CORE BELIEFS
The following are the core beliefs of The Shift Church based on the foundational truths taught in the Bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these Biblical doctrines.
THE BIBLE
We believe that the Scriptures are God breathed, error-free in the original writings, and the supreme authority of faith and practice for the believer in Jesus. We further believe that there is only one method for interpretation: the literal method. The literal method recognizes that the authors of Scripture meant what they said. Therefore, the literal method consistently applies the rules of grammar, literature, history, and culture to Scripture in order to unlock and understand the author’s meaning.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Hebrews 4:12)
(2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Hebrews 4:12)
GOD
We believe there is only one living and true God, who is one in essence , while eternally existing in three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Though each person of the Godhead possesses the same nature, each functions differently in respect to God’s dealings with man.
(Deuteronomy 6:4)
We believe there is only one living and true God, who is one in essence , while eternally existing in three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Though each person of the Godhead possesses the same nature, each functions differently in respect to God’s dealings with man.
(Deuteronomy 6:4)
THE FATHER
The first Person of the Trinity orders and directs all things according to His own purpose, pleasure, and grace. He has decreed all things that come to pass for His own glory. He graciously involves Himself in the affairs of men, hears and answers prayer, and saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 6:9; John 5:19-24; Ephesians 1:3-6)
The first Person of the Trinity orders and directs all things according to His own purpose, pleasure, and grace. He has decreed all things that come to pass for His own glory. He graciously involves Himself in the affairs of men, hears and answers prayer, and saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 6:9; John 5:19-24; Ephesians 1:3-6)
THE SON
Jesus Christ 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 sin by His death. We believe in His bodily resurrection, His physical ascension, and His visible return to this earth.
(John 1:14-18; 1 Corinthians 15; Hebrews 2:17-18; Romans 3:24-26; Revelation 20:11-15; Colossians 2:9)
Jesus Christ 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 sin by His death. We believe in His bodily resurrection, His physical ascension, and His visible return to this earth.
(John 1:14-18; 1 Corinthians 15; Hebrews 2:17-18; Romans 3:24-26; Revelation 20:11-15; Colossians 2:9)
THE HOLY SPIRIT
The third Person of the Trinity executes the will of God in the world of men. It is the Holy Spirit who applies the salvation Jesus Christ secured through His death on the cross. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers the church to live a lifestyle pleasing to God; endowing it with special gifts which equip believers to accomplish distinct ministries, planned beforehand by God the Father.
(1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 2:10; John 3:1-8; John 15:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 5:16-25)
The third Person of the Trinity executes the will of God in the world of men. It is the Holy Spirit who applies the salvation Jesus Christ secured through His death on the cross. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers the church to live a lifestyle pleasing to God; endowing it with special gifts which equip believers to accomplish distinct ministries, planned beforehand by God the Father.
(1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 2:10; John 3:1-8; John 15:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 5:16-25)
THE NATURE OF MAN
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 men and women are spiritually dead and subject to the certainty of both physical and spiritual death apart from Jesus Christ. The fall of man is once-for-all historical fact. Its spiritually deadening effect spread to all humankind, each of whom is born with a sin nature and sins habitually in thought, word, and deed.
(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 men and women are spiritually dead and subject to the certainty of both physical and spiritual death apart from Jesus Christ. The fall of man is once-for-all historical fact. Its spiritually deadening effect spread to all humankind, each of whom is born with a sin nature and sins habitually in thought, word, and deed.
(Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 3:3-4; Romans 1:18-32; Romans 3:10-23; Ephesians 2:1-3)
THE FUTURE
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 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 we believe Jesus’ first coming was fact.
(Matthew 24 & 25; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; John 14:1-3; Acts 2:9-11)
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 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 we believe Jesus’ first coming was fact.
(Matthew 24 & 25; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; John 14:1-3; Acts 2:9-11)
SALVATION
We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins as the one and all sufficient sacrifice. All who believe in Him are declared justified by the Father on the grounds of Jesus’ death and resurrection. All who receive the Lord Jesus Christ by grace through faith have been regenerated by and baptized in the Holy Spirit. They are thereby the children of God forever and members of the one true church: the body of Christ. This salvation results in righteous living and good works as the believer submits his life to the Word of God and the direction of the Holy Spirit.
(John 14:6; Titus 3:4-7; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21-26; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-9;
Hebrews 10:10-12; 1 John 5:11-13; Galatians 3:26; John 1:12, 3:16, 5:24)
We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins as the one and all sufficient sacrifice. All who believe in Him are declared justified by the Father on the grounds of Jesus’ death and resurrection. All who receive the Lord Jesus Christ by grace through faith have been regenerated by and baptized in the Holy Spirit. They are thereby the children of God forever and members of the one true church: the body of Christ. This salvation results in righteous living and good works as the believer submits his life to the Word of God and the direction of the Holy Spirit.
