We are a member church of the Southern Baptist Convention, thus our official position on matters of the faith aligns with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.  But in general, we’ve found the following things to be the beliefs held in common by the Providence family.

Biblical Truth

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)

We believe many people are at different places in their exploration of God. Some have not decided what they believe about God. Some are committed followers of God. We do not assume that everyone believes the Bible, or knows the Bible. We hope all who visit with us at Providence are open to exploring it. We believe the Bible to be the Word of God, with God as its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture or error as its matter.   (If you’d like to know more about salvation, please see “How to Become a Christian” at the website of the Southern Baptist Convention, which is the association of churches to which Providence belongs.)

Authenticity

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.” Philippians 3:17 (NLT)

We believe we cannot be who God desires us to be as a church or as individuals if we are not transparent.  From our leadership to members of our church family, we are open about our successes and faults.  We do not fake things.  We’re a church family — faults and all.

Cultural Relevance

“The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly.” Ecclesiastes 12:10 (NLT)

We realize the Bible was written in a different culture and a different time in history. However, the truths of the Bible teach us to feed the hungry, to share love with others, and to serve the community as God’s helpers.  We also believe we have the privilege of communicating the Bible in culturally relevant ways.  What point is there in trying to communicate in a manner others do not understand?  That’s not communication.

Community/Family

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another…” — Hebrews 10:25a (NLT)

We love coming together for worship, but believe that as “life happens,” we need closer relationships.  We need community.  We need family.  We believe small groups are places we can explore God, building lasting relationships, help meet the needs of others, and have some of ours met in the process.  “Family” takes place when we get to know one another, love one another, and celebrate and serve together.

Excellence

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23 (NLT)

We believe in doing our best.  Whether it’s in communication, music, or taking care of the babies God brings into our family, we believe in doing our best for God.

Evangelism

Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…'” Matthew 28:18-19 (NLT)

The message of God’s love is a message of hope. It is good news.  This type of sharing does not beat a person down, but shares the truths of God.  These truths, we believe, set people free to live.  We believe in sharing God with others that they might come to have an intimate relationship with Him.