| What We Practice |
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Beliefs are not worth much unless they area translated into actions.
Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following seven practices:
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| The Bible as our sole authority |
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'All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness...'
2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
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Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
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| Autonomy of each local church |
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'And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.' Colossians 1:18 (NIV)
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Christ is the recognized head of the church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control. Each congregation determines its own strategy, structure, and style.
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| Priesthood of every believer |
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'...and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.' Revelation 1:6 (NIV)
'But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.' 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
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The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
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| Tithing |
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'A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.' Leviticus 27:30 (NIV)
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At Trinity we practice tithing for the support of Christ’s Body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that all of our possessions are God’s but He desires us to use at least 10% of our income to further his Kingdom on earth.
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| Immersion |
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'...having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.' Colossians 2:12 (NIV)
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We practice believer’s baptism by immersion.
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| Spirit-led living |
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'I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.' John 15:5 (NIV)
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We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right.
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See also Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 5:18
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| Telling others about Christ |
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'But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...' 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
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It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We practice personal witnessing about Christ and inviting friends to church.
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