Opening Statement – We Are a New Testament Church

Embark Church is a New Testament Church. We follow the teachings, patterns, and practices established by Jesus Christ and the apostles. Everything we believe, teach, and practice comes directly from Scripture.

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1. Everything We Believe Comes From the Bible

We are a Bible-teaching, Bible-believing, Bible-following church. Our doctrine is not based on opinions, traditions, or denominational rules. Our authority is the Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16–17; Psalm 19:7–11.

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2. We Are a Non-Denominational Church

Being non-denominational means we are not governed by a denomination. We welcome believers from all backgrounds. Our unity is built on Jesus Christ and the Word of God. John 17:17, 21; Ephesians 4:3–6.

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3. Everything Is Done Decently and in Order

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40. God is not the author of confusion but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33. We apply biblical order to worship, preaching, spiritual gifts, leadership, serving, giving, fellowship, and all conduct.

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4. Spiritual Gifts and Edification

The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to build up the church. 1 Corinthians 12:4–7; 14:12. All gifts operate for edification, in love, and with accountability. 1 Corinthians 13; 14:26.

 

Tongues: We teach that biblical tongues in the gathered church must be intelligible to the hearers through interpretation and must be exercised with order. They function as a sign

for unbelievers and must not produce confusion. 1 Corinthians 14:22–28. Our stance emphasizes meaningful communication rather than unintelligible speech in corporate

settings.

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Prophecy: Prophetic words must be tested and weighed by others and must align with Scripture. 1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21. No gift may contradict the written

Word. All gifts are subject to order, interpretation when needed, accountability, and love.

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5. Our Doctrine of Giving

We give freely, willingly, and joyfully from the heart. 2 Corinthians 9:6–7. We are not against tithing and many practice it, but we do not compel members to tithe. We teach prayerful, generous stewardship under grace. Proverbs 3:9; 1 Corinthians 16:2.

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6. Our Doctrine of Baptism

Baptism does not save; salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:9–10. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward work and follows

salvation. Acts 2:41; Romans 6:3–4. We baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, as Jesus commanded. Matthew 28:19. We recognize that some claim only one baptismal formula is valid, but we hold to Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19. Again, baptism is obedience and testimony, not the means of salvation.

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7. Our Doctrine of Communion

Communion is for saved believers only. We practice it every first Sunday in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–29. Believers should examine themselves and partake with reverence and unity. 8. Sabbath and the Lord’s Day The Sabbath day is Saturday and is a gift of rest. Exodus 20:8–11. As a New Testament church, we gather for worship on Sunday, the first day of the week, in remembrance of Christ’s resurrection. Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Colossians 2:16–17.

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9. Eternal Security – Once Saved, Always Saved

Those who are truly saved are kept by Christ forever. John 10:28–29; Ephesians 1:13–14; Romans 8:38–39. True salvation produces a transformed life. Believers may stumble, but

the Spirit convicts and restores. 1 John 2:3; 3:9–10; Philippians 1:6.

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10. Pastoral Leadership

We believe the office of pastor/elder is assigned in Scripture to qualified men, while women serve powerfully across many ministries. 1 Timothy 2:12; 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9. We affirm the equal dignity and value of men and women, and distinct biblical roles in church oversight.

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11. No Living Apostles Today

The apostles formed the foundation of the church. Ephesians 2:20. Biblical qualifications included being chosen by Christ and witnessing the risen Lord. Acts 1:21–22;

1 Corinthians 9:1. On this understanding, there are no living apostles today.

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12. Salvation by Grace Through Faith

Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ for all people of every nation. John 3:16; Revelation 7:9. Some groups claim salvation is limited to particular lineages or a small number, or that it is earned by works. We reject these claims and stand on Scripture that salvation is by grace and available to all who believe. Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:4–7; Romans 3:22–24.

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13. The Trinity

We believe in one God who has eternally revealed himself as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14. This affirms God’s unity and the full deity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost without using confusing terminology.

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14. Worship

Worship is a life of honoring God in spirit and in truth. John 4:23–24. We pursue reverence, joy, and obedience, avoiding performance-driven or disorderly expressions.

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15. Christian Living

Christian living is not perfection but direction. We pursue holiness, humility, integrity, forgiveness, and love. Romans 12:1–2; Galatians 5:22–23; Colossians 3:12–17.

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16. The Church

The church is a spiritual family and community of believers who gather to worship, grow, serve, and encourage one another. Hebrews 10:24–25; Acts 2:42–47.

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17. Prayer

Prayer is our lifeline to God. We pray privately and corporately with faith and perseverance. Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:16.

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18. Heaven and Hell

Heaven and hell are real. Heaven is eternal joy with God for believers; hell is eternal separation for those who reject Christ. John 14:1–6; Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:11–15.

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19. Sin and Repentance

All have sinned and need redemption. Romans 3:23. Repentance is a change of heart and direction toward God. Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10. God restores His children and calls us to walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4.

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20. Protecting Sound Faith in a Confused World

We guard against teachings that deny Jesus’ deity, the Trinity, the reality of hell, or salvation by grace through faith. We hold to the preserved and sufficient Scriptures as our final

authority. Jude 3; 2 Peter 2; 2 Timothy 4:2–4.