The Vision Church is a vibrant, active and diverse congregation. We are a community rooted in worship, fellowship, diversity, witness, spiritual development, service and justice. The Vision Church congregation offers ALL people the opportunity to explore and discover their destiny within the context of a safe and nurturing Christ-centered community.

We are a Christian progressive-Pentecostal church, located in the Little Five Points area of Atlanta, Georgia. BET (Black Entertainment Television), the Fellowship Inc., and numerous journalists tag The Vision Church of Atlanta as one of the fastest growing Inclusive and Welcoming churches in the nation.

Jesus Christ says to you, “I’ve come that you might have life and life more abundantly" (John 10:10) and in Jeremiah 29:11, God gives expression of God’s heart towards you, "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

It is our pleasure to share with you our history, demographics, and the mile stones we’ve experienced at The Vision Church! We are a Christ-centered, people-focused, vision-driven church for ALL people, called to speak to this generation. We're a church where people can grow in Christ and become transformed so that they might transform their world.

You will find within these pages a brief overview of our beliefs, our heart for the future and the details of our ministry which are designed to help you build a strong and healthy life. If we are new or unfamiliar to you, please allow us the pleasure of meeting you and should The Vision Church be your spiritual 'home', then we want to love, appreciate you and tell you that together, we can make a difference in our world.

We pray God's absolute finest upon your life!
Pastor O.C. Allen III
Founder & Senior Pastor

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“An Inclusive and Welcoming Christian Church for ALL people”

We believe that God’s love is inclusive and welcoming to all. We believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ cuts across all barriers that fragment and divide us. We are called to love, affirm, and welcome ALL regardless of race, gender, sexual and/or affectional* orientation, class, or life situation. As Christ-centered Christians, we are to be known for our inclusiveness, reconciliation, and liberation for all who are oppressed. The church has too often allowed particular aspects of a person to place them out of the faith. Therefore, we emphasize the "whosoever" in John 3:16. We are also called to "love our neighbors as we love ourselves" (Mark 12:29-31), and "love our enemies" Luke 6:27; John 3:16-17; Romans 8:1.

Furthermore, as followers of Christ, we embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ as our moral and ethical gauge. Jesus makes no mention in any of the 4 gospel accounts about the immorality or spiritual depravity of women, gays, lesbians, transgender people or any marginalized group. We actually see a Jesus who disregards an Old Testament law that prohibits “…anyone from touching a woman menstruating” Lev. We see Jesus expressing radical acceptance, ignoring “the law” by touching and healing the woman with the issue of blood. Matt…in essence making himself unclean by touching what the law said was unclean. The question is posed, if Jesus ignores the Leviticus law and become unclean himself, can the modern day Church use Leviticus to marginalize “the least of these”? Obviously not. We are not disciples of Leviticus, but Disciples of Christ, expressing the same radical Christ through our acceptance of those whom even the law condemns.

The condemnation of Leviticus on menstruating women Lev….foreigners…etc…can be debated but only through a narrow theological lens. If we are to legitimize Leviticus through a literal read, then we must do so with the rest of the Bible. We must refrain from pork chops…mixed fabrics…women MUST not preach…Slavery should remain a legitimate institution…for the Bible condones these social taboos. However, we live in a society that chooses what it will condone and choose its biases’. The greatest model for Christianity and who is to be accepted is Jesus Christ. For Christ turned on one away, but created an environment for ALL, especially those on the margins to experience the loving and gentle grace bestowed upon us by a sovereign and compassionate God.

The need for Authentic Christianity rooted in LOVE

To be intentionally diverse and radically inclusive, is to be intentional welcoming and accepting of ALL persons; especially those who have traditionally lived at the margins of society, such as people suffering from substance abuse; people living with HIV/AIDS; same-gender loving people; the recently incarcerated; single mothers; and those with disabilities.

