice, and yet we anticipate an evaluation of how we built upon the foundation Christ has given us. The unbeliever should anticipate judgment and condemnation for their rebellion against God. (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; John 3:18; Romans 2:5-6)
Heaven is the glorious eternal home for all genuine believers, where they will spend eternity in God’s presence and know eternal joy. (John 14:2-3; John 3:36)
Hell is a place of separation from God for Satan and all who reject Christ. (Revelation 20:10-15)
Education
Trinity Western University, Langley, BC, Canada
Graduate studies in Biblical Studies, 2000-2001
LIFE Pacific College, San Dimas, CA
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, Minor in Biblical Languages, 1998
University of the Nations (YWAM), Cambridge, ON, Canada
Discipleship Training School, 1994
Pastoral Experience
The Gathering, Mount Vernon, WA
Lead Pastor, 2007-2014
· Led the elder/pastor board and oversaw all aspects of church operation
· Preached approximately 40 sermons a year – sermons that were engaging and practical, but exegetically-driven
· Actively trained and developed new preachers and leaders
· Engaged the local community on a personal and professional level, easily interacting with people of various ages, backgrounds, and beliefs
· Was the driving force behind the local pastoral association
· Promoted hospitality and small groups through example
· Maintained a high standard of personal integrity
· Led the church through a split and its eventual closing, in a redemptive manner
His Place Community Church, Burlington WA
Assistant Pastor, 1998-2007
· Assisted the senior pastor in many different ways: Biblical research, youth pastor search, writing support, program development, etc.
· Learned to work in an environment of high expectations and constant (but loving) critique
· Learned to work effectively in a multi-staff environment
· Oversaw numerous projects
· Preached occasionally and taught various classes
· Oversaw small groups and facilitated “interest-based” groups
· Served as secretary for the council
· Conducted weddings and funerals
· Developed the church’s structure and drafted its new constitution
Additional Ministry Experiences
Ordination: International Church of the Foursquare Gospel
October 2002
Friendship House (a homeless shelter), Mount Vernon, WA
Board Member, 2012
Vice-President, 2013
President, 2014
· Provided highly-valued input on mission and operations
· Interacted with clients on a personal level
· Oversaw the hiring of a new Executive Director
Pacific LIFE Bible College, Surrey, BC, Canada
Adjunct Professor, 2001
· Taught “Intro to Greek and Hebrew” and “Early Pauline Epistles”
Joshkelley.ink, Mount Vernon, WA
Author, speaker, and consultant, 2011-present
· Sermon consultant
· Author of Radically Normal (Harvest House)
· Professional speaker for churches, chapels, guest lecturer, etc.
· Writer’s coach
References
Bruce Wersen (former employer and personal friend)
His Place Community Church
Senior Pastor
1480 S. Burlington Blvd
Burlington, WA 98233
(360) 757-3111
[email protected]
Marc Marion (former elder at The Gathering and personal friend)
515 N. Baker St
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 708-5598
[email protected]
Dave Browning (local pastor and personal friend)
Christ the King
Senior Pastor
1000 Fountain St
Burlington, WA 98233
(360) 707-2383
[email protected]
Philosophy of Ministry
I don’t look at a new church like a blank canvas that I can paint however I want. It’s more like a mural that I get to add to. My experience as a consultant and board member has taught me to ask a lot of questions in order to understand an organization’s history, purpose, and assets before crafting a vision. This approach means that I’ll only work at a church that I fall in love with and is already going in a direction that excites me, even if imperfectly. (The core values below will help clarify what I am looking for in a church.)
My leadership style is extremely relational and interactive. It is also very cooperative – I want to see others (especially the next generation) brought up into leadership. Better to give someone too much responsibility and help them learn from their mistakes than withhold opportunities.
Stylistically, I’m most at home in more contemporary churches that avoid the extremes of lifelessness, excessively Pentecostal expression, and overly-polished productions.
Core Values
While my statement of faith says what I believe, these core values represent some things that are very important to me. They drive how I approach pastoral ministry.
“To the glory of God and the joy of the saints” isn't simply how I sign my letters, it’s my life purpose.
Pastors shouldn’t joke about ministry being great “if it weren’t for the people.” A pastor must genuinely love (and like) his congregation. It is our privilege to care for God’s people.
Preaching should be driven by strong exegesis but delivered in a way that is engaging and immensely applicable to the people in the pew.
Through honesty and authenticity, pastors need to actively avoid being placed on a pedestal. They should be models of humility and servanthood.
