Core Beliefs and Statement of Faith at Shepherd's Chapel Church

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The Scriptures: The Foundation of Christian Doctrine

At Shepherd’s Chapel Church, our Core Beliefs and Statement of Faith uphold the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments as the complete and final revelation of God to humanity. These Scriptures, inspired by the Holy Spirit, are inerrant in their original writings and serve as the ultimate authority for faith and practice.

The Bible provides clear guidance for living in obedience to God and understanding His will. By studying Scripture in its literal, historical-grammatical context, believers are equipped to discern God’s truth and apply it in their daily lives. “All Scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and provides instruction, reproof, and encouragement for every good work.

The Triune God: A Central Christian Doctrine

Our Core Beliefs include faith in the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three co-equal and co-eternal Persons who share the same divine nature. This doctrine, central to Christianity, reflects the unity and diversity within God’s redemptive plan (John 17:3; Matthew 28:19-20).

  • God the Father: Creator of all things, He sustains creation by His power and exercises sovereign authority over providence and redemption (Revelation 4:11; Colossians 1:17).
  • God the Son: Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who took on human nature, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, rose bodily, and ascended to heaven. He reigns as Head of the Church and will return in glory (John 1:1, 14; Acts 1:3, 9).
  • God the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, convicts the world of sin, and empowers believers for service. He seals and sanctifies believers, ensuring their eternal security (John 16:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 8:9-17).

The Trinity is more than an abstract concept; it is a truth that shapes how we worship and live as Christians. Each Person of the Godhead works together in perfect unity, revealing God’s character and purpose.

Mankind and Salvation Through Grace

Our Statement of Faith teaches that humanity was created in God’s image to glorify Him and enjoy fellowship with Him. However, through Adam’s disobedience, sin entered the world, bringing death and separation from God. Every human being is born in sin, alienated from God, and deserving of His righteous judgment.

Salvation is offered through Jesus Christ alone, as a gift of grace received by faith. As outlined in our Christian Doctrine, salvation involves regeneration by the Holy Spirit, justification through faith, and adoption into God’s family. Believers are not saved by works but are called to live transformed lives, marked by obedience, perseverance, and love for Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 8:37-39; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

The Church: Living Out Core Beliefs

The Church is the Body of Christ, composed of all who place their faith in Him. As part of our Core Beliefs, we affirm the importance of gathering for worship, prayer, teaching, and fellowship. Local churches play a vital role in equipping believers to live out their faith and fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Baptism and Communion

Two ordinances are central to the Church’s practice:

  1. Baptism: A public declaration of faith, symbolizing the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).
  2. Communion: A commemoration of Christ’s sacrificial death, observed by believers as a reminder of His return (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

These practices are sacred expressions of faith and unity in the body of Christ, reminding us of His work on the cross and our shared hope in His return.

Missions and Future Hope

Our Statement of Faith emphasizes the Great Commission, calling all believers to make disciples of all nations. This mission involves planting and strengthening biblically faithful churches and sharing the gospel with all people.

We also hold to the blessed hope of Christ’s return, when He will establish His eternal kingdom. Believers will experience everlasting joy in the new heaven and earth, while unbelievers will face eternal separation from God. This future reality inspires us to live faithfully and proclaim the gospel boldly, as outlined in our Christian Doctrine (Revelation 21:1-4).

The Final Authority of God’s Word

As stated in our Core Beliefs, the Bible is fully sufficient for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. It serves as the foundation for every doctrine and practice in the Christian faith. Through diligent study of God’s Word, believers are equipped to discern truth, grow in holiness, and glorify God in all they do (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

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