At the core of our vision is to follow the teachings and practices of Jesus Christ who exemplified the radical acceptance and ministry to ALL people. We are called to challenge fundamental, deep-seated Christian belief systems, doctrines and theologies which characterize people on the edge as enemies of God. We also deliberately challenge any theology or teaching that consistently mistreats, oppresses and excludes people from the community of faith. We believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ beckons us to provide a safe place and a place of refuge for ALL persons who have been wounded by oppression. God is sending out a mandate for the community of faith to provide a place that restores nurtures and empowers ALL people to fulfill their divine purpose in God through the teachings of a loving and inclusive Christ.

With this enormous need for an inclusive ministry that reaches and meets the needs of diverse communities, The Vision Church has accepted it’s call to reach the world with the radically inclusive love of Jesus Christ. We have found that the world has few Churches that are truly inclusive in its teachings, attitudes and practice. Therefore, God has raised up a vision poised to live out the true teachings of Christ. We attribute our quick growth not just to our effective educational programs and quality worship, but to our intentionality around diversity and strong ministry.

As society becomes more globally linked, the need for and notion of race, ethnic, class or orientation specific Churches is quickly dying. A new generation is emerging, where the color of one’s skin, or the unique background of a person become less important. We are in a time where exposure to other races, ethnicities, gender and orientation are the norm. When there is an environment created with the intention to be diverse, our experience suggests that more people are inclined to join and be apart.

Because of this passionate belief in the inclusive teachings of Christ, we choose to be a Christian Church that is inclusive and welcoming to all people. We are called to base root our theology on Christ-centered principles which do not discriminate against anyone because of their race, class, gender or orientation. We are a diverse Christian Church welcoming all people to be empowered, nurtured and strengthened by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our chief goal is to transform people, families and communities by an embracing message of love, hope and peace for anyone.

*Affectional – One’s affection toward another can be different than their biological sexual orientation.

OUR MILESTONES

2005

March The Vision Church founded and established with 12 charter members.

June First monthly worship service is held in a community center in downtown Atlanta.

September Monthly worship services become weekly services

October The Vision Church moves to an office park suite located at: 1874 Piedmont Road in Midtown, Atlanta; Membership is at 70 and begins to grow tremendously.

2006

January “State of the Vision” is established.

February Launched the Vision Focused Youth and Children’s ministry programs

March Vision Empowerment Center board is gathered to address public and social health within underserved communities

April Started holding Tuesday Vision Night Prayer and Bible Study

June Held the first church/family picnic

August Held first Vision Church anniversary service

September Launched the bilingual program by offering Spanish as a second language classes

October Officially Installed founder Rev. O.C. Allen III as Senior Pastor

December Conducted the first Commemoration of the World AIDS Day Service

2007

January Launched Social Justice programs, support groups for people living with HIV/AIDS and people living with Cancer

July The Vision Church moves to new location in Candler Park, Atlanta.

September Launching of The Vision Institute under new Dean, Pastor Troy Sanders

October Appointment of Associate Pastors

December First Annual Christmas Concert

2008

The Vision Church was founded by Pastor O.C. Allen III and 12 faithful, visionary and committed people on March 12, 2005. Pastor Allen gathered 12 special people who shared his burden for the hurting, rejected and oppressed of Atlanta and the world. Passionate about ministry and the need to provide a refuge for all people, they prayed for direction and guidance. After meeting in Pastor Allen living room, the identity and mission of the ministry began to take shape. For the next 3 months, these 12 committed people gathered weekly for Bible studies, ministry training, leadership development, evangelism coordinating, street outreach and prayer. After much prayer and discussion, it was decided to begin a monthly service to be held on the first Sunday in June. The first major challenge was finding a space to accommodate the first worship service. Because of God’s favor, a Community room on Ralph McGill road in downtown Atlanta was miraculously secured for less than $20 a month.

