Lifestyle Statement

Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following practices:

PRIESTHOOD OF EVERY BELIEVER
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
1 Peter 2:9 NKJV

Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading, and has been called to a life of service. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging each CLCer to find a place of service and ministry.

BIBLE AS OUR SOLE AUTHORITY
“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right.”
2 Tim. 3:15

Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, the Bible is our manual for living and the basis for all we believe. Therefore, our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization.

RELATIONSHIP NOT RELIGION
So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God — all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God.
Rom 5:11 NLT

Christianity is about relationship, not religion. The purpose of the Bible is to instruct us as to how to have a personal relationship with God, which enables us to keep His commandments and love our fellow man.

HEALING FOR THE SICK
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
James 5:14-15 NKJV

Healing for the sick was provided through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, and can be received and ministered to others by the laying on of hands, by anointing with oil and by the prayer of faith. At each service we provide an opportunity for people to receive healing for their body, mind and emotions.

TITHING
“A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”
Lev. 27:30

We practice tithing for the support of the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical minimum standard of giving.

COMMUNION
For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 1 Cor 11:26 NKJV

Because this practice is for believers only and our weekend services include many seekers also, we practice the sacred observance of the Lord’s Supper in memorial of His death during our “Refresh” service on the first Wednesday of each month. We also receive Communion during our 5th Sunday “Family Day’ services.

IMMERSION
“And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.”
Acts 10:48 NKJV

We practice baptism by immersion under water — the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands, in that every believer is to be buried with Christ in the waters of baptism, subsequent to repentance and faith in God. While freely embracing those of differing views, we administer this rite “in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

SPIRIT-LED LIVING
(Jesus said), “I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5

TELLING OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right. (Phil. 2:13, Eph. 5:18)

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
1 Peter 3:15

It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those in our sphere of influence. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.