What We Believe

Our Mission

Making disciples as we gather, equip, and send.

Why “Vertical” Church?

Everything begins and ends with Jesus. As human beings, it’s so easy to let our focus turn inward to our desires, our problems, our fame - our own little kingdoms. When that happens, we miss out on the greater beauty, fulfillment, and freedom that is only found in Christ. Instead of giving into that self-centered outlook, we want to look “vertical” to Jesus and His Kingdom.

When we look to Him first, Jesus fulfills us in ways that nothing else can, and we are then able to look outward, encouraging others to look “vertical” to Jesus. We want our church to be filled with people who have that vertical orientation - people who are following Jesus together and leading others to do the same. We hope you’ll join us in that mission!

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 coequal and are one God.

Scripture References: Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of all people by death on a cross. He arose from the dead after thee days demonstrating His power over sin and death and accomplishing our redemption. He ascended to Heaven where he fulfills the ministry as Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate for His people, and He will return again someday to earth to reign as King.

Scripture References: Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15, 7:25, 9:24; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4, 5:6, 8:34; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son of God. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling, empowering, and sealing them unto the day of redemption.

Scripture References: Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16-17, 12:12-13; John 14:16-17, 16:7-13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18; Romans 8:9; 2 Corinthians 3:6

The Bible

The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the final authority for faith and life. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without error.

Scripture References: 2 Timothy 3:16, 1:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 5:18; John 16:12-13

The Church

The Church is not a religious institution or denomination. Rather, the Church is made up of all people who have become genuine followers of Jesus Christ and have personally appropriated the gospel. The Church exists to worship and glorify God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It also exists to serve Him by faithfully doing His will on earth. We recognize baptism and the Lord’s supper as scriptural means of testimony for the church.

Scripture References: Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-27; 1 Corinthians 11:22-26, 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Acts 14:27, 20:17; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11

The Consummation

According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth to establish his kingdom; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord. Then shall the eager expectation of creation be fulfilled, and the whole earth shall proclaim the glory of God, who makes all things new.

Scripture References: John 3:16; Romans 6:23, 8:17-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-10; Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 7:9-17, 20:11-15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9