identity and beliefs

:: our core values ::

this church exists to lead people to a more intimate relationship with God, for His glory. this church glorifies God by loving Him and obeying His commands, and strives to fulfill its mission by being:

unified in Christ under the new covenant - this is who we are as a result of the cross

• we all have a new identity, defined by Christ in us.
• we all have a transformed heart that is continually transforming our lives each day.
• we are all on a relentless pursuit of personal holiness.
• we are all vessels of God's reputation, grace, and Gospel of reconciliation.
• we are all called and fully equipped by God to carry out the great commission.

unified in our devotions (Acts 2:42) - this is how we live our lives

• the apostles' teaching - a devotion to the word of God, both studied and applied.
• the fellowship - a devotion to sharing our lives in true God-centered community.
• the breaking of bread - a devotion to the cross as a completed work.
• prayer - a devotion to intimacy with God, both personally and corporately.

unified in vision - this is who we are trying to reach

• everyone... through the relationships God gives us.
• the surrounding community, wherever that may be.
• baton rouge; louisiana; the united states of america; the world.

unified in purpose - this is what are we called to do

• equip people to meet needs... make ministers (Ephesians 4:11-13).
• be disciples of Christ, who make other disciples of Christ... we are disciple-makers (Matthew 28:18-20).
• meet the needs of those God loves, through any means possible.

:: our statements of faith ::

about God

we believe that there is one true and living God, the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. these three are co-equal, having the same divine attributes and perfections, and are one God. (Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2,11; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

about Jesus

we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and is co-equal with the Father. without ceasing to be God, Jesus left heaven and became human, lived a sinless human life, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sinners by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate. He will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13)

about the Holy Spirit

we believe that the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son, as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He is the Supernatural agent in regeneration, and lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. through His indwelling, He provides the Christian with guidance and power for daily living, and understanding of spiritual truth. the Christian seeks to live under His control daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1; 2 Timothy 1:7; 2 Peter 1:3,4)

about mankind

we believe that mankind was created in the image of God to have fellowship with Him, but through Adam's disobedience, the entire human race was separated from God. sin has affected every area of life, and as a result, man is incapable of regaining a right relationship with God through his own effort alone. (Romans 2:2-5, Ephesians 2:8-9, Genesis 1:27 & 9:6, Psalms 51:5 & 58:3, Romans 5:12 & 3:23, Ephesians 2:1)

about salvation

we believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God. therefore, the only means to salvation is belief in Christ's substitutionary death and resurrection. salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace, apart from any works. upon receiving the gift of salvation, the Christian receives the forgiveness of sin and eternal life, becomes a partaker of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, becomes a new creation, and obtains a new identity as a child of God. (Acts 4:12, 13:38,39; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 4:4,5 & 5:1; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8,9; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 1:4,5)

about the scriptures

we believe that every word in the original writings is inspired by God and without error. the scriptures of the old and new testaments are the final authority for faith and life and are the foundation of the faith and practice of the ring community church. (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21)

about the christian life

we believe that every Christian is called to a holy life of ministry, spiritual growth, and service, in the power of the Holy Spirit. the goal of the Christian life is to glorify God by imitating Christ and representing Him to the world, faithfully spreading the gospel message to the ends of the earth. this originates with a love for God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, that is realized in a genuine love for people. (1 Peter 1:15,16; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 3:12-17; John 14:1-3)

about eternal security

we believe that because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, those who are truly redeemed are kept by God's power and are secure in Christ for eternity. salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. (John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

about eternity

we believe that man was created to exist forever. he will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. to be eternally separated from God is hell. to be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. heaven and hell are places of eternal existence. (John 2:25, 3:16, 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 John 5:11,12; Matthew 25:31-46)

about the church

we believe that the church is the body of Christ, a living spiritual organism of which Jesus Christ is the head. the members of the church are those who have trusted by faith the finished work of Christ. members join their resources, spiritual gifts, and lives in order to accomplish the purpose of the church which is to glorify God by loving Him and by making Him known to the lost world. (Ephesians 1:22, 23 and 5:24-30, 1 Corinthians 12:4-13, 27)

about baptism and the Lord's supper

we believe that the Bible sets forth two ordinances: the Lord's supper and water baptism. these ordinances are scriptural means of testimony for the church in this age. the Lord's supper is to be celebrated regularly in remembrance of Christ's death on the cross, and in expectation of His return. water baptism is an outward testimony of a person's new redeemed life in Christ. immersion is the ideal means set forth in scripture. (Matt 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16; Acts 8:12,36-38; 9:18; and 10:47; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

:: our church covenant ::

having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

we commit to pursue a more intimate relationship with God, for His glory, by devoting ourselves to prayer, the study of God's Word, the pursuit of holiness, and life in this Christ-centered community of faith, hope, and love.

as we grow in our relationship with God, we will follow His example by caring for one another in every way - spiritually, emotionally, and physically. we will invest ourselves in the lives of others, and will open up our own lives for others to invest in us. God will be the centerpiece of our friendships, relationships, and marriages, and we commit to raising our children to be disciples of Christ. we will walk together through all seasons of life, no matter what struggles or victories may come our way. and, as the need will surely arise, we will resolve conflict according to the biblical model established by Christ and confirmed by the early church.

we will work together to fulfill the mission and vision of this church, by maintaining unity in our personal and corporate devotions, actively using our spiritual gifts, abilities, and passions in ministry, being faithful in our attendance, participation, and giving, and by supporting the leadership of this church. Should we move from this place, as soon as possible we will unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

all this will be accomplished by Him, through Him, and for Him. for His is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, Forever! Amen.