Our Statement of Faith

What Do We Believe?
The Bible is our creed. Therefore, any effort to define what we believe necessitates a desire to emphasize the whole Word of God as the source of our core beliefs. We do not seek to be owned by the labels of much of Christendom, whether it’s Fundamentalism, Pentecostal, Calvinism, Armenianism, Charismatic, Dispensational, Reformed, etc. Rather we seek to be owned by the one who purchased us with His own blood (1 Cor. 6:20, & 7:23) and therefore we are labeled as Christians. We seek and aim to follow Christ and live lives that are an expression of His love and the truth of His Word. Therefore it is our sinceredesire to simply teach the Bible; be true to its original languages; and be respectful to its historical context, the context of each passage, and the accepted and normal use of language (i.e. being able to discern the difference between a parable and a proverb, a prophecy and an historical account, etc.). We trust that this will enable us to understand the intended meaning and truth that is to be found in God’s inspired Word.

How do people join Calvary Chapel Burns?
We do not have a formal membership procedure, as anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ is already a member of the Body of Christ. However, I feel that, in practical terms, those who are relationally involved with us are a part of the family that makes up Calvary Chapel Burns. Being involved includes things such as attending consistently, acting upon the Word as it is taught, sharing in the financial responsibility of the church through tithes and offerings, and sharing the spiritual gifts God has given to you with others in the fellowship as and when God leads by His Holy Spirit.

What is your Church Government?
As the Pastor, I am accountable to God to give myself to prayer and the teaching of the Word (Acts 6:4), to be enabled by God to lead the church toward a life that is pleasing to the Head Shepherd of the sheep, Jesus Christ. I am also accountable to and meet regularly with a board of elders, to pray over and discuss what will best serve the goals of the church as stated in Acts 1:8, Acts 2:42, and 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Teaching God’s Word (Apostles’ Doctrine)
Our primary teaching goal is “to declare to you the whole council of God” (Acts 20:27). Therefore we provide opportunity at our services to study the entire Bible, chapter by chapter. We strongly believe that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We study from the New King James Version of the Bible.

Fellowship
Fellowship in Greek is koinonos and carries the idea of sharing or partaking as companions in each other's lives. It is God’s plan for His followers to share their lives with other believers, serving and uplifting each other. Please take opportunity to get to know those in our group of believers and develop relationships among your family in Christ.

Breaking Bread/Communion
“Breaking bread” was a term used by the early church to refer to the gathering together of believers to share a meal as well as to remember the Lord by taking communion. Over the centuries these two events have been culturally separated, but nonetheless, both are very important.

Meals Together – We can all be blessed as we take opportunity to share meals together, getting to know one another as families and individuals. Also we occasionally have opportunity to share meals together as a church at BBQs, and potlucks.

Communion – Jesus said to take communion “in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). We have chosen, for this season, to remember our Lord in communion  as a church family each Sunday of the month.

Who is allowed to take communion? Since the purpose is to remember what Christ’s death has done for us, we believe that anyone who has a sincere faith in Jesus Christ may partake (1 Corinthians 11: 24-26).