wHAT WE bELIEVE
Doctrine
About the Bible
The Bible is the infallible Word of God and the authority for salvation and Christian living. (See II Timothy 3:15-17.)
About God
There is one God, who has revealed Himself as Father; through His Son, in redemption; and as the Holy Spirit, by emanation. Jesus Christ is God manifested in flesh. He is both God and man. (See Deuteronomy 6:4; Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16.)
About Sin & Salvation
Everyone has sinned and needs salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (See Romans 3:23-25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9.)
About the Gospel
The saving gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. We obey the gospel (II Thessalonians 1:8; I Peter 4:17) by repentance (death to sin), water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (burial), and the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial sign of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance (resurrection). (See I Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 2:4, 37-39; Romans 6:3-4.)
About Christian Living
As Christians, we are to love God and others. We should live a holy life inwardly and outwardly and worship God joyfully. The supernatural gifts of the Spirit, including healing, are for the church today. (See Mark 12:28-31; II Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; I Corinthians 12:8-10.)
About the Future
Jesus Christ is coming again to catch away His church. In the end will be the final resurrection and the final judgment. The righteous will inherit eternal life, and the unrighteous eternal death. (See I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:11-15.)
Mission,
Vision,
& Values
TRANSFORMATION
Our Vision
Encounter Church exists to populate heaven with transformed lives.
Our Mission
Encounter Church leads people into spiritual transformation through life-changing encounters with Jesus Christ.
Our Core Values
The rising TIDE that lifts all ships...
We are continually being changed into the image of Christ. Spiritual growth is not optional; it is the evidence of a life surrendered to God.
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
INTEGRITY
We live with honesty, accountability, and consistency before God and one another. Our conduct reflects Christ in every area: our relationships, our decisions, and our work.
“He who walks with integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will become known.” (Proverbs 10:9)
DOCTRINE
The Word of God is our absolute authority for faith and practice. We are committed to studying it diligently and aligning every part of our lives with its truth.
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42)
EXCELLENCE
We pursue excellence in everything we do because we represent Christ. In a world that settles for less, we give our best as an offering to Him.