Core Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of Advance Community Church based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
God
There is one eternally existing God who has three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is the creator of all that exists, both visible and invisible, and is therefore worthy of all glory and praise. God is perfect in love, power, holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, justice, and mercy. He is unchangeable and therefore is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Revelation
God has revealed himself to us through his son, Jesus Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God, the holy scriptures, and through all of creation itself.
Mankind
Humans, both male and female, were created in God's image for His glory. The first humans, Adam and Eve, were created without sin and appointed as caretakers of the rest of God's creations.
Read More: Statement on Marriage and Sexuality
Read More: Statement on Marriage and Sexuality
The Fall
When Adam and Eve chose not to obey God, they ceased to be what they were made to be and became distorted images of God. This caused them to fall out of fellowship with God, and fractured all of creation ever since that time.
Salvation
Jesus Christ came to reconcile us with God. He lived a life without sin and willingly died on the cross to pay the penalty for our transgressions. God raised him from the dead and now, by grace, offers as a free gift eternal life to all who follow Christ, by faith, as their Lord and Savior. That is why salvation can be found in Christ alone.
The Church
The Church is meant to be the visible body of Christ, sent into the world to glorify God and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Read More: Church Leadership
Read More: Complementarianism (We affirm the view of The Village Church)
Read More: Partnership
Read More: Church Leadership
Read More: Complementarianism (We affirm the view of The Village Church)
Read More: Partnership
Resurrection
Jesus Christ is returning one day to judge both the living and the dead and to usher in the fullness of God's kingdom on earth.
Statement on Marriage and Sexuality
It is the biblical position that marriage involves the union of one man and one woman in permanent sacred fidelity. Though various cultures and customs have evolving definitions of marriage, it is God alone who has ultimate authority to prescribe and describe the marital relationship (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:1-9, Mark 10:1-12).
Furthermore, sexual intimacy is only properly exercised and pursued within the confines of this marital relationship. Sexual immorality, defined as any sexual activity outside of the boundaries of the sacred marital relationship between one man and one woman, is clearly and expressly prohibited by the Lord (Matthew 15:19, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Hebrews 13:4).
As a consequence, the Church regards any and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or even lustful intent toward such, as sinful and ultimately unsatisfying. Moreover, the Church also regards as sinful the intent or desire to surgically alter one’s biological sex to a different sex. Since the body is a creation of God, the Church holds sexual identity to be biologically determined, and associated gender norms are to be observed as appropriate to biblical standards. Disagreement with one’s biological sex only leads to spiritual confusion and emotional chaos (Genesis 1:27, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
In order to preserve the function and integrity of the Church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical example to the Church Partners and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the Church in any capacity or united to the Church in partnership should abide by and agree to this “Statement on Marriage and Sexuality“ and conduct themselves accordingly.
Though sinful sexual expression is egregious (as is all sin), the gospel provides redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 2:1-10, Titus 3:3-7).
Furthermore, there is a difference between temptation and unrepented sin. Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are, yet He never sinned. Partners, employees, volunteers and attendees of the Church wrestling with all manner of sexual temptation will find a Church ready to point them to Jesus and join with them to fight for their obedience to Christ. Jesus called the weary and heavy-laden to Himself. As a church desiring to follow Christ fully, the Church will be a safe place for men and women fighting sexual temptations of all kinds. For those fighting temptation and repenting of sin, the Church will provide love, care and direction (Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:14-16).
The Church’s Statement on Marriage and Sexuality does not provide grounds for bigotry, bullying or hate, as we fully believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect and dignity, regardless of his or her
lifestyle. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated as sinful and are not in accordance with the Scriptures nor the doctrines of the Church.
Furthermore, sexual intimacy is only properly exercised and pursued within the confines of this marital relationship. Sexual immorality, defined as any sexual activity outside of the boundaries of the sacred marital relationship between one man and one woman, is clearly and expressly prohibited by the Lord (Matthew 15:19, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Hebrews 13:4).
As a consequence, the Church regards any and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or even lustful intent toward such, as sinful and ultimately unsatisfying. Moreover, the Church also regards as sinful the intent or desire to surgically alter one’s biological sex to a different sex. Since the body is a creation of God, the Church holds sexual identity to be biologically determined, and associated gender norms are to be observed as appropriate to biblical standards. Disagreement with one’s biological sex only leads to spiritual confusion and emotional chaos (Genesis 1:27, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
In order to preserve the function and integrity of the Church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical example to the Church Partners and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the Church in any capacity or united to the Church in partnership should abide by and agree to this “Statement on Marriage and Sexuality“ and conduct themselves accordingly.
Though sinful sexual expression is egregious (as is all sin), the gospel provides redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 2:1-10, Titus 3:3-7).