At the first worship service 20 new members were added to The Vision Church of Atlanta with great joy and excitement. Within only 3 months, The Vision Church had grown from 12 to 50 members. Due to the need to build ministry on a more consistent basis and the need to provide support for the growing membership, The Vision Church started weekly weekend worship services. Outgrowing the small community center, the growing congregation began to pray for a new home. Again, because of the favor of God, on the third Sunday in October of 2005, The Vision Church moved to an office space in Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia. From October 2005 to the present, through the visionary leadership of it’s founder Pastor Allen and the commitment and faithfulness of it’s members, The Vision Church of Atlanta has experienced phenomenal and unprecedented growth. Growing to a membership of 675 in just a year and a half!

By June of 2007, The Vision Church membership was over 800 and experienced the greatest miracle to date called, “Miracle in Candler Park”. July 1, 2007 the first service was held in the new home of The Vision Church.

With over 1100 members, The Vision Church of Atlanta continues to inspire and transforms lives to transform the world.

The Vision continues to press ahead with plans to purchase property to build The Vision Cathedral, Vision Empowerment Center, The Vision Institute for Life Enrichment, Vision Seminary and Family Life Center.

OUR IDENTITY

The Vision Church is...

A Family of Champions – We are a close-knit group of people committed to overcoming challenges and striving for the best in life.

Bible-Based Family – We believe that the Bible is God’s Word and that God’s Word is the standard by which we are to measure our lives. When God’s Word is read, interpreted and used within the lens of Jesus Christ, the Word becomes “flesh” and “Manifested life” for ALL people.

A Family Committed to Excellence – We commit ourselves to maintaining a high-quality standard in everything we do, recognizing that excellence requires a continued and focused effort.

An Inclusive Family – We devote ourselves to ministering to people of ALL people, ages and all stages of life to the extent of our God-given abilities.

A Caring and Accepting Family – We dedicate ourselves to embracing people of various backgrounds, races, orientations, cultures and circumstances by ministering with a heart of compassion in all we do.

A Life-Changing Family – We believe that accepting Christ as one’s Lord and Savior results in a life-changing experience, that the Word of God can bring about a life-changing impact on a personal and societal level, and that God’s church is impacting the world by changing people’s lives.

The Vision Church provides …

A Dynamic Worship Experience – We enter into God’s presence with open hearts and experience powerful times of worship that are meaningful, life-changing, and personal, all the while allowing the Lord to move as He would during our worship time.

Empowering Spiritual Training – We give people the chance to go deeper into God’s Word and become more servant-minded by offering discipleship training and ministerial preparation.

Multi-faceted Comprehensive Ministry – We exist to meet the needs of all people and thus strive to minister by providing practical resources to empower, enrich, and strengthen people’s lives socially, psychologically, financially, and spiritually.

Opportunities for Growth – We offer people a place to grow in the Lord through preaching, teaching, and discipleship; and to develop stronger bonds with brothers and sisters in the fellowship of believers.

Opportunities for Service – We extend opportunities for people to become conduits of God’s love, mercy, and grace by using their time and talents in service to others.

The Vision Church develops and nurtures people to become…

Overcomers – We move from one challenge to the next, knowing that, in Christ, all adversity can be overcome.

We are Conquerors – We recognize that we face a spiritual enemy who has no authority over our lives and thus can be victoriously resisted and is already defeated because of our place in Christ.

We are Achievers – We move forward with their divine destinies, knowing that God has called us to successfully complete His purpose for our lives.

We are Followers – We follow after the Lord and model their lives after the resurrected Christ.

We are Leaders – We lead as they follow the Lord and model their lives after the resurrected Christ.

We are Warriors – We realize that God’s Word is their guide and gives them the tools necessary to become well-armed warriors for Christ (Eph. 6:10-18) who are more than conquerors in Him (Rom. 8:37) and who have been assured of God’s ultimate victory (Rev. 21:6–7).

We are Ambassadors – We actively penetrate society with the message of Christ through their words and actions.

We are Servants – We touch the lives of a lost and dying world by ministering with a servant’s heart to the needs of people.

We are Body Builders – We build the Body of Christ by inspiring their brothers and sisters in the Lord and by strengthening and encouraging them to exercise their faith.

