We uphold and affirm the Decatur Statement of Faith. Below is a verbatim copy of the statement. Above is the official PDF.

Statement of Faith

Concerning the Holy Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Scriptures to be the divinely inspired words of God, written by men as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 1:16; Romans 3:1-2; 2 Peter 1:21). These original texts have been providentially preserved and faithfully translated throughout every generation so that His people possess His Word today (Psalm 12:6–7; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18; Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:23–25) No error can be found within the Holy Scriptures (Proverbs 30:5-6; John 17:17; Romans 3:4; Revelation 22:18-19). They are eternally relevant and have no need for extra-biblical additions or updated content (Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 119:86, 160; Matthew 24:35). We solely base all doctrine, theology, and teaching upon the Scriptures as the only divine authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 5:39; 1 Peter 1:23).

*We believe the most faithful English translation of the Holy Scriptures to be the King James Version, and as such exclusively require the King James Version be read from the pulpit.

Concerning the One True God

We believe that there is only one true and living God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5–6; Jeremiah 10:10; 1 Corinthians 8:4–6). He is the supreme Creator and Ruler of all (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Psalm 24:1–2; Isaiah 46:9–10; Colossians 1:16–17; Revelation 4:11; Matthew 28:19). He is one triune God with three eternal distinctions: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 1:1–2, 14; 1 John 5:7; Matthew 3:16-17). These distinctions are equal in every way and perfect, executing distinct but harmonious offices, and are worthy of precisely the same honor, worship, and obedience (John 5:23; Philippians 2:5-6; Acts 5:3–4; 1 Corinthians 12:4–6; Revelation 5:12–13).

Concerning Creation

We believe that God spoke all creation into existence in six literal days, and all members of the Godhead were present and active in creation (Genesis 1:1-2; Exodus 20:11; John 1:1-3). This creation was perfect in its design and completion (Genesis 1:31). Each of the six days of creation lasted twenty-four literal hours (Genesis 1:3-5; Genesis 1:14-19).

Concerning Satan

We believe that Lucifer, also called Satan, is the original fallen angel who was once the cherub that covered (Isaiah 14:12; Ezekiel 28:13-15). He is responsible for the introduction of sin and the corruption of humanity (Genesis 3:1-7; 2 Corinthians 11:3). He is a real, created being; his present dominion is this world; and he is the adversary to the saved (Ephesians 2:2; Job 1:6-7; Matthew 4:1-3; 1 Peter 5:8). He is the accuser of the brethren, the stumbling block to the lost, the father of lies and murder, a devourer and corruptor of testimony (Revelation 12:10; 2 Corinthians 4:3–4; John 8:44; Zechariah 3:1). Satan's end shall be the Lake of Fire where he will be cast for an everlasting punishment (Revelation 20:10, 14; Matthew 25:41).

Concerning Sin

We believe that sin is any thought, word, deed, desire, or omission that falls short of the glorious and perfect holiness of God, transgresses His law, or exalts the will of the creature above the will of the Creator (Romans 3:23; James 4:17; 1 John 3:4).

Concerning Total Depravity

We believe that man was made holy and innocent in the Garden of Eden, but now is corrupt, wicked, and unholy from birth because of Adam's willful sin (Romans 5:12-14, 18-19). Man’s flesh, or carnal nature, can in no way be changed from this state of total depravity (Romans 8:7-8; Romans 7:18). The soul, however, can be justified and brought to life through the given grace, mercy, and faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and the washing of His blood (Ephesians 2:4-5; Titus 3:5; Romans 5:1).

Concerning Salvation

We believe that God saves sinners exclusively by the power of the gospel, by grace, through faith, and according to His great love and mercy; this salvation is the gift of God to those He has elected, and the sinner contributes nothing to their salvation, but receives it by faith through grace alone. (Romans 1:16; Ephesians 2:1-9). Before the foundation of the world, God chose to save His people according to the pleasure of His good will and in due time gives to the elect the grace and faith required for salvation along with the desire and ability to repent of their sins and turn to Him (Ephesians 1:3-6; Ephesians 2:5-9). Those chosen for salvation shall be saved, and nothing shall stop God from saving them (2 Peter 3:9; John 6:37-39; Romans 8:30). We rely solely upon God’s sovereign predestination of our salvation, the accomplished atonement of Jesus Christ, and the effectual work of the Holy Spirit in applying that salvation (Ephesians 1:4–7; Titus 3:5; Colossians 2:13-14).

