ABOUT

OUR STORY

Annie Baxter 1934

Annie Baxter 1965

Our story began in 1934 when Rev. and Mrs. W.C. Marcus were directed by God to open the Pentecostal Church of God on the corner of 23rd and Annie Baxter in Joplin, Missouri. They found a vacant building, which had been a dance hall upstairs over a barbershop below. The congregation quickly began to grow and expand.

In 1965, Pastor Paul Dilts became pastor. The old building was in disrepair, and a new one was built. The formal dedication was on June 27, 1971. In November of 1974, Pastor Dilts answered a call to the mission field of Guatemala in Central America.

Many pastors followed, including Wayman Ming, Jr. – who was pastor during the 60th Anniversary. In 1994, Pastor Ming relocated, and in the process, birthed Joplin Family Worship Center on East 7th Street. Pastor Dilts returned from the mission field and purchased the vacant building on Annie Baxter and assumed the position of pastor there.

Pastor Dan Saunders followed Pastor Dilts, and then in 2010, Pastor Josh Pennington was voted in as pastor. That following January, the church voted to change the church name to Christpoint Church. Because of growth and limited space, on December 7, 2014, the church voted to relocate to its current location in Galena, Kansas.

Annie Baxter 1971

Galena 2014

OUR VISION

WHERE ARE WE GOING?
WHAT WE ASPIRE TO BE

It is the vision of Christpoint to be a biblically rooted, vibrant, multi-generational, ethnically diverse, Spirit-filled community of believers who are pursuing God with passion, serving others, developing leaders, and pointing our neighbors, neighborhoods, and the nations to Jesus Christ.

OUR MISSION

WHAT ARE WE TO DO?
HOW TO DO THE VISION

Our mission is to develop disciples who love God with all their head, heart, hands, and feet (Matt 28:19,20 & Luke 10:27).

OUR POINTS

WHO WE ARE

01

Worship

It’s more than just music.
Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 10:31; Rom. 12:1; Eph. 5:18-20; Matt. 4:10; John 4:24

Worshiping God is central to our gatherings. We seek to worship God through Bible-centered, Spirit-anointed preaching; inspirational singing; observance of the ordinances (communion and baptism); corporate and personal prayer; personal and public reading of the Scriptures; and the giving of our offerings for the work of the Lord. For some people, worship is synonymous with music, but worship is far more than songs that we sing. True worship actually begins when a person places faith in the person of Jesus Christ, believing in His death and resurrection as sufficient payment for sin. True worship then continues as a lifestyle of responding to God’s revelation of Himself with mind and heart in ways that declare the greatness of who He is. Worship means honoring God by offering our “bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Rom.12:1). In fact, every activity we do inside or outside church can be transformed into an act of worship when we do it for the praise, glory, and honor of God.

02

Community

It’s more than just a gathering.
Eph. 4:1-6; Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 2:42

The church isn’t a location; it’s a group of people living in caring relationships who are guided by biblical truth and grounded in spiritual accountability. We are to belong, not just to believe. Community means moving away from living isolated lives and moving toward connecting with one another in authentic fellowship. Over 50 times in the New Testament the phrase ‘one another’ or ‘each other’ is used: Encourage one another (Heb.10:25); Teach … Admonish … Forgive … (Col.3:16); Honor … Be Devoted to…(Rom.12:10); Pray for… (James 5:13-16); Accept… (Rom.15:7); Submit to… (Eph.5:21); and Serve one another… (Gal.5:13). All of these can only happen as we value community. Real and lasting life change — spiritual transformation — only occurs in the unity and diversity of authentic relationships.

03

Growth

It’s more than just attending church.
Eph. 4:1-6; Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 2:42

Growth is a decision. Spiritual growth is a process whereby we become more like Jesus in word, thought, and deed. True spiritual growth has to do with “being transformed into his likeness” (2 Cor.4:18). What this means is that spiritual maturity is measured as much in our lifestyle as it is in our learning. A commitment to growth is not easy because growth means change, and change is difficult. However, growth means we are living abundantly as the life of Christ is reproduced in our own lives.

