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At LifeWay Church we believe the Bible is the source for all revelation. Our beliefs, therefore, all have a scriptural basis. 

 

God

Deuteronomy 6:4

We believe there is but one living and true God, who is one in essence, while eternally existing in three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

The Father

Matthew 6:9

John 3:16, 5:19-24

Ephesians 1:3-6

We believe in God the Father, Creator of the heavens and the earth, giver of life, who gave His only begotten son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. He graciously involves Himself in the affairs of men, hears and answers prayer, and saves from sin and death through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Son

John 14:6

Colossians 2:9

1 Corinthians 15

Hebrews 2:17-18

1 Thessalonians

We believe that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life and the only way for salvation and eternal life. He is both the eternal Son of God and virgin-born Son of man. Fully God and fully man He surrendered nothing of His deity during His earthly life. Having led a sinless life, He satisfied the Father's justice concerning our sin by His death on the cross. We believe He was raised from the dead on the third day, ascended physically to heaven, and will return to judge the nations of the earth and reign forever as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The Holy Spirit

John 16:13

Galatians 5:16-25

1 Corinthians 12

Ephesians 2:10

We believe in the living presence of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who guides us into all truth and convicts us of sin, justice and judgment. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers the church to walk in victory and live a lifestyle pleasing to God, endowing it with special gifts which equip believers to accomplish distinct ministries, planned beforehand by God the Father. Abundant Christian living is possible only for those who continually yield their lives to the power and control of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The Bible

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Psalm 119:105

Hebrews 4:12

We believe the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, a lamp to our feet and light to our path. The Bible is the supreme authority of faith and practice for the believer in Jesus Christ, and it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. We believe it to be the perfect standard of truth that does not contradict itself and is the same regardless of time or place.

The Nature of Man

Genesis 1:26-27

Genesis 2:7

Genesis 3:3-4

Romans 1:18-32

Romans 3:10-23

Ephesians 2:1-3

We believe that man was directly created in the image of God to enjoy His fellowship and to fulfill God's will on this earth. Man fell into sin by a voluntary act of personal disobedience to the will of God. Consequently, all humanity is spiritually dead and subject to the certainty of physical death and eternal separation from God apart from Jesus Christ. This spiritually deadening effect spread to all men, each of whom is born with a sinful nature and sins habitually in thought, word and deed.

Salvation

John 14:6

Titus 3:4-7

Acts 4:12

John 1:12

Romans 3:21-26

Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-9

Hebrews 10:10-12

I John 5:11-13

Galatians 3:26

We believe that forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life in Heaven belong to all those who receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. All who come to Him with a humble and repentant heart, receiving Him by grace through faith become spiritually alive by the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit in their lives. They are declared justified by the Father on the grounds of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and thereby the children of God forever and members in the one true church, the Body of Christ. This salvation results in a desire to please God and live a holy and righteous life. As the believer submits his life to the Word of God and the direction of the Holy Spirit, his life will become fruitful and useful in the hands of God.

The Church

Hebrews 10:24-25

Acts 2:41-47 4:1-16

I Corinthians 12-14

Matthew 16:13-28

We believe the Church is the Body of Christ on the earth and is meant to lead men to Christ and mature them in the faith (Ephesians 4:1-16). All who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit belong to this Body and are directed by the Scriptures to associate themselves in local, visible churches. The local church is the only visible representation of Christ's invisible body and consists only of regenerated believers. The local church is autonomous in its relationship, and elects its own members to the biblical offices of elder and deacon.

The Future

Matthew 24:36

I Thessalonians

We believe that the next great event of human history will be the personal return of Jesus Christ. This is the BLESSED HOPE, for which all those who love Jesus Christ yearn. Though the time of Christ's return is a mystery known only to the Father Himself, we believe that it is as sure as Jesus’ first coming was fact. We believe in the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting in the presence of God for those who believe. We believe in the reality of a place called hell, which is reserved for Satan and his demons and for those who refuse the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Baptism

Baptism is an essential "first step" for a believer who seeks to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. In taking it, he is expressing outwardly what has taken place inwardly. The government of self has been toppled and overthrown. In its place, a new authority now reigns and rules. It is Christ, the living Lord! Every believer, serious in his or her faith, will also be serious about baptism. It is the “badge” of our identity with Christ. In many ways, baptism is to Christianity what a ring is to marriage.

  • It proclaims Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
  • It serves public notice to the World of ones new life in Christ (Matthew 10:32)
  • It pictures a believers death to sin and his resurrection to a spiritual life and lifestyle through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:3-7, 10-11)
  • The commandment of scripture is to "be baptized". By it we both please the Lord and declare His reality in our lives and to the world.

We baptize by immersion. We feel strongly that this mode is the one presented in the New Testament for the following reasons:

  • The Greek word for baptism means: "submerge, plunge, drench, saturate." (Arndt and Guingrich, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, p.131.)
  • Immersion followed the Jewish proselyte practice.
  • The practice of the early church was immersion.