Concerning Repentance and Faith

We believe that repentance and faith are inseparable graces given by God through the working of the Holy Spirit as part of the salvation work (Romans 10:9–10; Ephesians 2:8; 2 Timothy 2:25-26). Repentance is the complete contrition and turning from all sins and the subsequent submission to the requirements of holiness (2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Mark 1:15). Faith is the gracious gift of God by which a sinner receives and rests upon the Lord Jesus Christ alone as Lord and Saviour, trusting in Him for salvation, life, and eternal security (Hebrews 11:1; John 1:12; Philippians 1:29).

Concerning Regeneration

We believe that regeneration is the divine act whereby a sinner, dead in trespasses and sins, is made a child of God through the Holy Spirit imparting spiritual life (Ephesians 2:1; Titus 3:5). This spiritual life comes from being born again and causes us to no longer find fulfillment in the pleasures of this world, but rather in the things of God and the world to come (John 3:3-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:24; Ezekiel 36:26-27).

Concerning Justification

We believe justification is the gracious, judicial act of God whereby He removes the penalty of sin from one of His children and declares them righteous solely on the basis of the perfect work of Christ on the cross, thereby imputing unto His saints His righteousness to them through faith alone, apart from works (Romans 5:1; Philippians 3:9; Romans 1:24-28). It is not a process of making one righteous, but a once-for-all declaration grounded in the finished work of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Concerning Sanctification

We believe that sanctification is God’s preordained design for His saints to behave with the same holiness as His Son (Romans 8:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4; 1 Peter 1:15-16). This lifelong process is the work of the Holy Spirit through the hearing and preaching of the Word, prayer, and obedience to the Word (John 17:17; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:6). This progressive sanctification will culminate after death in glorification (Romans 8:30; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54).

Concerning the Perseverance of the Saints

We believe that God in His power will keep all His saints eternally secure (2 Timothy 1:12). No saint can lose, recant, dispose of, or invalidate their salvation once received as the free gift from God (John 6:37-40; Hebrews 6:4-6; John 10:27-29; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:14).

Concerning the Lord’s New Testament Churches

We believe that Jesus instituted His New Testament church during His earthly ministry, and that all true New Testament churches since have likewise been established as local, visible and independent assemblies of baptized believers voluntarily associated together in the faith and fellowship of the Word of God (Luke 6:12–16; Matthew 16:17–18; Galatians 1:1-2). The authority of the Lord’s New Testament churches has never ceased, and new churches must receive authority from a pre-existing New Testament Church (Matthew 16:18; Acts 13:1–4).The Lord’s New Testament churches alone are authorized to administer Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, ordain bishops and deacons, organize new assemblies, and maintain their respective Christ-given authority until His return (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 2:41–42; Acts 6:1–3; Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). The Lord’s New Testament churches are to be operated and supported financially through the tithes and offerings of its membership (Malachi 3:8-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Concerning the Offices of the Church

We believe that there are multiple offices needed for the daily ministration of the Lord’s New Testament Churches, and it is the requirement of each independent church to set forth those requirements as they feel led (1 Corinthians 12:5). However, the role of Bishop and Deacon is limited to men fulfilling and maintaining those qualifications set forth by scripture before being ordained to that respective office (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). The bishops are to be the undershepherds of the Lord’s churches with the duties of: feeding their flocks, providing spiritual leadership, being an example, and preaching of the Word of God (1 Peter 5:2-3). The office of the deacon is to be a servant of the church, seeing to the physical needs of the congregation (Acts 6:1-6).

Concerning Baptism

We believe that full immersion baptism is an ordinance given to the New Testament churches by our Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose of baptism by full immersion is to join a believer to one of the Lord’s New Testament churches while also symbolically showing the believer’s death to sin and resurrection unto righteousness (Romans 6:3-4; Acts 2:41; John 3:23). Only the Lord’s New Testament churches have the authority to baptize (Matthew 28:18-20). We further believe that only those who have been saved and have shown fruit of repentance are proper candidates for baptism (Acts 8:9-17; Acts 8:26-39; Luke 3:7-8; Matthew 3:16).

Concerning the Lord’s Supper

We believe that the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance given to the New Testament Churches by our Lord Jesus Christ; instituted in connection with the Passover, the proper and scriptural elements of the Lord’s Supper are fermented wine and unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8, 15–20; Matthew 26:17, 26-29; Mark 14:16, 22–25; Luke 22:7, 17–19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). The Lord’s Supper can only be administered by one of the Lord’s New Testament Churches to their respective and qualified members in good standing (Acts 2:41–42; 1 Corinthians 11:18–20 33; 1 Corinthians 11:27–29; 1 Corinthians 5:6–13).