04

Service

It’s more than just showing up.
Acts 2:45; Eph. 2:10; 4:11-13; Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 4:10-11

Jesus demonstrated that the most influential life is a life of sacrificial service. In the words of Mark’s gospel, Jesus “came not to be served but to serve” (Mk.10:45). Likewise, we believe that we will influence the world for Christ when resting in and motivated by His great love for us, we extend that love through our own hands and feet in acts of service to others. We are saved to serve, and service happens when each person uses “whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Pet. 4:10).

05

Outreach

It’s more than just you.
Matt. 28:18-20; 2 Cor. 5:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Rom. 10:13-15, 17

Jesus gave his church a mission: “To go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt.28:19). We are to be witnesses to the whole world of Christ’s coming, His death for our sins, His resurrection, His ascension, and His promise to return. Sharing this good news, in the power of the Holy Spirit, is the responsibility and privilege of every believer in Jesus Christ. Witnessing is not merely talking about Jesus but also stimulating people’s appetites for Christ by the way we live.

06

Generosity

It’s more than just the money.
James 1.17; Eph. 5:15-16; I Peter 4:10; Rom. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 9:7; Acts 20:35

The gospel is, in and of itself, the greatest act of generosity that humankind has ever been offered. In addition, it is a stark reminder that we do not deserve anything. Everything that we have has been graciously given to us as a display of God’s grace with the purpose of pointing us back to Him. That means that we are not owners, but rather we are stewards of God’s resources. We want to respond to His grace by giving our time, talent, and treasure back to Him.

07

Pentecostal

It’s more than just a feeling.
Luke 3:16; Acts1:8; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 19:1-6

We are committed to fostering an environment in which people can experience the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to scriptural directive(1 Corinthians 12:7-11) (I Corinthians 14) in both private and public settings. We acknowledge that the gifts of the Spirit are essential for spiritual formation and Spirit-formed character is vital to a person’s spiritual growth.

08

Excellence

It’s more than just a job.
Daniel 6:3; Prov. 22:29; Titus 2:7; Phil. 1:9-11; Col. 3:23-24

We seek to honor God who gave His best (the Savior) by maintaining a high standard of excellence in all our ministries and activities.

09

Leadership Development

It’s more than just following.
Exodus 18:21; Luke 12:48; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Peter 5:2-14

We seek to equip the congregation to execute leadership influence within the church and community. We believe that leadership is both a gift and a skill. Some may be more naturally gifted as leaders; however, everyone can and should be developed as a leader. As a skill, leadership can be learned by anyone willing to learn. We exemplify leadership by serving and laying down our lives for those around us. Jesus was the ultimate example of servant leadership in Mark 10:45. It is the goal of Christpoint Church to develop dynamic servant leadership at every level of ministry by acknowledging the importance of the 5-fold ministry for equipping the saints.

10

Honor

It’s more than just a thank you.
Rom. 12:9-10; I Peter 2:17; Rom. 13:7; I Tim. 5:17-18

Our culture is increasingly becoming one in which individuals have no desire to show honor to each other. The media is filled with dis-crediting, dis-honoring, and efforts to smear people’s reputations. At Christpoint Church, we are committed to learning what it means to truly honor all people, showing no favoritism based on ethnicity, socio-economic background, or status. This in no way means that we don’t realize that as human beings we are flawed at our core and therefore make mistakes. Rather, we choose to dwell on that which is good in people, because all humans are the Imago Dei (image of God). We choose to celebrate what people do well. We choose to encourage and exhort one another, rather than be critical and tear down. We do not rejoice in anyone’s shortcomings.

11

Truth

It’s more than just a creed.
John 14:6; John 17:17; John 18:36-38; I Tim. 3:14-15; II Tim. 3:16 -17

We live in a society filled with philosophical relativity, moral uncertainty, and unconditional tolerance. In contrast, we believe that the Bible contains absolute truth revealed by God and manifest by Jesus Christ. Our preaching, teaching, and life practice are efforts to model this truth.

