Chestnut Mountain Church

We believe that vision is a preferred picture of the future that produces passion within the life of the pursuer of that vision. It is a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction of what should be. The Bible is clear about our need for vision.

Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) Where there is no vision, the people perish."

The vision of our church is to live our lives in community with one another by becoming a biblically functioning community of faith as modeled in Acts 2:42-47:

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

We believe a great commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will grow a great church.

Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV) Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The purpose of our church is to help people experience the abundant and eternal life in Christ by taking a S.T.A.N.D. in our community.

The acronym S.T.A.N.D. means to:
* Share our faith passionately (Evangelism)
* Teach God's Word diligently (Discipleship)
* Adore our God willingly (Worship)
* Nurture one another lovingly (Ministry)
* Develop new relationships intentionally (Fellowship)

Because we are a diverse collection of individuals, we all have slightly different values that would influence how we go about pursuing our vision, accomplishing our purpose, and reaching our target. Yet, certain core values must unite us in this journey.

1. We believe that anointed teaching is the catalyst for transformation in individual's lives and in the church. (Rom. 12:7; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; James 1:23-25)

2. We believe that lost people matter to God and therefore, ought to matter to the church. (Luke 5:30-32; Luke 15; Matt. 18:14; 1 Timothy 2:3-4)

3. We believe that the church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure. (1 Cor. 9:19-23)

4. We believe that Christ-followers should manifest authenticity and yearn for continuous growth. (Eph. 4:25-26, 32; Heb. 12:1; Phil 1:6)

5. We believe that the church should operate as a unified community of servants with men and women stewarding their spiritual gifts. (1 Cor. 12 & 14; Rom. 12; Eph. 4; Psalm 133:1)

6. We believe that loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life. (1 Cor. 13; Neh. 3; Luke 10:1; John 13:34-35)

7. We believe that life-change happens best in small groups. (Luke 6:12-13; Acts 2:44-47)

8. We believe that excellence honors God and inspires people. (Col. 3:17; Mal 1:6 -14; Prov. 27:17)

9. We believe that the church should be led by people with the spiritual gift of leadership. (Neh. 1 & 2; Rom. 12:8; Acts 6:2-5)

10. We believe that the pursuit of full devotion is normal for every believer. (1 Kings 11:4; Phil 2:1-11; 2 Cor. 8:7)

In our essential beliefs, we have unity. In non-essential beliefs, we have liberty. In all of our beliefs we show charity. The essentials we believe:

1. About God - God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in and related through three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The three are co-equal and are one God. (Gen.1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2)

2. About Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus was incarnated through the Virgin Birth, lived a sinless human life, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Matt. 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Cor. 15:3,4; Rom. 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Tim. 6:14,15)

3. About The Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under his control daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:12, 3:16; Eph. 1:13, 5:18; Gal. 5:25)

4. About The Bible - The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (2 Tim. 3:16, 1:13; 2 Peter 1:20,21; Psalm 119:105,160,12:6; Prov. 30:5)

5. About Human Beings - People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude that separates people from God and causes many problems in life. (Gen. 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isa. 53:6a, 59:1,2; Rom. 3:23)

6. About Salvation - Salvation is God's free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith and is best professed publicly through baptism by immersion. (Rom. 6:23, 5:1; Eph. 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Gal. 3:26; Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 1:9)

7. About Eternal Security - Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If a person has been "born again", he cannot be "un-born". Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. (John 10:29; 2 Tim. 1:12; Heb. 7:25, 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

8. About Eternity - People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16, 2:25, 5:11-13; Rom. 6:23; Rev. 20:15; Matt. 1:8, 2:44-46)