We are Progressive - We are committed to equipping individuals for the work of transforming the world through the radically inclusive gospel of Jesus Christ. We do this by strengthening and empowering ALL people to live out a faithful commitment to the gospel of active love.

Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. We feel strongly about the following beliefs, for they lie at the core of our teachings.

God

We believe there is one and only one eternal, true and living God. God is an intelligent, spiritual and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver and Ruler of the universe. To God, we owe the highest love, worship and commitment. God reveals God-self to us as Father (Divine Parent), Son and Holy Spirit with distinct personal attributes but without division of nature, essence or being. The only existing God is the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that in the oneness of the Godhead there are three manifestations, the Father (God in heaven), the Son (God in flesh), and the Holy Ghost (God in us); equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. John 4:24; Psalms 147:5; 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10 Exodus 15:11, Isaiah 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 4:6-8 Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11; Matt. 10:37; Jeremiah 2:12-13 Matt. 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7 John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Phil. 2:5-6; Eph. 2:18; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Rev. 1:4-5

Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ is the perfect representation of God in human form. He is fully human and fully divine. He is equal with God but took on the form of a servant and committed himself to die on the cross to redeem ALL humanity. Through the shedding of His blood, humanity would experience the security of forgiveness and remission of sins. Jesus Christ arose on the third day following His death as He declared authority over life and death. Jesus Christ lives in ALL believers as the living, ever-present Lord. 1Corinthians 15:3-4; Philippians 2:5-11. We believe that salvation is because of the grace of God through the mediatory work of the Jesus Christ and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the death, he is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in his wonderful person the tender sympathies and grace to ALL people with divine purpose; he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior. Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11 John 3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24; Phil. 2:6-7; Heb. 2:9, 14; 2 Cor. 5:21 Isa. 42:21; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:21; Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 20:28; Rom. 4:25; 3:21-26; 1 John 4:10; 2:2; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Heb. 9:13-15; Heb. 1:8, 3; 8:1

The Holy Spirit

We believe in the Holy Spirit. A Spirit-led life - God's power within us - is the only way possible to live the Christian life. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right. John 15:5, Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 5:18 We believe that the Holy Spirit sanctifies us; the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of God; The Holy Spirit is the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use for self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness and prayer. We believe all believers are exhorted to be filled with, walk in, be led by and live in the power of the Holy Ghost. Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16, 18, 25; We believe that it is God’s desire that all believers live life under the control of the Holy Spirit and being continuously refreshed with the empowering divine strength of Holy Ghost. We believe that after the initial filling of the Holy Spirit, there are many fillings and there is to be the ongoing filling ministry of the Spirit in the life of the believer for empowerment to effectively and victoriously live a life that glorifies God. Acts 1:8, 2:4, 3:10, 4:31 We believe the Holy Ghost fills or empowers believers for service in the Kingdom of God. Being filled with the Holy Ghost is the result of continuing submission to Divine power and control. Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:18

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

We believe the baptism of the Holy Ghost and the filling of the Holy Ghost are distinct, separate valid and valuable ministries of the Holy Ghost which may occur simultaneously at salvation. Being filled with the Holy Ghost should not only be a continuous reality, but an ongoing characteristic of the believer’s consecrated commitment to holiness. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we believe that God has given authority to the believer over the Enemy, Satan and victory to be gained by the exercise of the authority in the areas of deliverance, healing and holiness. Ephesians 1:20-23, 6:10-17Thess. 4:3; 5:23; 2 Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4; 5:18; Prov. 4:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 1:5-8; Phil. 3:12-16; John 2:29; Rom. 8:5; John 3:6; Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 1:13-14 Phil.; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Cor. 13:5; Luke 11:35; 9:23; Matt. 26:41; Eph. 6:18; 4:30

