What We Believe
Our Statement of Belief and the values that shape life together at South Chatham Community Church.
Statement of Belief
South Chatham Community Church is a gathering of believers who, by the power of the Holy Spirit and under the guidance of the Bible, express love for God through the worship of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and love for others through prayer, forgiving, serving, supporting, seeking unity, and going into our community and world to proclaim the gospel and make disciples.Acts 1:8; John 4:24; Revelation 2:1; Matthew 22:37; 28:18
The Word of God
The Bible is God's unique revelation to people. It is the inspired, infallible Word of God and the supreme and final authority on all matters upon which it teaches.
John 17:17; Romans 15:4; II Timothy 3:16–17; II Peter 1:21The Triune God
There is one God, Creator of heaven and earth, who exists eternally as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each fully God yet each personally distinct from each other.
Genesis 1:1–2; John 4:24; Romans 11:36; Acts 17:28; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19God the Father
The Father is the originator of the work of creation and the work of redemption. He has sent into the world both the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 2:7–9; Isaiah 63:16; Ephesians 1:3; Matthew 6:9; John 3:16; 14:16God the Son
Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, willingly took upon Himself all of our sins, died and rose again bodily, and is at the right hand of the Father as our Advocate and Mediator. He will return to consummate history and to fulfill the eternal plan of God.
Luke 1:35; John 1:14; 3:16; 14:3, 6; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 4:15; 7:25; Matthew 28:7; Acts 1:9–11God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin and draws people to Christ. He indwells all believers. He empowers believers to live a Christlike life and gives spiritual gifts with which to serve the church and reach out to a lost world.
John 15:26; 16:7–15; 14:26; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 3:16; Titus 3:5Mankind
All people are created in the image of God and loved by Him. All people are sinners by nature and violators of God's will by choice, and therefore deserving condemnation. All people are invited into communion with Himself and in community with each other.
Genesis 1:27; John 3:16; 17:23; Romans 3:11–12, 23; 5:12Salvation
Through penitent faith in Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, individuals become children of God. Salvation is by grace and cannot be earned through personal goodness or human effort.
John 3:16–18; Isaiah 55:11; Ephesians 2:4, 8–10; Titus 3:5–7; Hebrews 7:25The Church
All believers are united as members of the body of Christ, the one universal church. The local church gathers for worship, ordinances, prayer, instruction, encouragement, mutual accountability, community, and service toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Matthew 16:16–18; II Timothy 2:2; Matthew 28:18–20; 22:39; Ephesians 1:22; 5:19–20; Hebrews 10:25; II Corinthians 5:18–19Christian Conduct
Christians live for the glory of God by growing in grace and by being transformed by the Holy Spirit. The ministry of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of Scripture result in a lifestyle distinct from the world. Christians pursue pure character, righteous conduct, and love toward one another.
Romans 15:6; II Peter 3:18; II Corinthians 3:18; 5:17; Hebrews 4:12; James 1:25; Ephesians 5:15; Matthew 25:23; I Peter 4:10; Romans 13:12–14; I John 1:9; II Timothy 2:22Eternity
Death seals the eternal destiny of each person. At the final judgment, unbelievers will remain separated from God unto condemnation. Believers will be received into God's loving presence and rewarded for faithfulness to Him.
II Corinthians 5:19; John 3:18; 11:25; II Peter 1:11; 3:4, 10; Revelation 4:11; 20:11–15; 21:1Our Values
The Greek word ethos describes the guiding beliefs and ideals that characterize a community. We want these values to define and drive our ministry in a warm and caring environment.
We value prayer and the Holy Scriptures
Prayer and the Scriptures are essential to our connection with God and our growth in faith. They are powerful ways God communicates with His followers and with those who are far from Him, and both are essential to spiritual maturity.
Prayer: Matthew 5:44; 6:5–13; Romans 8:24–27 · Scripture: II Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 4:12We value people
We want to be multicultural, multigenerational, and multiracial, a church where age groups, backgrounds, and cultures blend in harmony. Our focus is not on our diversity but on the One who brings us together in unity. House churches help build relationships that lead people to know Jesus Christ as Savior.
Joel 2:28–29; Revelation 5:9; Acts 17:30; Colossians 4:6We value multiplying leaders and sending them out
We develop and train leaders who follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and take faith-filled risks to expand God's kingdom, sent out to make disciples locally and in cities throughout the country and the world by starting churches.
Numbers 7:10; I Peter 5:2–3; Romans 12:8We value enjoying life
South Chatham Community Church is a place where people can feel comfortable with one another and free to laugh and enjoy each other's company, with Jesus Christ in the midst.
Job 33:28; Ecclesiastes 2:25; 8:15; I Timothy 6:17We value generosity
We cultivate an environment of radically generous people who give of ourselves spiritually, physically, and financially to build God's kingdom on earth.
Psalm 37:26; 112:5; Proverbs 11:25; 22:9; Matthew 20:15; II Corinthians 9:6–13We value strong families
We strive to impact families and develop natural ministries that cultivate vibrant families rooted and growing in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 19:4–6; Deuteronomy 6:4–9