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At the heart of this fellowship is a deep commitment to biblical discipleship—learning, growing, and walking together in the truth of God’s Word. This page explains what we believe that looks like and how we pursue it together.

 

 

True Discipleship is Centered on the Truth of the Gospel

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Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32). According to Jesus, true discipleship isn’t just about hearing the Word—it’s about continuing in it, understanding it, and walking in the Truth it reveals. That Truth isn’t abstract; it’s deeply personal and transformative. It sets us free—not merely from bad habits, but from sin’s power and lordship—with the purpose that Jesus Himself becomes our Master (John 8:36; Romans 6:14–18).

 

This view of discipleship shapes everything about how we teach and study the Bible. We don’t open the Scriptures merely to extract life tips or moral advice. While the Bible certainly contains wisdom for daily living, its primary purpose is to reveal the Truth of the Gospel—the message of God’s redemptive work through Christ, which impacts every part of our past, present, and future. As Colossians 1:5-6 and Ephesians 1:13 affirm, the Gospel is “the word of truth” that brings forth fruit in the lives of those who receive and continue in it.  The Gospel doesn't just tell us how to enter the Kingdom initially; it also tells us how to walk in freedom today and gives us eternal hope for tomorrow (Colossians 1:21-23, 2:6).

 

 

Our Commitment to the Spirit-Inspired Word

 

We hold a high view of Scripture. As Paul writes, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is not just a book—it is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). When we open the Scriptures, we believe we’re encountering the very voice of God.

 

And that voice isn’t limited to what Jesus said during His earthly ministry. All of Scripture—Genesis to Revelation—is the Word of Christ, spoken by the Spirit of Christ through the biblical authors (2 Peter 1:21; 1 Peter 1:10–12). We treasure the red letters, but we also recognize that the black letters are His words too.  When it comes to properly interpreting the meaning of the Old Testament, however, we believe the New Testament contains Spirit-inspired interpretation and revelation of the Old Testament that should not be disregarded, neglected, or ignored. Therefore, no matter where we are in our Bible studies, we believe it is essential to remain mindful of—and centered on—the final and fullest revelation of the Truth as given in the New Testament.

 

Because we believe in the authority and supremacy of the written Word, our approach to Bible teaching is not personality-driven or built on theological shortcuts. We aim to understand the actual meaning of the text—what the Spirit intended when He inspired it. That means we take seriously the context, grammar, language, and flow of thought of each passage, and we believe teaching should help others see those things for themselves. The goal is not just to hear what a teacher thinks, but to see what God has said.

 

We absolutely believe that illumination comes from the Holy Spirit—that moment when the light goes on and truth comes alive in a person’s heart. But we also believe the Spirit uses the written Word, not the words of a pastor. That’s why we emphasize careful, Spirit-led interpretation of the Bible itself—not just catchy phrases or confident assertions.

 

 

Teaching for Understanding, Not Indoctrination

 

We believe discipleship is about education, not indoctrination. Our goal isn’t to get everyone to agree with us on every issue. On matters that are essential to the Gospel, we teach boldly and without compromise. But on non-essential doctrines—especially those where faithful Christians have historically disagreed—we believe it’s important to give space for learning and discernment.

 

Rather than only presenting one side, we seek to explain the range of biblically grounded perspectives. That includes:

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• Laying out the major views on a given issue

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• Exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each

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• Showing which view we find most convincing, while inviting others to wrestle with it themselves

 

This approach encourages genuine learning. It lets people ask honest questions, explore the Word, and come to conclusions through study and the Spirit’s leading. We don’t believe someone has to have it all figured out to belong. We want to be a place where people can grow in their understanding without fear of judgment, and where it’s okay to change your mind as you learn.

 

After all, true learning involves freedom—and the humility to admit that we’re all still learning. If you’re never free to change your view, then real discipleship can’t happen.

 

 

Discipleship Involves Dialogue

 

We also believe that true teaching isn't a one-way street. Growth in the Word happens best in a community where people can ask questions, make observations, and even offer respectful counterpoints. We don’t see that as disruptive—we see it as healthy. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron.”

 

Teaching and discipleship flourish in environments where people are heard and where questions can be explored openly. Sometimes, the most important growth happens not when someone hears a lecture, but when they’re able to ask, “But what about this verse?” or “I’ve always seen it differently—can we look at that together?” We want people to feel safe doing that.

In our fellowship, these conversations happen freely. They’re not seen as arguments or debates, but as part of the life of a body that’s growing together in grace and truth. Disagreements on secondary issues are not viewed as threats to unity—but as opportunities to sharpen one another in love.

 

 

Discipleship Is Also Relational

 

While learning the Word is essential to discipleship, we believe it’s only one part of what it means to grow as a follower of Jesus. True discipleship also involves serving one another, encouraging one another, bearing one another’s burdens, and walking in love (Galatians 5:13; 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; John 13:34–35).

 

The New Testament makes it clear that the Church is not simply a school—it is a spiritual family, knit together in Christ. Discipleship includes both the formation of the mind and the bonding of hearts, as we grow together into a unified body. That means discipleship must happen in relationship, not just in the transfer of information.

 

We believe in teaching truth, but not in cold, academic detachment. Discipleship also happens:

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• When a brother lends a hand

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• When a sister shares a word of encouragement

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• When someone stays after to pray or listen or simply be present in a time of need

 

These moments may not look like “teaching,” but they are often some of the most powerful ways Christ shapes us. We don't believe in minimizing the relational aspect of church life—on the contrary, we believe it is absolutely essential. The “one another” commands of Scripture are not optional side notes to discipleship; they are central to how we live out the Gospel in community. When we speak the truth in love, serve humbly, forgive freely, and walk patiently with each other, we are living expressions of the truth we’ve come to know.

 

We trust the Holy Spirit to work in these relationships—not just in our study time, but in our shared lives. Through this, Christ forms us more and more into His image, not only as individuals, but as a people.

 

In all of this—whether studying the Word or loving one another well—our goal is simple: to grow together into the likeness of Christ, by the Spirit, through the truth of His Word.

 

To read more about our doctrinal beliefs, visit our What We Believe page.