Furthermore, there is a difference between temptation and unrepented sin. Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are, yet He never sinned. Partners, employees, volunteers and attendees of the Church wrestling with all manner of sexual temptation will find a Church ready to point them to Jesus and join with them to fight for their obedience to Christ. Jesus called the weary and heavy-laden to Himself. As a church desiring to follow Christ fully, the Church will be a safe place for men and women fighting sexual temptations of all kinds. For those fighting temptation and repenting of sin, the Church will provide love, care and direction (Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:14-16).
The Church’s Statement on Marriage and Sexuality does not provide grounds for bigotry, bullying or hate, as we fully believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect and dignity, regardless of his or her
lifestyle. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated as sinful and are not in accordance with the Scriptures nor the doctrines of the Church.
Church Leadership
Elders are entrusted with the governance of the Church, leading the Church from a centralized vantage point. The Elder’s oversight includes, but is not limited to, teaching, protecting, leading, disciplining, equipping and caring for the corporate Church body and its individual Partners as well as the oversight of all ministry, operations and finances of the Church. The Elders are also responsible for being obedient to the Scriptures in the doctrine of the Church, establishing the overall vision of the Church and appointing new Elders.
The minimum qualifications for Elders shall not be less than those listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, including without limitation the requirement that Elders be men. In addition to the minimum qualifications given in Scripture, Elders must be Partners who fully subscribe to Church’s Articles of Faith and are actively involved in the ministry of the Church. The Elders may at any time create, alter, amend, repeal or restate resolutions establishing additional qualifications outside of those listed in the above scriptures.
The Elder’s responsibilities to its Partners are as follows:
We promise as your elders and deacons to do our best in meeting the criteria as assigned to us in the Scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4).
• We promise to do our best in seeking God’s will for the church as we study the Scriptures, follow the Spirit, and obey Jesus’ teachings (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-5).
• We promise to care for you and seek your growth as a disciple of Christ, in equipping you for service and praying for you regularly (Ephesians 4:11-13, James 5:14).
• We promise to provide teaching and counsel from Scripture Acts 20:27-28, Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:17-18).
• We promise to be on guard against false teachers (Acts 20:28-31).
• We promise to prayerfully exercise church discipline when necessary in grace and love with the intentions of reconciliation and restoration (Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 2 Corinthians 2:5-8, Galatians 6:1).
• We promise to set an example and join you in fulfilling the responsibilities of church partners (1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:17, 1 Timothy 4:12).
The Elders shall make the final determination in regards to any ecclesiastical questions. The Elders shall be the express and final arbiter of ecclesiastical polity, religious doctrine, and questions of Church property, and shall make the final decision with respect to any other matter that shall arise concerning the Church, its internal workings, and its governance in every respect, consistent with these Bylaws. In deciding such matters, the Elders shall use the standards of: (a) the best spiritual, financial, and operating interests of the Church in light of the Bible and the tenets of faith of the Church; and (b) the furtherance of the religious purposes of the Church as discerned by the Elders according to the teachings of the Bible.
Deacons may be men or women, to meet the qualifications as specified in I Timothy 3:8-13.
The responsibility of the Deacons is not explicit within the biblical text. The overall responsibility of the diaconate is to assist the Elders in their service and equipping functions.
The minimum qualifications for Elders shall not be less than those listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, including without limitation the requirement that Elders be men. In addition to the minimum qualifications given in Scripture, Elders must be Partners who fully subscribe to Church’s Articles of Faith and are actively involved in the ministry of the Church. The Elders may at any time create, alter, amend, repeal or restate resolutions establishing additional qualifications outside of those listed in the above scriptures.
The Elder’s responsibilities to its Partners are as follows:
We promise as your elders and deacons to do our best in meeting the criteria as assigned to us in the Scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4).
• We promise to do our best in seeking God’s will for the church as we study the Scriptures, follow the Spirit, and obey Jesus’ teachings (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-5).
• We promise to care for you and seek your growth as a disciple of Christ, in equipping you for service and praying for you regularly (Ephesians 4:11-13, James 5:14).
• We promise to provide teaching and counsel from Scripture Acts 20:27-28, Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:17-18).
• We promise to be on guard against false teachers (Acts 20:28-31).
• We promise to prayerfully exercise church discipline when necessary in grace and love with the intentions of reconciliation and restoration (Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 2 Corinthians 2:5-8, Galatians 6:1).
• We promise to set an example and join you in fulfilling the responsibilities of church partners (1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:17, 1 Timothy 4:12).
The Elders shall make the final determination in regards to any ecclesiastical questions. The Elders shall be the express and final arbiter of ecclesiastical polity, religious doctrine, and questions of Church property, and shall make the final decision with respect to any other matter that shall arise concerning the Church, its internal workings, and its governance in every respect, consistent with these Bylaws. In deciding such matters, the Elders shall use the standards of: (a) the best spiritual, financial, and operating interests of the Church in light of the Bible and the tenets of faith of the Church; and (b) the furtherance of the religious purposes of the Church as discerned by the Elders according to the teachings of the Bible.
