WHAT WE PRACTICE

BIBLE AS OUR SOLE AUTHORITY

Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe. (2 Timothy 3:15-16)

AUTONOMY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value or associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control. (Colossians 1:18)

PRIESTHOOD OF EVERY BELIEVER

The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full-time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading. (Revelation 1:6, 1 Peter 2:9)

GENEROSITY

At UCC we practice generosity for the support of Christ’s body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% or our income is the Biblical standard of giving. (Note: We should not give out of a sense of duty or legalism for God loves a cheerful giver.)  (Deuteronomy 14:22, Malachi 3:8-10, Matthew 23:23, 2 Cor. 9:7)

BAPTISM BY IMMERSION

We practice baptism by immersion under water – the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands. (Colossians 2:12)

SPIRIT-LED LIVING

We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right. (John 15:5, Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 5:18)

TELLING OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST

It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those with whom God brings us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church. (1 Peter 3:15)