12

Prayer

It’s more than just words.
I John 5:14-15; Phil 4:6-7; Eph. 6:18; Rom. 8:26; I Thes. 5:16-18; Matt. 6:5-8; John 14:13-14

We commit to living in conscious awareness of God’s presence and in communion with Him through Jesus Christ. Prayer is a mandate and a privilege to praise God for who He is and what He does, to intercede on behalf of others, and to petition God for our needs, knowing He will hear and answer our prayers according to His will. Because we affirm that nothing of eternal value can be accomplished without prayer, we will infuse our daily lives with prayer, especially with others.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Dr. Josh Pennington

Lead Pastor

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Dr. Joshua C. Pennington exemplifies a unique blend of pastoral ministry, evangelism, theological teaching, and leadership, both in the pulpit and the boardroom, of which he passionately shares with the Body of Christ. Pastor Josh became the Lead Pastor of Christpoint Church, where he encourages his congregants to engage God with their head (right thinking—Word), their heart (right affections—worship), their hands (right living—service), and their feet (right direction—mission).  Training and teaching his church and staff how to become true disciples of Christ is his heart’s desire. Pastor Josh also serves as an adjunct professor for Messenger College of the Pentecostal Church of God, where he was once a full-time professor before accepting the pastoral position at Christpoint. Prior to coming to Joplin, MO, Pastor Josh served for eight years as the Lead Pastor at New Beginnings Worship Center in Cynthiana, KY.  While there, he also served as the Kentucky District Discipleship Director for the PCG.  Before NBWC, he served in multiple ministry roles as associate, youth, and discipleship pastor. Education and life-long growth are core values of Pastor Josh. Early on, he graduated from the Valor Christian College Pastoral Ministry Program.  Continuing his education, he then earned his Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Georgetown College 2004 and his Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary 2009.  Most recently, Pastor Josh completed his Doctor of Ministry Degree from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, MO 2018.  His dissertation is titled: The Ministry and Activity of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts: A Pattern of Church Health. Pastor Josh desires to develop leaders, grow disciples, and witness the power of Pentecost perpetuated throughout the Church. When not serving the community of Christpoint, Pastor Josh loves spending life with his amazing wife, Tiphani, loving on his beautiful daughter, Reese, trying new restaurants, hosting friends and family at his home, riding roller coasters across the country, and studying early church history.

Brandon Atwell

Connection & Admin Pastor

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Brandon Atwell began serving in youth ministry in 1995 and hasn’t looked back. Prior to marrying his wife, Mandee, in 2005, he served as youth pastor, worship leader, and as children’s pastor. After getting married, Brandon has been fortunate to have been on staff for churches in MO, TX, and KS serving primarily in student pastoral roles, but also as an administrative pastor, worship pastor, and associate pastor. Besides these traditional roles, Brandon has also served as the campus pastor/executive assistant at Teen Challenge Kansas City Girls’ Home, at the Oklahoma Adolescent Teen Challenge, and at the Freedom Dream Center. Because of this distinctive combination of pastoral experience, Pastor Brandon was appointed the Administrative Pastor at Christpoint Church in 2017

and then as the Connection Pastor in 2021. Brandon strives to encourage, empower, and enable men and women to reach their potential in Christ. He utilizes the ability to incorporate detailed organizational skills with a passion for practical ministry to facilitate the daily operations of Christpoint Church while continuing to focus on the needs of people. Brandon received his Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music from Missouri Southern State College 1998 and his Master of Arts in Christian Ministries from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary 2005. He currently carries his ordination with the Pentecostal of God. When Brandon isn’t focusing on the needs of Christpoint Church, he loves hanging out with his daughter, Brylynn, and his son, Callen, backpacking, spending time with the family in Branson, riding bicycles, watching the NBA, playing Super Mario Bros with Mandee, and watching Superhero movies.

