Our Beliefs
First Church is part of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, a denomination of around 1,000 churches with a membership of over 200,000 people. You can find a comprehensive description of what we believe by following this link to the Christian Reformed Church website.
First Church seeks to follow the following values that drive who we are. We are not a perfect church, but we do see the need to be passionate and focused around these things.
Christ-Centered
We are intentionally focused on Jesus Christ as the center of our ministry so that Jesus’ love, mercy, grace, truth, purity, power and integrity will shine through us.
Biblical
We believe Scripture is the final authority for truth and the rule of our faith. Scripture transforms lives when it is understood and applied both personally and corporately.
Relational
We believe that a Christ-centered community consists of ongoing, authentic relationships where all people experience a loving, encouraging, forgiving, and trusting environment.
Prayer
Prayer is absolutely essential in our life with Christ. Because we believe human wisdom and ability is limited, we will immerse ourselves, our families, the leadership and ministries of this church, and our world in prayer.
Evangelistic
We commit to build relationships with people who do not yet know Christ as their Savior and invite them into a personal relationship with Him.
Stewardship
We believe that everything belongs to God. We will use our God-given time, talents, possessions and money for His Kingdom.
Worship
We are a worshiping church and out of our brokenness we respond to God’s grace by loving and praising God with our whole lives, holy and pleasing to Him. We do this both individually in our daily lives and together as the church.
Discipleship
We are committed to the continuous growth and spiritual formation of every Christian in biblical knowledge, wisdom, stewardship, service and their relationship with God.
Culturally Relevant
We believe that the gospel message is timeless and unchanging but that the presentation must be tailored to ensure that the audience hears and receives the message. We will remain faithful to the reformed foundation of our faith but will not permit tradition to prevent us from communicating the gospel in culturally relevant ways.
Gospel Responsibility
We are a worshiping church and out of our brokenness we respond to God’s grace by loving and praising God with our whole lives, holy and pleasing to Him. We do this both individually in our daily lives and together as the church.
Every Generation
We are committed to vibrant ministry for every generation.