By following Christ’s example, we can offer healing and redemption to those around us. Living into God’s truths and following the promptings of the Holy Spirit develops a biblical worldview in us the same way Jesus did. This allows us to share the gospel by being spiritually obvious without being obnoxious.
We want to be a local church where anybody is welcome and all are transformed. We are all imperfect people, but when we come together to follow Jesus with humble hearts, God’s grace forms us into His church.
We want to fill our communities with people who are intentional and relational as they become more like Jesus. We put our faith into action by listening to God through his word and prayer, obeying what He calls us to do, and sharing our story.
We know that Oakdale is just one small part of God’s Kingdom. God-sized movements cannot be contained within the walls of a single church. We are focused on going out into the world to make disciples, trusting that God will meet our needs here at home.
Kingdom growth brings people of many backgrounds and traditions together. In order to reach everyone, our methods will continually have to change, but our message of the gospel will always remain the same. We strive to offer each other grace, as we navigate this journey together.
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has always existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 3:22; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
God made us to live forever. We'll either spend eternity separated from Him because of sin, or with Him through forgiveness and salvation. Being separated from God forever is Hell. Being with Him forever is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places where people will spend eternity. (John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23, 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9)
We are the pinnacle of God's creation. We were made for a unique relationship with Him and to reflect His nature. Even though every person has the potential for great good, we're all affected by an attitude of disobedience toward God, called “sin.” This attitude separates us from God and causes many problems in life. (Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2)
Jesus is the heart of the New Testament message. He is God's incarnation and He lived a sinless life. He sacrificed Himself for our sins by dying on the cross, rose from the dead to conquer sin and death, ascended to Heaven, and will return to reign as King. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13)
Salvation is a free gift from God that we need to accept. We can't save ourselves from sin through self-improvement or good deeds. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ can we be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn to Jesus in faith, we're forgiven, reconciled to God, and transformed to be like Jesus. Eternal life with God starts the moment we accept Jesus. (Romans 6:23, 5:1; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26)
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son. He helps people realize their need for Jesus and lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. The Holy Spirit transforms us to be more like Jesus and gives us spiritual gifts to fulfil God's purposes. He also comforts, guides, and gives us wisdom. Christians should seek to live under the Spirit's guidance daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16, 12:1-31; Ephesians 1:13, 4:11, 5:18; Galatians 5:25)
The Bible promises assurance of our salvation as the Holy Spirit confirms we are God's children. (John 10:29; Romans 6:3-5, 8:16; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 6:4-5, 7:25, 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
The Bible is God's Word and contains everything we need for salvation. It was written by humans under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and is the primary source of truth for Christian belief and practice. The Bible is our authoritative guide for living a righteous life. (Psalms 119:105, 160; Psalms 12:6; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13)
The Church is the Body of Christ, made up of those who have put their faith in Jesus, been baptized, and are following Him through the Holy Spirit. The Church exists to demonstrate and continue Jesus' life and ministry in the world. By making disciples, the Church reveals God's Kingdom on earth. Through Holy Communion, we participate in Jesus' risen presence and are nourished for faithful discipleship until His final triumph. (Matthew 16:18, 18:18, 28:19-20; Acts 2:1-4, 41-47, 14:23; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Timothy 3:1-13)
Everyone who accepts salvation is also called to be a disciple—no exceptions. Jesus made disciples who could make disciples and told us to do the same. Being a disciple means following Christ, being changed by Christ, and committing to His mission. Disciple-making involves helping people trust and follow Jesus, from conversion to maturity and multiplication. (Matthew 28:16-20; John 20:21; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Mark 8:34-38)
As a non-denominational church, the church board provides spiritual, operational and financial oversight and leadership to our congregation. Interested in serving on the Board or have questions or comments? Send them an email, boardec@oakdale.church.