Deacons may be men or women, to meet the qualifications as specified in I Timothy 3:8-13.
The responsibility of the Deacons is not explicit within the biblical text. The overall responsibility of the diaconate is to assist the Elders in their service and equipping functions.
Partnership
Partnership within a local church carries both privileges and responsibilities. Partners of the Church are held accountable to the responsibilities of general Christian obligations comprehensively though not exhaustively outlined within the Church’s Partnership Commitment. These responsibilities include praying for and pursuing both corporate health and individual holiness.
In signing the Partnership Commitment, Partners attest that they have completed the partnership process as instructed, read the Partnership Commitment, and are willingly committing to the following:
• I am in agreement with the doctrinal beliefs of Advance Community Church and will not be divisive as to what it says. I also understand the importance of submission to church leadership and will be diligent to preserve unity and peace (Ephesians 4:1-3, Hebrews 13:7 & 17).
• I promise to view Scripture as the final authority on all issues.
• I promise to pursue a maturing relationship with Jesus by means of reading the Bible, prayer, and fellowship with the church body. My relationship with Jesus will be evident through my participation in weekly worship, communion, service, and living a life that seeks to glorify God in our community (Psalm 105:1-2, Psalm 119:97, Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 10:23-25, 2 Peter 1:3).
• Out of gratitude to Jesus for all He has done on my behalf, I will steward my time, talents, and treasure (Proverbs 3:9-10, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:22-26, Ephesians 4:1-16, Ephesians 5:15-18). This stewardship includes regular financial giving, volunteerism, and participation in the community that is sacrificial and cheerful (Romans 12:1-8, 2 Corinthians 8-9, 12:7-13, 1 Peter 4:10-11).
• I will not function as an active member in another church (some exceptions may apply).
• I will strive to believe the best regarding the motives of the elders and deacons of the church knowing they are human and capable of making mistakes.
• I promise to submit to discipline by God through the Holy Spirit, to follow biblical procedures for church discipline in my relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ, to submit to righteous discipline when approached biblically by brothers and sisters in Christ, and to submit to the discipline of church leadership if the need should ever arise (Psalm 141:5, Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 2 Corinthians 2:5-8, Galatians 6:1-5, 1 Timothy 5:20, 2 Timothy 2:25, Titus 1:9, 3:10-11, Hebrews 12:5-11, Revelation 2:5-7, 2:14-25).
• I agree, by God’s grace, to walk in holiness as an act of worship to Jesus Christ, who saved me from my sin and gave me new life (2 Corinthians 5:17). From this point forward, I agree to confess my sins to Christian brothers and/or sisters and seek help to put my sin to death (Romans 8:13, Colossians 3:5, 1 John 1:6-10).
In signing the Partnership Commitment, Partners attest that they have completed the partnership process as instructed, read the Partnership Commitment, and are willingly committing to the following:
• I am in agreement with the doctrinal beliefs of Advance Community Church and will not be divisive as to what it says. I also understand the importance of submission to church leadership and will be diligent to preserve unity and peace (Ephesians 4:1-3, Hebrews 13:7 & 17).
• I promise to view Scripture as the final authority on all issues.
• I promise to pursue a maturing relationship with Jesus by means of reading the Bible, prayer, and fellowship with the church body. My relationship with Jesus will be evident through my participation in weekly worship, communion, service, and living a life that seeks to glorify God in our community (Psalm 105:1-2, Psalm 119:97, Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 10:23-25, 2 Peter 1:3).
• Out of gratitude to Jesus for all He has done on my behalf, I will steward my time, talents, and treasure (Proverbs 3:9-10, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:22-26, Ephesians 4:1-16, Ephesians 5:15-18). This stewardship includes regular financial giving, volunteerism, and participation in the community that is sacrificial and cheerful (Romans 12:1-8, 2 Corinthians 8-9, 12:7-13, 1 Peter 4:10-11).
• I will not function as an active member in another church (some exceptions may apply).
• I will strive to believe the best regarding the motives of the elders and deacons of the church knowing they are human and capable of making mistakes.
• I promise to submit to discipline by God through the Holy Spirit, to follow biblical procedures for church discipline in my relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ, to submit to righteous discipline when approached biblically by brothers and sisters in Christ, and to submit to the discipline of church leadership if the need should ever arise (Psalm 141:5, Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 2 Corinthians 2:5-8, Galatians 6:1-5, 1 Timothy 5:20, 2 Timothy 2:25, Titus 1:9, 3:10-11, Hebrews 12:5-11, Revelation 2:5-7, 2:14-25).
• I agree, by God’s grace, to walk in holiness as an act of worship to Jesus Christ, who saved me from my sin and gave me new life (2 Corinthians 5:17). From this point forward, I agree to confess my sins to Christian brothers and/or sisters and seek help to put my sin to death (Romans 8:13, Colossians 3:5, 1 John 1:6-10).