Our Essential Beliefs

God

God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.  

Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is coequal with the Father. He lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for all people by dying on the cross. After three days He rose from the dead, demonstrating His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven and will return someday to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  

Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation, providing power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He also gives every believer a spiritual gift at salvation.  

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Acts 2:4

The Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to us, written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian belief and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is completely true without error.  

2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105

Human Beings

People are made in the spiritual image of God to reflect His character and are the supreme objects of His creation. Every person has great potential for good, all are marred by disobedience toward God called sin. This sin nature separates people from God and is the cause of many of life’s problems.  

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23

Salvation

Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sins through 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. Eternal life begins the moment a person receives Jesus Christ by faith.  

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

Eternity

The soul of every human was created to live forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through salvation and forgiveness. Hell is eternal separation from God. Heaven is eternal union with God.  

John 3:16, 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15

Our Lifestyle Statement

The Bible is our sole authority

Because God’s Word is the only true, complete, and reliable authority, we accept the Bible as our guide for living. When faced with a decision, our first question is, “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, memorization and study. The Bible is the foundation for all that we believe.  

2 Timothy 3:15-17; John 17:17; Matthew 4:4

Spiritual growth is a process

We believe spiritual growth takes time, and we are all learning to follow Jesus more closely. The church is a place for the hurting, not a place to pretend we have it all together. Because none of us is perfect, we make room for people to take their next step, ask honest questions, and find healing in community. We respond to one another with love, patience, and grace, without judgment or condemnation.  

2 Peter 3:18; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Proverbs 4:18

Spirit-led living

We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God's power within us. We seek a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right.  

John 15:5; Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 5:18

Building authentic relationships

We believe the Christian life was never meant to be lived alone, but rather in community. Love for God is best demonstrated in our love for others.  

John 13:35; Matthew 25:40; 1 John 3:18; Acts 2:42–44

Cultural, economic, and generational diversity and unity

We do not believe segregation based on race, economic, or generational status for worship is biblical. We celebrate diversity and unity while focusing on Biblical unity.  

John 17:20-21; Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; Ephesians 2:14

Ministry involvement

We believe each person, at the moment of salvation, has been given a spiritual gift to serve others. As the body of Christ, each one of us has a role to play in the health of the church.  

1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:4–6; Galatians 5:13

Tithing

At PCC, we practice tithing for the support of Christ's body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard.  

Leviticus 27:30; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Malachi 3:10; Proverbs 3:9–10

Telling others about Jesus

We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church. Designed to reach unbelievers, our weekend services are a perfect place for you to invite them.  

1 Peter 3:15; Mark 16:15; 1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 5:14–16

The family

We believe marriage and family were established by God in Genesis 1 and reaffirmed by Jesus in Matthew 19. Sexual relations are to be reserved for marriage between one biological man and one biological woman, and the marriage covenant is a lifelong promise made before God.  

Genesis 1:26-27; Matthew 19:4-6; Hebrews 13:4