At Encounter Church, we stand firmly and joyfully upon the foundations of biblical Christianity. We hold the following truths as central to our faith and practice:
1. The Scriptures
We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It is the final authority in all matters of faith, life, and doctrine.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
2 Peter 1:20-21
2. The Trinity
We believe there is one living and true God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19
2 Corinthians 13:14
Deuteronomy 6:4
3. Salvation
We believe salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by human works. Salvation is available to all who repent, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and accept Him as Savior and Lord.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Romans 10:9-10
John 3:16-17
4. Baptism
We believe in water baptism by immersion as a public testimony of a believer’s faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His command.
Matthew 28:19
Romans 6:4
5. Marriage and Family
We believe marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God to be between one man and one woman.
Genesis 2:24
Matthew 19:4-6
We believe that within the family structure, God has ordained the man to be the head of the home, leading in love, humility, and strength. Men should be honored and respected in their God-given role.
Ephesians 5:22-25
1 Corinthians 11:3
6. The Church
We believe the Church is the Body of Christ, composed of all born-again believers. The Church exists to glorify God, make disciples, and serve as His hands and feet in the world.
Acts 2:42-47
Ephesians 1:22-23
7. Five-Fold Ministry Gifts
We believe Christ has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip believers for the work of ministry, to edify the Body of Christ, and to advance His Kingdom on earth.
Ephesians 4:11-13
8. Women in Ministry
We believe God calls and empowers women to preach, teach, pastor, and lead within the Church, in accordance with Scripture. We affirm the full participation of women in all areas of ministry.
Joel 2:28-29
Acts 2:17-18
Romans 16:1-7
9. Love for All People
We believe that every human being is created in the image of God and is deserving of love, honor, and respect.
We are called to love all people — regardless of race, background, or past — and invite them into the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.
John 13:34-35
Galatians 3:28
10. The Second Coming
We believe in the literal, visible return of Jesus Christ to earth to establish His Kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the saved to eternal life and the lost to eternal separation from God.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Revelation 22:12
Encounter Church exists to love God, love people, and fulfill the Great Commission through biblical teaching, Spirit-led worship, discipleship, and outreach. We are committed to being a church that raises up strong families, equips believers for life and ministry, and reflects the heart of Jesus to the world.