What We Believe
Our beliefs are rooted in Scripture and centered on Jesus Christ. They shape who we are, guide how we live, and drive our mission to lead people to follow Jesus.
In our essential beliefs, we must have unity.
In our non-essential beliefs, we must show charity (love).
God Is...
The Creator and Ruler of the universe. He exists eternally in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. There is one God in three persons. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Jesus Christ Is...
The son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate his power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return to earth again to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The Holy Spirit Is...
Co-equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make us aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation and provides the Christian with the power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
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 supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
Mankind Is...
Made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, we are all marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates all of us from God and causes many problems in life.
Salvation Is...
God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sins by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Eternal Security Is…
The grace and keeping power of God. Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.
Eternity Is…
How long we were created to exist with God. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
How We Live
Our beliefs shape who we are, but our values shape how we live them out every day. These commitments influence how we serve, lead, worship, and care for others.
We intentionally help people know and follow Jesus.
We pursue honesty, forgiveness, and unity.
We help people grow into mature followers of Christ.
We honor God by pursuing excellence in all we do.
We equip people to serve the church and the community.
These commitments shape the culture of our church and prepare us to live out StoneWater's Family Values.
StoneWater's 7 Family Values
Our seven family values direct how we walk out encouragement and discipline within our church. The first four family values describe how we interact with each other, while the last three outline how we interact with the larger church body.
As a member of StoneWater, you are committing to do the following:
Put the goals & interests of others above your own.
Live an honest & open life before others.
Give and receive scriptural correction.
Clear up relationships.
Participate in the ministry.
Follow spiritual leadership within scriptural limits.