Shawn Taylor

Worship Pastor

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Shawn Taylor has been serving in worship ministry since his teenage years. Raised in Cynthiana, KY, Shawn began assisting in worship at his home church, New Beginnings Worship Center, and was soon leading in churches, camp meetings, and youth camps throughout the area. He began serving Pastor Josh Pennington at the age of 17 and has been with him since. Upon moving to Joplin, MO, Shawn began leading worship in the chapel services of Messenger College where he attended. Shawn then became the worship pastor for Christpoint Church in 2010. It’s also at Christpoint where Shawn met his amazing wife Danae who he married in March 2021. Currently, in addition to serving in his pastoral role at Christpoint, he regularly travels to various ministry venues to assist or lead others into the presence of God. His genuine approach has a cross-generational appeal that showcases his love for Christ in a way that blends both classical and contemporary styles. Pastor Shawn’s heart for worship is contagious to anyone around him; his love of people, ability to make them laugh, and desire to seek God cultivates a true environment for worship. When not leading others at Christpoint, Shawn loves watching and playing sports, going on crazy adventures with Danae, playing fantasy football, carpentry, eating his mom’s cooking, spending time in the outdoors, and watching Kentucky Basketball.

Cameron Swift

KidsPoint Pastor

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Cameron Swift grew up on the West Coast in the Northern California City of Redding but moved as a teenager to the Show-Me-State in 2012 where he eventually began attending Christpoint Church. During this time, his love for children’s ministry blossomed as he served every chance given. In addition to helping minister to kids, Cameron also began developing and honing his love for playing guitar and quickly became a valued member of the Christpoint Worship Team. While worshiping Jesus and growing his relationship with God was paramount during his formative years at Christpoint, another huge milestone occurred in 2015 when he began dating his future bride and PK, Kali. After Pastor Cameron and Kali got married in 2016, his desire for more knowledge of God only deepened, and he eventually enrolled at Evangel University where he graduated in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Church Ministries.

Cameron’s heart for service is evident in his desire to serve whatever area is needing help; he’s served in facilities maintenance, the Christpoint Coffee Shop (coincidentally directed by Kali), and with multiple outreaches, events, and ministry departments. His dedication, consistency, and drive to serve paid off when he was appointed the Christpoint Kidspoint Pastor in 2022. Cameron’s positive personality and corny sense of humor has created an instant rapport with the kids he pastors. He leads Kidspoint with foundational, biblical teaching; sincere, relatable preaching; age-appropriate, yet deep and intimate worship; developing kids who love Jesus with all their head, heart, hands, and feet! When Pastor Cameron isn’t ministering to the children of Christpoint, he loves reading (alternating between theology and fictional fantasy), watching movies with his three sons, Bentley, Oliver, and Greyson, sketching out drawings, finishing the woodworking projects he began, playing disc golf, going on date nights with Kali, and eating hamburgers.

Doug & Connie Spears

Discipleship Pastors

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Doug and Connie Spears have served in virtually all areas of church ministry since (and before) they were married in 1981.  Throughout the years, their understanding and knowledge of discipleship has increased exponentially as they’ve served in churches of varying size, denominational background, and geographic location.  Pastors Doug and Connie have joyfully served in youth ministry, Christian education, worship ministry, pulpit ministry, children’s ministry, small group ministry, connections ministry, as special events leaders, evangelistic ministry, board and finance ministry, and as church custodians in six different churches throughout their marriage.  Because of their uniquely broad level of experience, Doug and Connie were appointed Discipleship Pastors at Christpoint Church in 2019. Doug and Connie love without condition, teach without fear, and serve without hesitation, sharing grace in whatever they do.  They desire that everyone comes to an understanding of what Scripture means, who God is, and how Christianity works.  They know that these concepts are better implemented through the use of small groups and they passionately encourage this method of community ministry. Their knack for building relationships not only aids in teaching spiritual growth, but also in helping them to train leaders.  Doug and Connie seek to elevate everyone they come into contact with and because of this, spiritual growth surrounds them.  When not serving the Christpoint body, Pastors Doug and Connie love traveling across the USA.

