Beliefs

Unity and Diversity

In matters of doctrine and belief, the church strives for unity and diversity. For the essential matters, unity; in nonessential matters, diversity. However, in all things, charity. 

One exciting (and possibly unique) aspect of Connection Church is that we welcome theological diversity. However, if disciples are to be made of all nations (Matthew 28, Genesis 12:3), we must be wise about what requires unity versus topics where we leave room for charitable disagreement. The below topics are areas where we must have a unified agreement.

Unity

The scriptures, which include the Old and New  Testaments, are divinely inspired, and represent the  infallible and authoritative word of God in all matters of  faith and conduct.  2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:19-21

There is one eternal God, existent in three persons- God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22) 

The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. Born of a virgin. (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31-35) Lived a sinless life. (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15) Died on the cross to atone for our sins. (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21) Physically rose from the dead. (Acts 1:9; Acts 2:32; Hebrews 1:3) Now sits at the right hand of His Father. (Acts 2:33; Hebrews 10:12) He will return to earth in power and glory (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27; Revelation 19:11-14) 

Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace through faith when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and we are cleansed from sin through repentance and regeneration of the Holy Spirit. (John 3:3; Luke 24:46-47; Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 3:5-7; John 6:63) 

The Holy Spirit, our abiding Helper, Teacher and Guide, indwells and empowers every believer in Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:11; Romans 8:26-27; John 14:16-17; Isaiah 61; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:10) 

We believe the church is the body of Christ, the fellowship of all believers. Christians have been called out from the world to obey the teachings of Christ and serve as His ambassadors and co-laborers. (Matthew 18:18-20; John 15:19-20; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:20) 

While we recognize that the act of Baptism is observed in varying ways amongst different fellowships, it is our conviction and practice to baptize new believers by submersion. We believe that any born-again believer has the ability and freedom to perform baptisms, as this role is not reserved solely for pastors or elders (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47).

The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience in which we partake of the bread and the fruit of the vine, remembering the death of Jesus and anticipating His second coming. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) 

There will be a final judgment and the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; one to everlasting life and the other to everlasting damnation. (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20, Revelation 21:8) 

We believe that God created and sanctioned marriage to bring together men and women, the complementary halves of humanity, by joining them in “one-esh” unions. Marriage between one man and one woman for life uniquely reflects Christ’s relationship with His Church. Ephesians 5:21-33; Gen. 2:18-25

We believe that sexual relations outside of marriage (whether involving individuals of the same or opposite sex) are inconsistent with God’s design for our holiness and human flourishing. Marriage also serves as the foundational unit of a stable society and provides the best chance that children will grow up in the same home with both their mom and their dad. 1 Corinthians 7:2 

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as either male or female, determined by the biological sex at birth. These two distinct, complementary genders, together reflect the image and nature of God. Genesis 1:26- 27 

We believe that every person must be awarded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31). Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of this Church.

We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image from the moment of conception. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. Psalm 139



The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of the Church’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Board of Elders is the final interpretive authority on the Bible’s application. 1 Thessalonians 2:13



It is important to us to distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary theological issues. Not every doctrine carries the same weight, and clarity in these distinctions helps preserve both conviction and unity within the church.

As a non-denominational church, we have some flexibility in our theological positions; however, we also recognize the responsibility to clearly articulate how we understand and practice various aspects of the faith. Below are several topics we are often asked about. While we operate with defined convictions in each area, we gladly welcome those who may hold differing views to participate in the life and fellowship of our church.

Our deepest desire is that these matters never become sources of division, but instead that we maintain unity in Christ while extending grace in areas where faithful believers may disagree.

Diversity

We believe that God chooses us and at the same time we are held responsible for our actions and therefore must respond to God’s call for salvation. Salvation is by grace alone and there is nothing we do to deserve or earn it. We do not believe that a person who truly receives Christ and repents of his/her sin can lose their salvation. 

This debate is causing more division in the church today than ever before. Seminaries, colleges, and denominations are all feeling the tension. At Connection, we strive for unity. We will not allow a non-essential to divide our church. Therefore, we do not take a side, but strive to follow God’s Word and win people to Jesus.

Few areas of theology have generated more discussion, and at times division, within the church than the subject of spiritual gifts. Some believe that all of the gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12–14 are still active and intended for today, while others hold that certain gifts ceased with the apostles.

As a church, we believe that all spiritual gifts remain available to believers. At the same time, we do not view this as a matter essential to salvation. Faithful followers of Jesus may hold differing convictions on this issue while remaining fully united in Christ. We are confident that the Spirit of God never works contrary to the Word of God, and therefore these differences should never disrupt fellowship among believers.

Regarding the use of tongues in a corporate gathering, the Apostle Paul is clear in Scripture that speaking in tongues is not to be forbidden. For this reason, we would never prohibit tongues from being expressed in our services. However, we do expect this gift to be exercised biblically. This means that any public expression of tongues must be accompanied by interpretation so that the congregation may be edified and built up. While our services do not include an open time designated for tongues, we seek to honor both the freedom of the Spirit and the order outlined in Scripture.

Women are clearly called to ministry, and we see this throughout scripture. We believe women are equal in value, critical to Jesus’ mission, and vital to the health of the Church. (Ephesians 4, I Timothy 3, Titus 1-2) We also believe the Bible teaches women can lead and serve in any kind of ministry except for Elder and Pastor (1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:12),

While the Greek words used for pastor and elder are not always the same words or always translated identically, they are used interchangeably. To remain above reproach and within God’s design for the church we will not place women in any position or leadership role that presents itself as being in opposition to what scripture teaches. There will be times that women speak, share testimonies, pray, etc. in our services, Connect Groups, and other gatherings. However, this will not be done in a way that portrays a woman as holding the office of Pastor or Elder.

We believe that everything we have is ultimately God’s to give, therefore we are just stewards of what He has entrusted to us. We believe every Christian is called to be generous and to set aside a portion of their income for the mission of God. We do not believe the New Testament teaches “tithing” as a command, however, we affirm tithing as an important biblical principle that provides a helpful foundation for understanding generosity and giving. We believe that giving should follow the example of Scripture and flow from the overflow of the heart, rather than obligation. (1 Corinthians 16:1–2; 2 Corinthians 8:1–7; 9:6–8)

We believe that one of the quickest ways to produce disunity within a church is to overemphasize political discussions. We seek to keep our focus on Jesus and His kingdom, using God’s Word to inform our political convictions. We will not avoid difficult or divisive topics but will pursue respectful dialogue that glorifies God rather than endorsing a political party or candidate. We desire for all people to feel welcome seeking the truth of God in our church, and we are committed to protecting the unity of the body as we pursue that truth together.ur text