Justification by Faith

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness by grace through faith, that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood and by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity. John 1:16; Eph. 3:8 Acts 13:39; Isa. 3:11-12; Rom. 8:1 Rom. 5:9; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 6:33; 9:6; Acts 10:43 Rom. 5:17; Titus 3:5-6; 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Rom. 5:21 Rom. 4:4-5; 5:21; 6:28; Phil. 3:7-9 Rom. 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12 Rom. 5:1-3, 11; 1 Cor. 1:30-31; 1 Tim. 4:8

The Freeness of Salvation

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to ALL people by the inclusive work of Jesus Christ; that it is the immediate duty of ALL to accept salvation by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith. Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14:17 Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17 John 5:40; Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts 13:46 John 3:19; Matt. 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2

Thess. 1:8

Eternal Security

We believe that because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ. The Work of Jesus Christ at Calvary forever sealed the believer unto the day of redemption. The believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian, works or deeds. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this security. John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

Repentance and Faith

We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; where being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness through the conviction of the Spirit we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy, while at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior (4). Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1 John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31 Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Rom.10:12-13; Psa. 51 Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23: Heb. 4:14

God's Purpose and Grace

We believe that divine election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which God graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves us. That divine purpose is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of God’s free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that God’s purpose is the foundation of Christian assurance. 2 Tim. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John 15:15; 1 John 4:19; Hos. 12:9; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14 Exod. 33:18-19; Matt. 20:15; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:23-24: Jer. 31:3; Rom. 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:32-36; 1 Cor. 4:7; 1:26-31; Rom. 3:27; 4:16; Col. 3:12; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 15:10; 1 Pet. 5:10; Acts 1:24; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 2:9;

The Priesthood of every Believer

We believe that every believer has direct access to God and is called to live with spiritual authority, power and grace. Our authority is given through the grace of God in Jesus Christ by His death on the cross. 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:16

The Radically Inclusive Love of God

We Believe in the Radically Inclusive Love of God. We believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ cuts across all barriers that fragment and divide us. We are called to love, affirm, and welcome ALL regardless of race, gender, sexual and/or affectional orientation, class, or life situation. We are to be known for our inclusiveness, reconciliation, and liberation for all who are oppressed. The church has too often allowed particular aspects of a person to place them out of the faith. Therefore, we emphasize the "whosoever" in John 3:16. We are also called to "love our neighbors as we love ourselves" (Mark 12:29-31), and "love our enemies" Luke 6:27; John 3:16-17; Romans 8:1; Galatians 6; Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-17 and Luke 4:21-32]; Genesis 4:7

1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 139:16; Proverbs 3:33-35; John 6:37; Romans 15:7; Ephesians 1:3-6; Colossians 1:19-23

The Bible; the Christian Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction. The Holy Bible reveals the principles and purposes of God’s revelation through the context of history and human interpretation and the sufficient center of Christian union; The Christian scriptures are the inspired record of God's activity with humanity. It is truth provided for the believer as a tool to know the heart of God. It reveals the plan, purposes and will of God for all time. We believe the Bible should be interpreted through the loving lens of Jesus Christ, so that it is used as a tool to liberate, and not oppress, unite and not divide, affirm and not reject. John 1:14; II Timothy 3:16, 1 John 2:5-6, Psalm 119:105; 2Timothy 3:16, 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21; 1 Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psa. 119:11; Rom. 3:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38-39; Prov. 30:5-6; John 17:17; Rev. 22:18-19; Rom. 3:4 Rom. 2:12; John 12:47-48; 1 Cor. 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48; Phil. 3:16; Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:1-2; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 John 4:1; Isa. 8:20; 1 Thess. 5:21; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:6; Jude 3:5

Humanity

Humankind was created by a special work of God, in God's image and is the finest of all creation - God said, "It is very good!" and God created this diverse humanity with purpose and destiny. There are many variations expressed in the human creation, yet ALL equal in God's eyes. Regardless of our differences we are called to be of one "spirit". We believe that this diversity reflects the creative and unique possibility and power of our God. While we are all different on the outside, God does not judge the outside, but the "heart". Therefore, we celebrate, embrace, and affirm the diversity of God's human creation. Galatians 3:28; 1 Samuel 16:7

