Crossroads Church holds to the following beliefs, defined by an understanding of God’s word and confirmed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit on our calling as a Church established by Jesus Christ. In particular, we hold several convictions which we believe to be non-negotiable truths regarding the very essence of the Church.
God. There is one God who is the creator, sustainer and ruler of the Universe. Although one in essence, He exists eternally in three persons – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is both holy and personal. He is hidden in creation, revealed in the Bible, and known through Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is God the Son, equal with the Father and Holy Spirit. He took the form of human flesh in which He was both fully God and fully man. He was born of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit and lived a sinless life, confirming all He taught with mighty works, wonders and signs. He offered His life as payment for sins of all people; was crucified, died, and was resurrected on the third day. He returned to the Father’s right hand where He prays for all of His followers and reigns over all creation – including Heaven and Hell – as the exalted Christ. He will come again personally, bodily, and visibly to judge the living and the dead and to establish His Kingdom forever.
Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God, co-equal with the Father and Son. He acts to draw persons to salvation in Jesus Christ by convicting them of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He indwells all believers at the moment they are saved, and makes available to each Christian power, understanding, and discernment for victorious living as well as gifts for service.
The Bible. The Bible, comprised of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is God’s Word. It was written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and has been supernaturally preserved over the centuries. It stands alone among all literature in the world in revealing God, the way to fellowship with Him, the lifestyle that pleases Him, and truth.
Salvation. Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for every sin of every person in every generation. There is no other way to be saved but to turn to Christ and trust in His death as payment for sins. Turning to Christ involves believing in His death, burial and resurrection, asking for His forgiveness; turning away from a life dominated and controlled by self; inviting Christ to enter into one’s life by His Spirit and give power to live a life pleasing to Him. Salvation is the forgiveness of sins, breaking the power of sin, eternal life, adoption into God’s family, the impartation of a new nature, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and entrance into a personal relationship with the God of the universe.
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Crossroads Church also holds to several persuasions regarding the distinct interpretation of some Biblical principles. While these persuasions do not cause us to break fellowship with other Christians or Christian churches who might disagree, they are considered distinct truths for our congregation. If a member of Crossroads Church does not agree with a particular persuasion, for the sake of unity within our congregation they are asked not to teach or promote what is contrary. These persuasions are as follows:
–We believe that the Bible is God’s Word in every part. It is authoritative and without error on every matter it addresses.
–We believe an individual decision to trust Jesus Christ is necessary to begin a personal relationship with God and the adventure for which He created us.
–We believe in the priesthood of the believer – that is every Christian is uniquely gifted by God and is equally valuable in accomplishing God’s mission for the church.
–We believe that because it illustrates all which occurs in the life of an individual who trusts Christ as Savior, baptism should be received after the decision has been made to trust Christ for salvation. It is an act of obedience in the life of a believer. It follows Christ’s command and example, and testifies to our new life through Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
–We believe in one baptism of the Spirit which occurs at the time a person trusts Christ for salvation. Apart from this, the Holy Spirit gives to each Christian certain gifts and experiences which are part of His unique work in the life of every individual. The works and gifts of God’s Spirit continue to be active within the church today, and exist for the edification of the church and the glorification of God the Father.
–We believe in that although sin can interrupt a Christian’s fellowship with God, it cannot interrupt his relationship with God.
–The Church is essential in the life of the believer. It exists for worship, to practice the teachings of Christ through the scriptures, to build each other up as brothers and sisters, and to present the glorified Christ to the world.
–A person who has been truly saved should give evidence of his new life in Christ by growing in the conviction of sin, the desire to live a life pleasing to God, love for other Christians, and compassion for his fellowman. All believers are responsible to be proclaimers of Christ, and as such are subject to the commands of the Great Commission.
–We believe that God calls us to reach beyond the walls of this church – working together with other Christians – to touch the entire world with God’s love and truth.
–Men and women have equal status in God’s kingdom. As for leadership, men are given the responsibility for leading the Church and will be held accountable for it. Women are to understand this reserved role for men, but are not so constrained as to be without significant influence in the Church.
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In addition to our convictions and persuasions, Crossroads Church also holds specific opinions as to the best way to practice the Christian faith. These opinions are encouraged to be shared by every member of our congregation, but are not required as part of our fellowship.
–Because we feel it best represents the testimony of new life in a believer (and identifying with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection), baptism is best practiced as the total immersion of the body in water.
–The leadership of Crossroads Church may from time to time formalize additional opinions in this document for the purpose of clarifying the views of the church and for maintaining peace and order in the congregation.
