What We Believe

The Scriptures
We believe that the Old and New Testament of the Holy Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God. We believe it is inerrant in the original writings, infallible, God breathed and to be the final authority for faith and life. (Matthew 5:18; John 16:12-13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

The Trinity
We believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit existing in three persons as one Triune God. We Believe them to be eternal and equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections (Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God and became a man without ceasing to be God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Mary) so that He could reveal God to man and redeem all men from sin (John 1:1-2, 14; Luke 1:35). We believe the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished this redemption through dying on the cross as substitutionary, vicarious sacrifice in our place. Our justification is made sure by His literal and physical resurrection from the dead (Romans 3:24, 1 Peter 2:24, Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:3-5). We believe that Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry as Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9-10; Hebrews 7:25, 9:24; Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1-2). We believe that Jesus is coming again to judge the living and the dead (1 Peter 4:5; Romans 14:9; 2 Timothy 4:1).

The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit convicts people of sin, of righteousness, and judgment. He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 5:18).

The Total Depravity of Man
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but through Adam’s sin, the human race fell and inherited a sinful nature. Man is totally depraved and in himself unable to remedy his lost condition. Man’s depravity alienates him from God (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:22-23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3, 12).

Salvation
We believe salvation is a Gift of God that is brought to us by grace and is received by faith in Jesus Christ, who shed His blood on the cross at Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-10; John 1:12; 1 Peter 1:18-19).

Eternal Security
We believe that once we are saved, we are kept by God’s power and are secure in Jesus Christ forever (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Roman 8:1, 38-39; 1 Corinthians 1:4-8; 1 Peter 1:5).

Assurance of Salvation
We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an excuse to sin or stumble a fellow believer (Romans 13:13-14; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).

Spiritual Gifts
We believe God gives a believer spiritual gifts upon their acceptance of Christ. It is their responsibility to attempt to develop these gifts. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at conversion and places the Believer into the Body of Christ. We believe that particular spiritual gifts are neither essential, nor prove the presence of the Holy Spirit, nor are an indication of deep spiritual experience (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11, 13; Ephesians 4:7-8). We believe God does hear and answers the prayer of faith, in accordance with His own will, for the sick and afflicted (John 15:7, 1; 1 John 5:14-15).

The Ministry
We believe it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to minister according to their God-given spiritual gifts and the grace of God that is given to them (Roman 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Peter 4:10-11).

The Church
We believe the church, as the body and espoused bride of Jesus Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again believers (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25-27; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 11:2). We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; 18:22; 20:17; 1 Timothy 3:1-3; Titus 1:5-11). We believe that local churches should be autonomous, and free from external control and authority (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Romans 16:1, 4; 1 Corinthians 3:9, 16; 5:4-7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1-4). We recognize believers’ baptism and the Lord’s Supper as scriptural means of testimony for the church (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; Acts 18:8; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Structure of eLevation Church (Ecclesiology)
We believe that Jesus Christ is the head of our Church and is the Senior Pastor and Shepherd, (Ephesians 1:9, 1:22-23, 4:15, 5:23, Hebrews 3:1, Matthew 16:18, John 10:11, John 10:14-16, 1 Peter 5:4, Colossians 1:17-18) He leads the Church and directs it through the vision of the Lead Pastor and the leadership of the Elder’s. The form of government is Elder Rule, (1 Timothy 2:11-3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9). The Elders/Overseers (“pastors”) are appointed by God, tested and approved to shepherd and lead eLevation church. It is our desire to lead eLevation through this leadership in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. Elders convene regularly to discuss matters of sound theology, direction for the Church, and discipline with love for the people and mission of eLevation church. Deacons help the elders, enabling them to do what God has commanded, (1 Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 6:2-3) Both men and women may serve as Deacons at eLevation; however the office of Elder is reserved for male leadership, (Acts 20:28, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Peter 5:2) The members of eLevation are encouraged to live a gospel centered life, (Colossian 3:1-17) and help to lead the work of the ministry. Their role of being equipped to be on mission for Jesus Christ is held in high regard.