Statement Of Faith
Scriptural – We believe and proclaim that the writings of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God without error in their entirety delivered through His prophets and apostles and therefore the only rule and norm for the Christian faith (sola Scriptura).
In summary: The Old and New Testaments are entirely the Word of God and thus the authority for the Christian faith.
Evangelical – We believe and proclaim that forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and salvation have been obtained for us by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus apart from any works of our own (solus Christus). This good news (Gospel) is the central message of Scripture and the Christian faith.
In summary: The central message of Scripture is the promise of salvation in Christ Jesus, the Gospel.
Confessional – We believe and proclaim that the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian creeds are faithful confessions of the Christian faith in accordance with the Scriptures and that Martin Luther’s Small Catechism (1529) is likewise a faithful confession of the Christian faith in accordance with the Scriptures. These writings confess with the Christian Church throughout all time that there is one God who is three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Holy Trinity); that Christ Jesus, the Son made man, is fully God and fully human; and that salvation is wrought solely by God’s love for us apart from any works of our own (sola gratia).
In summary: The Ecumenical Creeds and Martin Luther’s Small Catechism faithfully teach the Christian faith in accordance with Scripture.
Sacramental – We believe and proclaim that salvation as accomplished by Christ comes from outside of ourselves as a gift of God. This gift is delivered by the Holy Spirit in its entirety through the proclamation of the Gospel, Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution, and the Lord’s Supper and received through faith in Christ Jesus (sola fide).
In summary: The Gospel delivers God’s free gift of salvation for all people and is received through faith.
Liturgical – We believe and proclaim that Christians are the family of God in Christ Jesus (the Christian Church) and therefore should gather together regularly to receive the gifts of God for nourishment of faith and to support one another throughout their Christian life with prayer, acts of mercy, and fellowship (soli Deo gloria).
In summary: The Christian life is lived in faith toward God, love toward neighbor, and community with the Church.