Prayer marks a church’s dependency on God. We must eagerly expect God to lead and the Holy Spirit to empower.
A church should be creative and well run, but always on guard against pursuing coolness.
God intends for us to enjoy this life – from a good meal, to a beer with friends, to a football game. Enjoyed properly, this life increases our hunger for heaven. But overindulgence distracts us from God.
The church must engage the culture without becoming enmeshed in it.
We don’t need to be threatened by tough questions from skeptics, questioning believers, or even our own doubts. Honest questions and open discussion will lead us to the Source of truth.
We must keep the main thing as the main thing. Though secondary issues may still be important, they must not distract us from the core of the gospel – Christ crucified and risen. In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity.
Personality Profiles
Personalities are very difficult to quantify and are best assessed in person, but the Myers-Briggs assessment and Gallup’s StrengthFinders profile can provide some insights into how I would function on a team.
Myers-Briggs Type: ENTP “Quick, ingenious, stimulating, alert, and outspoken. Resourceful in solving new and challenging problems. Adept at generating conceptual possibilities and then analyzing them strategically. Good at reading other people. Bored by routine, will seldom do the same thing the same way, apt to turn to one new interest after another” (www.myersbriggs.org).
Gallup’s StrengthFinders 2.0 top five strengths:
Learner: “People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve.”
Connectedness: “They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has a reason. ...[they] naturally build bonds that unite different types of people who have separate and often clashing agendas.”
Input: “People who are especially talented in the Input theme have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information.”
Strategic: “People who are especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.”
Analytical: “People who are especially talented in the Analytical theme search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all the factors that might affect a situation””
Some other thoughts:
The “E” in Myer-Briggs stands for extroverted, and I am certainly that. I genuinely like being with people.
As these profiles indicate, I’m very teachable and open to critique.
As you might also gather, I make a better communicator than counselor and am better at analyzing a problem than walking a person through years of growth.
Statement of Faith
This is a modified version of my former church’s “Elders’ Statement of Faith,” which I drafted. It still represents my beliefs, yet I do not hold all points with equal tenacity. I can be in complete unity with someone who disagrees with me about Calvinism vs. Arminianism but not the divinity of Christ.
The Bible: I believe that the sixty-six books Old and New Testament to be the inspired Word of God, having authority over all matters of faith and conduct, inerrant in the original copies and reliably preserved throughout the ages by God's sovereign power. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105; John 16:12-13; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
The Trinity: I believe there is only one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory, yet distinct in function. (Isaiah 44:82 Corinthians 13:14; Mark 1:912; Mathew 28:19; Deuteronomy 6:4)
God the Father is the sovereign creator of all things, transcendent and personal. He is all-knowing, all-present, and all-powerful, perfect in love, justice, and holiness. (Genesis 1:1, 21:33; Like 1:37; Psalm 139; 1 John 4:16; Leviticus 11:44; 1 Corinthians 8:6)
Jesus Christ is God the Son and has always existed with God the Father. He was co-creator of all things and holds the cosmos together. Jesus was the Messiah (Christ) foretold by the Old Testament prophets. He became a man, born of the virgin Mary, yet never ceased to be fully God. He lived among us, performing many miracles and enduring all the temptations we face, yet without sin. In fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, he died in payment for our sins and was resurrected three days later. He ascended to the right hand of the Father where he remains as our intercessor and advocate. (Matthew 16:16; John 1:1-3, 14; Colossians 1:16-17; Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 15:2-9; Acts 1:9; 2:33; 1 Timothy 2:5-6)
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, not an impersonal force. He convicts the world of sin and righteousness and baptizes all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and guiding us in the ways of God. He replenishes and empowers us for growth, good works, and the service of God. (John 16:8-11; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 8:9-16)
The Sinful Nature of Humanity: I believe that God created men and women in his image, for his purpose and good pleasure, that we might “glorify God and enjoy him forever.” Through Adam's sin, humanity inherited a sinful nature and now, both by our sinful nature and individual rebellious choices, we are alienated from God. (Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 16:5-11, 139:16; Romans 3:22-23, 5:12, 11:36; Ephesians 2:1-3, 12).
