This doctrinal statement is the backbone of what we believe and it shapes all that we do (www.efca.org). Our beliefs are broken down into 7 key areas...

1. THE BIBLE

We believe... the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life.

2. GOD

The Trinity: We believe... one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Person of Christ: We believe... that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.

Holy Spirit: We believe... that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and, during this age, to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, and indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly living and service.

3. HUMANITY

We believe... that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is, therefore, lost, and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.

4. SALVATION

We believe... that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His Resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus are born of the Holy Spirit and, thus become children of God.

5. ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH

We believe... that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age.

Baptism: Baptism is the essential "first step" for those who believe in Christ for salvation and desire to walk as His disciple. It is a clear teaching of the Bible which outwardly expresses the inward reality of new life in Christ.

Lord's Supper: Communion is a memorial of Christ and His redemptive death. It is also an expression of our fellowship with one another.

6. THE CHURCH

We believe... that the true Church is composed of all people who through saving faith in Christ have been regenerated by the Spirit and are united together in the Body of Christ of which He is the head. Only those who have received Christ by faith are eligible for membership in the local church. That Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church and that every local church has the right, under Christ, to decide and govern its own affairs.

7. THE FUTURE

We believe... in the personal and imminent coming of Christ. In other words, He's coming back to earth someday.