WHAT WE BELIEVE

Statement of Faith

At the Chapel our mission is to help people take their next step toward a passionate relationship with God through Jesus Christ (Matt. 23:37-38). Our unity is based in Christ and the pursuit of that mission for the glory of God. There are some teachings about which two Christians may agree to disagree even though they serve and worship together in the same church family. These beliefs are not essential to salvation and should be held and discussed humbly among Christ followers. They should never be used to create disunity in the family of God. At the Chapel we are committed to nurturing the unity we share as the family of God and to obeying His command to “love one another.”

What We Believe:

About the Bible:

The Bible is God’s word to people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for living. Because it is inspired by God it is without any error in the original manuscripts.

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Ephesians 5:1

About God:

God is 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 and are one God. The Holy Spirit calls people to seek salvation in Jesus, and He lives in every Christ-follower providing power for living, understanding of spiritual things and guidance in doing what is right. Christ-followers seek to live under his control daily.

Genesis 1:26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14-17; John 14:16,17,16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13, 5:1; Galatians 5:25

About Man:

Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Man is marred by a rebellious nature toward God called “sin”. This separates man from God.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2

About Jesus Christ:

Jesus Christ is the son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus was conceived by God the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the only sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to show his power over sin and death. He went back to heaven where He is preparing a place for his followers and 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 Salvation:

We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, salvation only occurs when a person places his faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as the sufficient payment for his sin. Those who are saved will enjoy heaven with God forever. Those who do not come to Jesus for forgiveness and new life will be sentenced to an eternity of torment without God in Hell.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1; Matthew 25:46; John 11:25,26.

Nine Things About Us You Should Know

Our Statement of Values

1. We are committed to Honoring God in all we do.
2. We are committed to the application of the Bible, in preaching, teaching, counseling, and daily life. James 1:22 And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don’t obey, you are only fooling yourself.
3. We are committed to open and honest relationship with each other, valuing feedback that leads to growth.
   This means that we are authentic and genuine with each other, valuing feedback that leads to growth. Prov. 12:15 Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others. Prov. 23:23 Get the truth and don’t ever sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and discernment. Prov. 13:16 Wise people think before they act; fools don’t and even brag about it! Prov. 13:17 An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing.
4. We are committed to dispensing love, grace, and acceptance.
   This means we value individual uniqueness before God. We intentionally seek to surround ourselves with people who have different gifts and personal styles to make the body stronger. We value Christ-likeness over sameness. Rom. 15:7 So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified .1 Cor. 12:5 There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving. Phil. 2:2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.
5. We are committed to personal and corporate prayer and worship.
   Prayer and worship is the natural outflow of an intimate relationship with God. Acts 2:42 They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer.
6. We are committed to developing people as mature Christ followers.
   This means our goal is not to provide great programs, but to use events, programs, and processes to develop people. Every EBC’er should have the opportunity to develop their personal giftedness in service, the joy of stewardship in sharing, the development of character in relationship, and the pursuit of Kingdom goals as a part of the body. This will result in the development of Christ-like character and a mature Christ-following lifestyle. Phil. 1:6 And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again. (Romans 12; 1 Cor. 13 & 14; Ephesians 4)
7. We are committed to Sharing.
   This means we help the poor and needy of our body and the community, and we participate in God’s heart for the world through missions. The purpose of this sharing is to bring people to a saving faith in Jesus. 2 Cor. 8:7 Since you excel in so many ways—you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us—now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving. Acts 2:44 – 45 And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. 1 Thess. 2:8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
8. We are committed to Building Bridges and Removing Roadblocks between the Church and the Community.
   This means we should be accessible to those that need our message. Our facilities and services are open to all. Our desire is to be an example of Jesus to those around us. We favor lifestyle evangelism over contrived methods. Luke 7:36-50; Luke 15; Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough.”
9. We are committed to the simplicity of our vision statement
   Our mission in people’s lives is clear and simple. We do not seek to confuse that mission by adding complex organizational or programmatic schemes that distract us from our real purpose. We understand that our culture is changing fast. We will work to relate well to the culture we are called to serve, evaluating every program, service and event for effectiveness in serving our purpose. Prov. 18:15 Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them. 2 Cor. 11:3 But I fear that somehow you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent. We must be willing to sacrifice the good and important for the crucial and vital.

Our Philosophy of Worship

John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

That which unites us in worship as a biblical community:

God-centeredness (Deut. 6:1-9)

• To come on the look out for God, leave on the look out for people.
• We will not celebrate man for acts that belong to God.
• Choose songs that make much of God and not man.
• Celebrate ministry success as mercy driven acts of God.

Going Hard After God (Psalm 63:8)

• To recognize that God is the object and pursue Him, even though true worship results in a host of practical joys.
• Express from the pulpit longing for God in Christ.
• Encourage prayer before, during and after the service.
• Teach a God ward longing in all acts of worship.

Expecting the Powerful Presence of God

• We do not simply direct ourselves toward God. We earnestly seek his drawing near according the promise of James 4:8 — "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
• God is not far but near.
• Anticipate being ready for his moving among us. We will be sensitive to and leave room for the movement of the Holy Spirit among us.

Bible-based and Bible-saturated (2 Tim. 3:16)

• The content of our worship will always conform to the truth of the Scripture. Preaching is a key part of worship.
• Seeing God happens by the means of his self-revelation, which he gives through his word.
• Check unfitting human intrusion and inventiveness by testing all by the Word.
• God is honored when his Word is prominent and pervasive.

Head and Heart (Mark 12:30)

• True worship is balanced by truth and enhanced by passion. Keeping these together is the difference between emotion and emotionalism; and between intellectual and intellectualism. We will teach satisfaction and contentment in God.
• God is more glorified when known and enjoyed than either alone.

Earnestness and Intensity

• Avoid a trite, flippant, superficial atmosphere, but instead set an example of reverence, passion, joy and wonder.
• We are very serious about being joyful in God.
• Inappropriate humor makes true worship harder.
• There is a difference between natural life humor and contrived communication-humor.
• People are hungry for something different from the glib, chipper, silly fare of popular culture.

Authentic Communication

• Trust cannot grow where communication is not authentic.
• Manifest genuineness and vulnerability that does not give the impression of hiding or flawlessness.
• Model real authentic relationships with God and people.
• Lead worshippers must worship authentically.

Encouraging a God-ward Focus for the Common Good of the Body

• (1 Cor. 12:7) We expect and hope and pray that our focus on manifesting God is good for people, and that therefore a spirit of love for each other is necessary for authentic worship.
• Worship has a horizontal effect while being vertical in focus.
• Everyone should think about how others are helped to experience God by their God-ward hunger and demeanor. (Eph. 5:18-19)

Undistracting Excellence

• (Col. 3:23,24)
• We will try to sing and play and pray and preach in such a way that people’s attention will not be diverted from the substance by shoddy ministry nor by excessive finesse, elegance, or refinement. Natural, undistracting excellence will let the truth and beauty of God shine through.
• Sound system, music playing, welcome, lighting, heat, ushering, welcoming, parking, facilities – all undistracting from the aim of thinking about God. Avoid drawing attention to styles and chords that draw attention mainly to the performance and style and not the substance.

The Mingling of the Historic and Contemporary Music in Heartfelt Congregational Singing

• (Matt. 13:52)
• “Sing a new song to the Lord.”
• But remember the great works of old.
• Mine the riches of the ages.
• Speak the language and adapt some forms to the present.

If worship is just one thing we do,
Everything becomes mundane.

If worship is The one thing we do,
Everything takes on Eternal significance.