At The Barn, we affirm our commitment to the core tenets of Christian faith. Our Statement of Belief guides our teachings, actions, and community life.
We believe in:
1. The Bible: We believe that the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God. They are the authority for our faith and practice, revealing God's character, purpose, and will for humanity.
2. The Trinity: We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, equal in power and glory.
3. Jesus Christ: We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead on the third day, and ascended into heaven. He is our Lord and Savior and will return to judge the living and the dead.
4. Salvation: We believe that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, that we are reconciled to God. This salvation results in a transformed life, characterized by repentance and obedience.
5. The Holy Spirit: We believe in the person and work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers for service, convicts us of sin, and guides us into all truth. The Holy Spirit also bestows spiritual gifts to believers for the edification of the Church and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
6. The Church: We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, comprised of all believers in Jesus. It is God’s instrument for proclaiming the Gospel, providing discipleship, and meeting the needs of the community. We are committed to unity within the Body of Christ and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
7. Baptism and Communion: We believe in the ordinances of Baptism and Communion. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace, a public declaration of faith in Christ. Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is a sacred remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, to be shared regularly among believers as a demonstration of unity and faith.
8. The Second Coming: We believe in the imminent and personal return of Jesus Christ to fulfill the promises of Scripture. This includes the resurrection of the dead, final judgment, and the establishment of God's eternal Kingdom.
9. Eternal Life: We believe in the reality of heaven and hell. Those who have accepted Christ will be rewarded with eternal life in His presence, while those who reject Him will face eternal separation from God.
10. The Great Commission: We believe in the call of every believer to share the Gospel and make disciples of all nations, demonstrating God's love and transforming power in a broken world.
11. We believe that God created humanity intentionally as male and female, reflecting His image and purpose. We affirm the biblical understanding of two genders, acknowledging the distinct roles and identities that come with this creation.
We recognize that discussions around gender identity can be sensitive and may involve complex feelings and experiences. Therefore, we commit ourselves to engaging with empathy and love toward everyone in our community. Our goal is to foster an environment where every individual feels respected and valued, regardless of their personal journey.
While we hold to our belief in the binary understanding of gender, we encourage open conversations and genuine relationships with those who may see things differently. We aspire to be a community that embodies Christ’s love, compassion, and grace as we walk alongside one another in faith.
12. We affirm that all individuals are created beautifully in the image of God and deserve love, respect, and acceptance. We recognize that discussions about gender identity and marriage can be complex and deeply personal. While we hold to a traditional understanding of marriage as a sacred union between one man and one woman, we are committed to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
We believe that everyone has a unique story, and we value the diverse experiences and perspectives within our community. Our desire is to engage in compassionate dialogue and to listen to one another with open hearts. We encourage respectful conversations that promote understanding, and we aim to provide pastoral care for those navigating their own journeys.
We invite all individuals, to join us in our mission to love God and love one another. Together, we can explore our faith and find common ground in our shared humanity.
You are valued, seen, heard, loved and wanted here!”