Our Doctrinal Statement, which defines what we as a church believe and informs our values, reads as follows:
Statement of Faith
- The one true and living God created all and is sovereign over all. He has existed eternally in three persons: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These three are one, the same in substance and equal in power and glory. Genesis 1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3:16-17; John 1; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-18; 1 John 5:7
- In fulfillment of prophecy, God the Son came to earth as Jesus, fully God and fully man. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died a sacrificial death, to make salvation available to all. As a demonstration of God's power and an indication of death's defeat, Jesus rose from the dead after three days and later ascended to heaven. Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21; Romans 5:6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
- Because all have sinned, and created a barrier between themselves and God, salvation through Jesus alone is necessary to restore a right relationship with God, who loves all people and desires to draw all people to Himself. Romans 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; 2 Peter 3:9
- God the Spirit inspired people to produce the written Word of God--the Bible--which offers the authoritative description of God's person and work, and also provides the authoritative guide for Christian belief and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:2, 14-15; Titus 2:1
- The Spirit's work is also to equip believers to take their place within the Church, which is the body of Christ, and to promote unity within the Church. Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Ephesians 4; John 14:26; 1 Peter 4:10-11
- All believers are part of the Church and should participate in a local congregation which meets regularly for worship, teaching, fellowship and service. Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:15-17; Hebrews 10:24-25
- In view of Christ's imminent return, all believers must be engaged in a ministry of nurture and evangelism. Matthew 9:38; Luke 4:18-19; 24-25; 1 Corinthians 1:7 ;1 Thessalonians 4,5; James 5:7-8
- Our views on baptism and communion? We practice "believer's baptism." That is, we understand baptism as a physical sign of the spiritual reality that a person has given his/her life to Christ. Communion is served each week at Countryside as a way of re-focusing attention on the display of God's love and grace in sending Jesus to die for humanity's sin. In preparation for communion, we encourage each participant to spend time in private confession and thanksgiving.
Statement of Values:
- Worship (Psalm 50:23; Hebrews 12:29,29; 13:15; Psalm 95:5,6) ~~ Each believer is called to engage in private worship-the result of falling in love with God! This private worship fuels public worship when believers gather. Countryside's worship style reflects the importance of praising God and being open to His involvement in lives.
- Instruction (Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; Psalm 119; James 1:22) ~~ God's revelation in Scripture comes to guide His people. At Countryside, we give Scripture prominence. Classes, services and workshops revolve around the Word as we seek to understand and apply it. Learning involves both information and application: we strive to encourage both.
- Fellowship (Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:4; Hebrews 10:25) ~~ God's people are called to care for one another, to hold each other accountable, to pray for and support the family of faith. This requires sacrifice, and involves the opening of lives to others. It also yields rich benefits.
- Evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8) ~~ The Gospel is dynamic, and meant to be shared. This happens in many ways, especially along the lines of relationships. We emphasize the importance of honest relationships with others who need Christ, and knowing the Gospel well enough to share when there is opportunity.
- Service (1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 4:11-13; Galatians 6:2) ~~ God's Holy Spirit equips believers for ministry; every one of God's children has a kingdom task. Believers need to discern their gifts and then to press them into service. Believers are also called to carry out the "family chores" that come from being together. Sharing the load and taking responsibility for particular areas means that the ministry of the church will be accomplished.