Beliefs & Values

What We Believe

As a member of the Presbyterian Church in America, Good Shepherd holds the beliefs outlined in the Westminster Standards, which includes the following:

The Triune God

There is one God, eternal and self-existing in three persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) who are to be equally loved, honored, and adored.

The Authority of Scripture

The Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.

The Fallen State of Man

All mankind participated in Adam’s fall from his original sinless state and is thus lost in sin and totally helpless.

Saved by Faith Alone

Justification is by faith, and through it the undeserving sinner is clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

Proclaiming Christ

The Gospel of God’s salvation in Christ must be preached to all the world as a witness before Jesus Christ returns.

Life After Death

At death the Christian’s soul passes immediately into the presence of God, and the unbeliever’s soul is eternally separated from God unto condemnation.

The Mercy and Grace of God

The Sovereign God, for no other reason than His own unfathomable love and mercy, has chosen lost sinners from every nation to be redeemed by the quickening power of the Holy Spirit and through the atoning death and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ.

Being Born Again

Those sinners whom the Spirit quickens come to believe in Christ as Savior by the Word of God, are born again, become sons of God, and will persevere to the end.

The Covenant Sign of Baptism

Baptism is the sign of entrance into God’s covenant community and is properly administered to those who have professed faith in Jesus Christ, as well as to the young children of believers, who though not necessarily yet born again are members of the covenant community by way of their believing parents. However, covenant children must trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and are called from a very young age to do so.

The Return of Christ

Jesus Christ will return to earth, visibly and bodily, at a time when He is not expected, to consummate history and the eternal plan of God.

What  We Value

Preaching

Preaching all of the Bible (with a Christ-centered approach and working through whole books of Scripture from start to finish) gives us the full picture of God’s message for us.

Giving

Giving of our lives and resources is necessary for the growth of the kingdom of God.

Prayer

Prayer is vital to the life of the church and each believer, so we must seek God continually according to His commands.

Discipleship

Following Christ is required for us to conform more and more to the obedient life that glorifies God.

Worship

Authentic worship together each week allows us to share in the ordinary means of God’s grace as the kind of community Jesus established.

Serving

Serving enables us to use our gifts to strengthen our church and bless those around us.

Community

Community is believers encouraging one another so that we may be more like Christ.

Evangelism

Sharing the gospel should be done in a way that meets people where they are with the love and grace of God in Christ.