Giving Back To God

We believe in the practice of tithing for the support of Christ's body, the Church. We believe in the spiritual principles of sowing and reaping. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard given to us. Leviticus 27:30

The Church

The church is a group of believers brought together by the Spirit of God to carry out the Great Commandment by practicing the Great Commission. We are admonished to observe the two ordinances of the church; baptism and the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion) Matthew 22:37-40; Ephesians 5:23-27

Baptism

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation that has occurred in the life of the believer. Baptism is identification with Christ by picturing his death, burial and resurrection. It is the first commandment a new Christian is given from the Lord Jesus. Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4

The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper is an opportunity for personal examination and reflection on Christ's love and sacrifice. The bread and cup are symbols of His body and blood which were broken and spilled out for us. These are done in "remembrance" of Him. Luke 22:19,20; 1Corinthians 11:23-32

Worship

We view worship from two sides: adoration and service. Worship could be defined as pure adoration, the redeemed person contemplating and praising God in His holy perfection. Reverential adoration and committed service are both prominent expressions of the biblical concept of worship. True worship involves a willingness to serve and genuine service to God must be accompanied by a sense of reverence and adoration. Psalm 95:6,7; Ephesians 2:10

Evangelism: Telling others about God's Love

We believe it is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We practice sharing about God's love and purpose for our lives 1 Peter 3:15

The Power of Prayer

We believe that in prayer and prayerful meditation, we experience the manifestation of God's presence. God speaks to us, guides us, reveals spiritual things to us, refreshes us, and imparts revelation to us. We are promised all forms of healing, direction, guidance, strength, and power if we connect with God in prayer. Prayer is regenerative and enlightening to our spirit. Matt 21:22; Philippians 4:6-7; James 5:13-18

Spiritual Gifts

We believe that spiritual gifts are for the edification of the believer and the Body of Christ (the Church). We believe that God's spiritual purposes and the edification of God's people are manifested in and through these diverse gifts. The word of wisdom, word of knowledge, gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophesy, unknown and divers (different) tongues, gifts of helps, teaching, preaching and administration, are all useful for the edification of the individual, Body of Christ and entire world. 2. We believe in the perpetuity and continuing ecclesiastical value of all spiritual gifts for the edification of believers and the body of Christ until the end of this church age is by the glorious event – the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:3-7; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 13:10, 2 Corinthians 12

The Power of Love

Love, the "greatest force in the world", must motivate all we do. We must constantly be committed to love one another, work hard to promote unity and harmony within the church, and express this love from the church to the world. John 3:16-18, 1 Corinthians 12

Biblical Servant Leadership

We believe in the value of biblical terminology of leadership in the contemporary church: Bishop, Apostle, Overseer, Pastor, Minister, Elder and Deacon. We believe all of these are designations for servant-leaders. Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 20:28; 2 Corinthians 6:4; 1Timothy 3:1-7

The Autonomy of the Local Church

We believe in the full autonomy of the local church as an independent entity under the Lordship of Christ, through pastoral authority, with regards to: local Church government, polity, and operations, Titus 1:5, Acts 15:1 – 35; discipline, I Corinthians 5:5, Matthew 18:15-17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; With Pastoral discernment, leadership should be submit to other leadership for spiritual-parental accountability, the guidance of an Episcopacy as a covering. Acts 15:1-35; 6:3-5, 11:22; Titus 1:5

The Power of Pentecost

We believe the full gospel includes the proclamation of both the eternal power of Calvary and the potential power of Pentecost for ALL people; We believe that the Power of Pentecost is the spiritual activity and power of the Holy Spirit empowering believers to speak and minister to diverse people, sharing the radically inclusive gospel of Jesus Christ to ALL nations; the baptizing power of Jesus Christ for salvation for ALL people because of Calvary and the filling controlling power of the Holy Ghost for service and holy victorious living because through the empower strength of the Holy Spirit as demonstrated at Pentecost. Acts 1; 1:8; 2; 20:27.