The Lord's Supper

Matthew 26:26-30

Luke 22:19

Psalm 24:3-4

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

The Lord's Supper is primarily summed up in the command of Christ, "Do this in remembrance of Me." It is first and foremost a memorial of Christ and His redemptive death, and secondly an expression of our fellowship with one another. We believe the Lord's Supper is open to all who meet the prerequisites outlined in Scripture: to know Jesus Christ as personal Savior and have a transparent walk with the Lord when participating. We corporately share the Lord's Supper during the Sunday worship service, and will celebrate it regularly. We also will encourage its celebration during our cell groups.

Leadership

LifeWay is governed by a board of Elders, highly qualified and selected to lead the church. This type of government is clearly presented in Scripture. As churches were established in the faith, and when more than one person became qualified, Elders were appointed to continue the pastor/teaching ministry in each local church. To the Elders was given the ultimate responsibility for the oversight of that particular church body and the shepherding of its members. As necessary deacons were also appointed to serve the church, particularly undertaking those areas in need that would otherwise prohibit the elders from performing their biblical responsibilities.

Elders

1 Timothy 3:1-7

1 Peter 5:1-4

Titus 1:5-9
RESPONSIBILITIES

The Elders have overall responsibility for oversight and direction of the church. They are to seek in all matters the mind of Christ (who is the Head of the Church) through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. They must be able to teach and exhort the church in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict the truth. Elders are to lead by example and will provide instruction for the maintenance of healthy relationships within the church. They will appoint deacons as is necessary to accomplish the mission of the church.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Above reproach: He can stand public scrutiny free from questionable activities.
  • Husband of one wife: He has only one woman in his life and is faithful to her.
  • Having children who believe and are not accused of dissipation or rebellion: His children have chosen to follow Jesus Christ and do not have a reputation for being wild, out of control, or disobedient to him.
  • Not self-willed: Is not stubborn; can listen and work with others rather than having it only his way.
  • Not addicted to wine: Not a drunkard, not controlled by, but free from alcohol.
  • Not pugnacious: Is not one who is eager to use force; is not a person who creates trouble and fights.
  • Not fond of sordid gain: Is not greedy for power, possessions, or position.
  • Hospitable: Reaches out to others; extends himself in order to make others feel comfortable.
  • Loving what is good: Does not secretly desire that which is unwholesome or ungodly. His heart longs for that which is good, righteous and scriptural.
  • Just: Is more concerned with what is right than with what is self-gratifying or expedient.
  • Devout: Lives his life to please God; seeks always to apply the Word of God in his conduct.
  • Self-controlled: Disciplined, able to do what he should rather than what he feels or wants.
  • Holding fast the faithful word: Able to exhort in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict the truth.
APPOINTMENT

Elders are to be appointed by the incumbent Elders as vacancies occur or as the need arises (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5). Each nominated Elder shall be confirmed by the membership as follows:

  • Announcement and presentation of a nominated Elder will be made to the church during a Sunday celebration service or during a special meeting called for this purpose.
  • There will be a certain period of time (usually 1-2 weeks) that gives opportunity for members to provide feedback to the Elders if appropriate. If evidence of unwillingness to follow occurs, the incumbent Elders shall determine the validity of the objection(s). (I Timothy 5:17-19, Hebrews 13:17)
  • If it is determined that the nominated elder is unqualified to serve, the nomination shall be set aside. Otherwise, the appointed Elder shall be ordained before the church by the laying on of hands (I Timothy 5:22).
ACCOUNTABILITY

Accusations or criticisms of an Elder will be received according to I Timothy 5:19-21. If the Elder is guilty of an offense, he shall be counseled by the other Elders with a view to restoration (Galatians 6:1-2). If the erring Elder continues to sin, he is to be removed from office and restored according to Matthew 18:15-17.

Deacons

1 Timothy 3:8-12

Acts 6:1-6

In many churches the role of deacon is similar to that of our elders. While we do not identify them by the formal title “deacon” our staff and other leaders at LifeWay fill the role of deacon in our church. In serving in their specific areas of responsibility, they free our elders for their planning responsibilities of spiritual oversight, vision casting, prayer, and the ministry of the Word.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • A man of dignity: His lifestyle elicits the respect of others. He is honoring to Christ and the church and a worthy representative of them.
  • Not double-tongued: Does not spread conflicting stories, which cause strife and division.
  • Not addicted to much wine: Not a drunkard; not controlled by, but free from alcohol.
  • Not fond of sordid gain: Not greedy for power, possessions, and position.
  • Holds to the mystery of faith with a clean conscience: Is not doubting or disobeying his Christian faith.
  • Tested: Has demonstrated beforehand that he is the right man for the job.
  • Beyond reproach: He can stand public scrutiny -free from questionable activities.
  • Husband of one wife: Has only one woman in his life and is faithful to her.
  • Good managers of their children and their households: Has effective leadership abilities reflected in his home as well as in the church.