NON-ESSENTIAL BELIEFS
If Scripture does not speak clearly on a matter, we recognize the issue as "disputable" and hold that it should not be a cause for division in the church. Members may differ on nonessential beliefs so long as they do so in love and "endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3) For example, our Church subscribes to the following beliefs but does not demand that every member agree with them so long as the disagreement does not promote discord in the Body:
1. CHARISMATA. We consider ourselves "Scriptural charismatics" meaning we believe God heals and otherwise acts in our lives today as He did in the early Church. We believe the five-fold ministry is still present in Christ’s church. We believe that the Holy Spirit bestows spiritual gifts on the members of the Body as He pleases. We encourage the exercise of those gifts within Scriptural boundaries. Although we believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, sometimes referred to as the "second blessing," we do not believe this baptism is necessary for salvation. We recognize "tongues" as a legitimate part of private prayer life, but do not hold that speaking in tongues is a necessary evidence of baptism of the Holy Spirit, nor that one must speak in tongues to be a good Christian.
2. SECOND COMING OF JESUS. We believe Jesus will bodily return for His bride, the Church. We recognize there are three positions, Pre-millennial, Post-millennial, and A-millennial, regarding the timing of Christ's return. It is our position that regardless of the timing of Christ's return, we are to have our hearts ready to meet Him. Beyond that, we have the liberty to debate when and how He returns, so long as it does not cause division.
3. ADMINISTRATION OF SACRAMENTS (ORDINANCES). We believe that the sacraments of Baptism and Communion are mandated by Christ and are essential activities in every believer's spiritual walk. However, we recognize that believers may differ in their understanding about the methods of Baptism, the age of candidates for Baptism, the constitution of the elements used in Communion, and the consequences of participation in both sacraments. Unity of beliefs concerning those matters are not essential for fellowship in this Church and each participant has the liberty to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance in determining these matters for himself. Excerpts from our Bylaws explain our Church’s minimal positions:
"(a) Baptism (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:41). Baptism in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit shall be administered to comprehending candidates who repent of their sins and who confess their belief on the Lord Jesus Christ for the saving of their souls (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12). This Church recognizes that the validity of baptizing candidates who are under the age of comprehension (i.e., infants and young children) is not clearly defined by Scripture and is disputed by many within the Body of Christ. Nevertheless, acknowledging that Baptism is the work of God and not of man, recognizing the covenant relationship between a child’s parents and Almighty God as symbolized in the Old Testament tradition of circumcision, and fearing the eternal consequences of denying Baptism to those for whom it is sought, this Church shall administer baptism to candidates under the age of comprehension at the discretion of the candidate’s parents or guardians and of the Pastor. It is then left to God to determine the efficacy of the act, whether it be a true baptism or merely a dedication, and to the individual upon reaching an age of comprehension to determine through the leading of the Holy Spirit whether a subsequent baptism or rededication is appropriate. The method of baptism, whether by washing, pouring, sprinkling, or immersing, shall be mutually determined by the candidate or his parents and the Pastor.
"(b) The Lord's Supper. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed regularly in remembrance of our Lord, as enjoined by Scripture. (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19, 20; I Corinthians 11:23-26) Anyone who has accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and who believes His body and blood were "given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins" is welcome to dine at the Lord’s Table. Communicants are urged to examine themselves in advance of partaking the bread and wine, so as to insure they are able to commune in a worthy manner, as provided by Scripture. (I Corinthians 11:28-29) The ability of a child, or of an adult, with limited powers of self-examination, to commune in a worthy manner, shall be determined by the communicant’s parent, guardian or caretaker, or if none of them are present, by the Minister distributing the sacrament."
4. THEOLOGY. Both Calvinism and Arminianism are systems of theology devised by godly, Bible-believing men in the 1600's. Both systems are based on the Word of God, and both contain essential elements of truth. The Apostolic Church knew nothing of either system; they simply believed what God revealed. Since argument within the church is not profitable, humility demands we seek God realizing, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law." (Deuteronomy 29:29) Thus, we seek a middle ground.
5. GOVERNMENT. Our Church is governed by a Board of Elders who are nominated by the existing Board and who are selected by and serve at the will of the members of the Church. Elders appoint deacons and deaconesses to positions of leadership within the Church. We encourage women to be active in every position of ministry except in the positions of elders or pastors. Our Bylaws adopt scriptural guidelines for church discipline.