Concerning the Role of Men in the Church

We believe that men are important for the biblical function of the Lord’s New Testament churches. Called and qualified men are to fill the offices of Bishop and Deacon (1 Timothy 3:1-16; Titus 1:6-9). Men are instructed to have a godly testimony and show a pattern of good works (Titus 2:6-8). Men are to actively participate in the church service with appropriate vocal and physical acts of worship (1 Timothy 2:8; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalm 106:48). In matters of self-governance, men bear the responsibility of faithful participation and are to contribute to the spiritual, practical, and material well-being of their church (Acts 1:15-26; Acts 15:22).

Concerning the Role of Women in the Church

We believe that women play a vital and necessary part in the Lord’s New Testament churches. They are commanded to teach the younger women and be examples of Christian holiness (Titus 2:3-5). A woman’s teaching ministry within the church is to be directed toward other women, and she is not permitted to teach or exercise authority over men within the church setting (1 Timothy 2:11-12). Women are to maintain God’s order during times of prayer, learning, and instruction by observing the biblical pattern of headship and submission, staying in the assembly, wearing the head covering, and asking questions within the home rather than the public church assembly (1 Corinthians 11:5-6; 1 Corinthians 14:34-35).

Concerning The Lord’s Day

We believe that the Lord’s Day is the first day of the week – Sunday. This was established by Jesus meeting with His New Testament church on the first day of the week (Mark 16:1-2, 9; Matthew 28:1; John 20:1, 19, 26). This day is to be reserved for the Lord and the focus placed upon Him (Revelation 1:10; Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 20:7).

Concerning Christian Deportment

We believe that Christian deportment is the foremost outward expression of our love and devotion to God (Romans 12:1-2). Our daily presentation and lifestyle before God should be sacrificial, holy, and acceptable (Galatians 5:24-25; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 1:5-7).

Concerning Civil Government

We believe that God allows for and recognizes civil governments and commands that it is to be respected and obeyed by all saints, except where it conflicts with the laws, commandments, ordinances, or declared will of God (Deuteronomy 16:18; Jeremiah 30:21; Romans 13:1-4; 1 Timothy 2:1-3; Matthew 22:21; Titus 3:1; Acts 4:18-20; Acts 5:29).

Concerning Human Sexuality

We believe that human sexuality is given by God in design and purpose for the propagation of humanity; from birth each person is and remains either male or female as they were formed by God (Genesis 1:26-28; Genesis 2:21-23; Jeremiah 1:5; Romans 9:20). God united Adam and Eve in the first marriage to carry out His commandment to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:27-28; Genesis 2:22-24). Any act of sexual relations outside of this design is sin (1 Corinthians 6:18; Exodus 20:14; Romans 1:27-28).

Concerning Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

We believe that the Bible teaches that the original and only scriptural design for marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman, separated only by death (Genesis 2:21–24). After the death of a spouse, the living spouse is free to remarry (1 Corinthians 7:39). Divorce is not God’s design but is permitted because of the hardness of the human heart. Therefore, both divorce and remarriage are to be avoided (Matthew 19:8, Luke 16:18; Romans 7:1–3; 1 Corinthians 7:10–11; Matthew 19:3–8).

Concerning Abortion

We believe that abortion, the act of purposefully ending the life of an unborn child, is murder, as unborn children are living souls and known of God (Exodus 20:13; Jeremiah 1:5; Jeremiah 32:35; Exodus 1:15-16; Matthew 2:16).

Concerning the End Times

We believe in the personal, visible, and imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ, and at His appearing, He will raise the dead in Christ first and then call up the living saints to meet Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52; Titus 2:13). This event will precede a seven-year period of tribulation upon the earth (Matthew 24:21–22). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will return to earth again, after the tribulation, to reign upon David’s throne for a literal thousand years (Revelation 16:16; Revelation 19:11–16; Revelation 20:1–6).

Concerning the Afterlife

We believe that at death the soul continues to live consciously apart from the body and immediately enters its appointed state according to the judgment of God (Luke 16:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23). We believe that the Scriptures speak of two eternal destinies: Heaven and the Lake of Fire (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:14-15). Heaven is the eternal dwelling place of God's redeemed people, who have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. There they shall enjoy everlasting joy, rest, fellowship with God, and shall forever praise and worship Him (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:1-4; Revelation 22:3-5). We believe that Hell is the present place of conscious punishment for the wicked dead and that it shall ultimately be cast into the Lake of Fire, which is the final and eternal punishment of all who die apart from Christ (Luke 16:23-24; Revelation 20:14-15). This punishment is everlasting and conscious, and there remains no further opportunity for salvation after death (Matthew 25:41, 46; Mark 9:43-48; Hebrews 9:27).