Salvation: I believe that God freely offers mankind salvation from sin’s penalty and destruction because of his unconditional love, granting eternal life and restoring the Christian’s intimacy with him. Christ died as a willing, atoning sacrifice to satisfy the penalty of sin and he rose from the grave to confirm his victory over sin. Through his sacrifice, we are forgiven of our sins, justified (given right-standing before God and bestowed with the righteousness of Christ), and adopted into God’s family. This salvation is given by God’s grace, not our good works. All that is required of us is that we believe and truly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord – and that he is our Lord – and repent of our sins, turning from them to God, out of a sincere conviction and Godly sorrow. (Romans 5:8; John 3:16; Romans 3:21-26; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, 16-20; Romans 5:1-2, 8:15; Ephesians 2:1-10; Acts 2:38, 16:30-31; 2 Corinthians 7:10)
God’s Sovereignty and Human Free Will in Salvation: I believe that God is completely sovereign over creation and history, yet he has sovereignly given us the ability to choose or reject him. The mystery of how these two realities coexist is beyond our comprehension, yet Scripture clearly teaches both.
Sanctification and Godly Living: I believe that, as believers, all our sins are forgiven when we are saved, yet sanctification is a life-long and daily process whereby we grow in faith and Godliness as a cooperative work with the Holy Spirit. Good works do not bring salvation, but if we are truly saved and the Holy Spirit is working in our lives, we will progress toward a godly lifestyle, growing to walk in a manner that glorifies God and is worthy of his children. Good works are an outer reflection of God’s inner work. (Romans 6:12-23, 8:1-14; Colossians 1:10-14; Galatians 5:16-26; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; James 2:18)
Priesthood of all Believers: I believe that each and every believer has been given skills, abilities, and spiritual gifts by God, and that it is the believer's responsibility and privilege to discover and develop these gifts and to use them to serve others. Ministry is not reserved for a privileged few; rather every Christian is a priest and saint, called to serve God out of gratitude and with joy. (1 Peter 2:9; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 14:40)
Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts: I believe that the Baptism of Holy Spirit, whereby we receive the full gift of the Spirit, occurs at the moment of salvation, as one of its core components. Separate from this is the Spirit’s filling and empowerment which we should continually seek. I believe that all of the gifts of the Spirit are active today, but must used in an orderly manner and be subordinated to the final authority of Scripture. Additionally, I believe that God still heals and works miraculously today, according to his will and in his manner. Physical healing is not a divine right of Christians: In his wisdom, God heals some through miracles, some through medicine, and some are not healed in this life. (James 5:14-16; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9)
The Church and Church Government: I believe that the universal church functions as Christ’s body; the instrument he uses to accomplish his work and plans on the earth. While every believer – past, present, and future – is a part of the universal church, it is vital that every Christian commit themselves to a local congregation so that they may be edified, receive correction, and have opportunity to serve the body of Christ. While there are many different denominations and congregations, everyone that believes in Jesus as Lord and Savior and practices Biblical Christianity is united through the body of Christ; every effort should be made to maintain unity among churches. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 6:1-2; Ephesians 4:11-14; Luke 10:27; Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:3-6)
Baptism and Communion: I believe that Christ established baptism and communion as the two ordinances of the church. They are outward, physical rites that are symbols of a spiritual work and reality. They are to be practiced in obedience to the commands of our Lord, but are not required for salvation. (1 Corinthians 11:24-26; Matthew 28:19)
Baptism by submersion is a symbol, first of our death and resurrection with Christ, and second of the washing away of our sins. It is to be a public confession and proclamation of our spiritual rebirth. As such, baptism should occur when a person is old enough to make a genuine confession of faith. However, I do not seek to invalidate other churches’ baptismal practices accepted in faith by the participant. (Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21; Colossians 2:12)
Communion is a symbol of Jesus’ atoning death and the establishment of the new covenant. It serves as a regular reminder of Christ’s great sacrifice and what it accomplished for us. Communion should be made available to all believers, regardless of church affiliation. (1 Corinthians 11:24-26)
Christ’s Second Coming: I believe that Jesus will literally come back to earth to establish the kingdom of God in fullness. His return should be anticipated with great hope and spur us on to Godly living, but we should not be distracted by excessive speculations regarding specifics, such as the “day or hour” of his coming. (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:4; Titus 2:11-13; Matthew 24:36-39)
Judgment: I believe that after death, all men and women will be judged by God for everything they have done. The believer will be found innocent on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice, and yet we anticipate an evaluation of how we built upon the foundation Christ has given us. The unbeliever should anticipate judgment and condemnation for their rebellion against God. (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; John 3:18; Romans 2:5-6)
Heaven is the glorious eternal home for all genuine believers, where they will spend eternity in God’s presence and know eternal joy. (John 14:2-3; John 3:36)
Hell is a place of separation from God for Satan and all who reject Christ. (Revelation 20:10-15)