Vernell Ingle

Teaching Pastor

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As high school sweethearts, Pastor Vernell and Ms. Pam, who married in 1969, have been ministering together for over 50 years. As pillars of consistency, strength, stability, and conviction in the Pentecostal Church of God, they bring an element of experience to Christpoint matched by few. It all started when they met in 1966, three years prior to their attending Pentecostal Bible College in Livermore, CA. From there, they pastored churches in Oregon, California, and Kentucky, eventually, landing at Messenger College as the Chair of Christian Ministries where he taught various theology courses; Homiletics, Greek, OT & NT Survey, and Marriage & Family to name a few. While serving in his faculty position, Ms. Pam also served MC as librarian, registrar, and adjunct faculty. Additionally, the Ingles served as District Youth Directors for the Northern California District of the Pentecostal Church of God and National Youth Directors of the PCG. Under their direction and leadership during this time, the National Teen Talent Expo was implemented. Having been a longtime Bible Quiz Coach, it was only natural for Ms. Pam to serve as National Bible Quiz Coordinator of the PCG. Vernell’s extensive knowledge and understanding of discipleship and God’s Word made him the perfect candidate for writing Sunday School Curriculum which he’s been doing since 1977. This passion then led him to representing the PCG on the esteemed Pentecostal-Charismatic Curriculum Commission where he is the current chairman. Pastor Vernell received his Master of Arts from California Graduate School of Theology and his Master of Divinity from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Ms. Pam received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University and a Master of Science from Southwest Missouri State University. With their love of people, biblical expertise, and incredible ability to make those around them laugh, they’ve become nationally sought out speakers who specialize in marriage retreats, revival services, and good, old-fashioned teaching of the bible. In 2023, Pastor Vernell was officially appointed as the Teaching and Preaching Pastor of Christpoint Church. When the Ingles are not ministering at Christpoint Church or abroad, they enjoy spending time with their five children, spouses, and 15 grandchildren! Pastor Vernell also enjoys drawing caricatures of his grandkids, collecting baseball caps, visiting MLB stadiums, traveling with Ms. Pam in their RV, and taking naps with Biscuit, their pup.

OUR BELIEFS

STATEMENT OF FAITH

The Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds are ancient creeds of the Early Church. These creeds summarize the fundamental beliefs we hold as Christians, especially the deity of Jesus, and they also connect us to all believers around the globe. When we recite these creeds, we are not just reciting Scripture; we are also affirming that there is but one universal Church that functions as the one Body of Christ and the worship of the one true God.

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven; He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried. The third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end. And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son,and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.

The Scriptures

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16) presenting to us the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men and constituting the Divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice (2 Peter 1:21).

The Godhead

We believe there is but one true and living God, who is everlasting, infinite in power, wisdom and goodness; that He is the Creator of all things, visible and invisible, and Preserver of all things (Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16). In the unity of this Godhead, there are three persons of one individual essence, who are co-equal, co-existent, and co-eternal; namely, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16, 17; 28:18, 19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 1:1,2, 18; 10:33; 14:26; 15:26; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 9:14). The Son is the eternally begotten of the Father, and He accepted earthly limitations for the purpose of incarnation, being true God and true man; conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died upon the cross, the just for the unjust as a substitutionary sacrifice, and all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood. He arose from the dead according to the Scriptures. He is now at the right hand of the Majesty on High as our great High Priest, and He will return again to establish His Kingdom of righteousness and justice. The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, Executive of the Godhead on earth, the Comforter sent by the Lord Jesus Christ to indwell, to guide and to teach the believer, and to convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8).

Humankind, The Fall, and Redemption

People are created beings, made in the likeness and the image of God, but through Adam and Eve’s transgression and fall, sin came into the world (Romans 5:12). “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the work of the devil and gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore people to God (1 John 3:8).

Salvation

Salvation is made possible through the meritorious work of Jesus Christ on the cross and through Holy Spirit conviction. Godly sorrow works repentance and makes possible the experience of the new birth, and Christ formed within us is the gift of eternal life (2 Corinthians 7:10; Titus 2:11; Romans 10:13-15; Luke 24:47; Titus 3:5-7). Salvation is the gift of God topeople, separate from works and the Law, and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, producing works acceptable to God (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Individuals are free moral agents and can at any time after the new birth experience turn away from God and die in a state of sin, with eternal separation from God as a consequence.

The Church

The true Church, built upon the Foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20), is the Body of our Lord (Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27) with Christ as the Head (Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:18). Its earthly constituents are all true believers, born again of the Spirit (John 3:6) and of the Word (1 Peter 1:23), who are living an overcoming Christian life (Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 21:27). To the Church, through its members, are delegated the various gifts and offices of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 27, 28), which are necessary for the successful evangelization of the world and the perfecting of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:11, 12). This universal, invisible, sanctified Church is the chaste virgin Bride of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:1, 2; Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 21:9b, 27). It is this Bride for whom Jesus Christ will return, just prior to the Great Tribulation, to catch her away and take her to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

The Ministry

God, through the Holy Spirit, definitely calls such as He desires to serve as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, and specifically endues the one called with the talents and gifts specific to that office or offices (Ephesians 4:11, 12). Under no circumstances should anyone be ordained or set apart to any such office unless the calling is distinct and evident.

Water Baptism

Baptism in water is by immersion, a direct commandment of our Lord (Matthew 28:19), and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:36-39). The following recommendation regarding the water baptism formula is adopted: “On the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and by His authority, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11) is a gift from God, as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers in this dispensation of time, and is received subsequent to the new birth (John 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 2:38, 39; 10:44-48). The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is accompanied by speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit himself gives utterance as the initial physical sign and evidence (Acts 2:4).

Sanctification

The Bible teaches that without holiness no person can see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). We believe in the doctrine of sanctification as a definite yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation (Hebrews 13:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Corinthians 6:11; John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).

The Lord’s Supper

The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper is a commandment of our Savior, and being a memorial to His death and resurrection, is strictly limited to Christian believers (1 Corinthians 11:27). The time and frequency of its observance is left to the discretion of each congregation (1 Corinthians 11:26). Only unfermented grape juice, the fruit of the vine, as recommended by our Lord (Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18) shall be used in connection therewith.

Divine Healing

Healing is for ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God, through the prayer of faith, and by the laying on of hands (Mark 16:18; James 5:14, 15). It is provided for in the atonement of Christ, and it is a privilege of the believer.

The Resurrection of the Just

The Bible promises, “This same Jesus…shall so come in like manner” (Acts 1:11). His coming is imminent; when He comes, “The dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17). Following the tribulation, He shall return to earth as King of kings and Lord of lords, and together with His saints, who shall be kings and priests, He shall reign a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).

The Coming of the Lord

We believe the Bible presents the coming of Christ as personal, imminent, pre-tribulation, and premillennial. We further contend that this position alone admonishes watchfulness, incites holy living, prevents spiritual declension, and provides maximum incentive and motive for urgency and zeal in evangelizing the unsaved.

Hell and Eternal Retribution

The ones who physically die in their sins without Christ are hopelessly and eternally lost in the Lake of Fire and therefore have no further opportunity of hearing the gospel or for repentance (Hebrews 9:27). The Lake of Fire is literal (Revelation 19:20). The terms “eternal” and “everlasting” used in describing the duration of the punishment of the damned (Matthew 25:41-46) in the Lake of Fire, carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence, as used in denoting the duration of joy and ecstasy of saints in the presence of God.

Marriage

Marriage is the covenant union between a natural born man and a natural born woman, instituted and ordained by God as the lifelong relationship between one man as husband and one woman as wife (Genesis 1:27-28; Mark 10:6-9).