(John 14:6; Titus 3:4-7; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21-26; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-9;
Hebrews 10:10-12; 1 John 5:11-13; Galatians 3:26; John 1:12, 3:16, 5:24)
THE CHURCH
We believe that all who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit belong to the one true church and are directed by the Scriptures to associate themselves in local, visible churches. The local church is the visible representation of Christ’s invisible church. It is autonomous in its relationship and elects its own members to the Biblical offices. The two fold purpose of the church is to lead people to Christ and mature them in faith.
(Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:41-47, 4:1-16; 1 Corinthians 12:24; Matthew: 16:13-28, 28:18-20; Ephesians 2:19-22)
We believe that all who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit belong to the one true church and are directed by the Scriptures to associate themselves in local, visible churches. The local church is the visible representation of Christ’s invisible church. It is autonomous in its relationship and elects its own members to the Biblical offices. The two fold purpose of the church is to lead people to Christ and mature them in faith.
(Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:41-47, 4:1-16; 1 Corinthians 12:24; Matthew: 16:13-28, 28:18-20; Ephesians 2:19-22)
BAPTISM
Baptism is an essential “first step” for a believer who seeks to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. In taking it, he or she reveals that a coup has taken place in the secret recesses of their soul. 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!
At The Shift Church we uphold the act of baptism as a sacred, uncompromisable injunction of the Scriptures. 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 is a picture. And the picture portrayed in baptism declares a variety of scriptural truths:
It proclaims Christ’s death and resurrection (1Corinthians 15:1-4)
It serves public notice to the world of one’s new life in Christ (Matthew 10:32)
It pictures a believer's death to sin, their resurrection to a spiritual life, and lifestyle through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:3-7, 10-11)
Our method of baptism is immersion. We feel strongly that this mode is the one presented in the New Testament. The Greek word for baptism means: “to 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 command of Scripture is “be baptized.” By it we both please the Lord and declare His reality in our lives and to the world
Baptism is an essential “first step” for a believer who seeks to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. In taking it, he or she reveals that a coup has taken place in the secret recesses of their soul. 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!
At The Shift Church we uphold the act of baptism as a sacred, uncompromisable injunction of the Scriptures. 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 is a picture. And the picture portrayed in baptism declares a variety of scriptural truths:
It proclaims Christ’s death and resurrection (1Corinthians 15:1-4)
It serves public notice to the world of one’s new life in Christ (Matthew 10:32)
It pictures a believer's death to sin, their resurrection to a spiritual life, and lifestyle through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:3-7, 10-11)
Our method of baptism is immersion. We feel strongly that this mode is the one presented in the New Testament. The Greek word for baptism means: “to 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 command of Scripture is “be baptized.” By it we both please the Lord and declare His reality in our lives and to the world
COMMUNION
This is the second of the two ordinances we practice at The Shift Church. The word “ordinance” emphasizes the fact that communion, along with baptism, were ordained or instituted by Jesus Christ as a symbolic act of faith and obedience. The meaning of communion is summed up in the command of Jesus, “ Do this in remembrance of me.” It is first and foremost a memorial of Jesus Christ and His redemptive death. Secondly, it is an expression of our fellowship with one another. We believe that communion is available to anyone that has trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
(Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-20; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
This is the second of the two ordinances we practice at The Shift Church. The word “ordinance” emphasizes the fact that communion, along with baptism, were ordained or instituted by Jesus Christ as a symbolic act of faith and obedience. The meaning of communion is summed up in the command of Jesus, “ Do this in remembrance of me.” It is first and foremost a memorial of Jesus Christ and His redemptive death. Secondly, it is an expression of our fellowship with one another. We believe that communion is available to anyone that has trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
(Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-20; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
LEADERSHIP
God’s plan for leadership is revealed in Scripture. He launched the church by giving certain individuals specific gifts “...apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.” These believers, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, initiated the Christian movement and brought local churches into existence through their teaching and preaching.
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 in the undertaking those areas of need that would otherwise keep the elders from performing their Biblical responsibilities.
(Acts 2; 6:1-6; 13; 20; Titus 1:5-9)
God’s plan for leadership is revealed in Scripture. He launched the church by giving certain individuals specific gifts “...apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.” These believers, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, initiated the Christian movement and brought local churches into existence through their teaching and preaching.
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 in the undertaking those areas of need that would otherwise keep the elders from performing their Biblical responsibilities.
(Acts 2; 6:1-6; 13; 20; Titus 1:5-9)
ELDERS
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 truth. Elders are to lead by example and will provide instruction for the maintenance of healthy relationships within the church. The elders of The Shift Church are currently Neal McKinney, Bryan Joy, Rick Reznicsek, Mark Skinner and Butch Whittington.
Qualifications for an Elder:
Above reproach: he can stand public scrutiny-is 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 alcohol, but free from it.
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.
Loves 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 what is self-gratifying or expedient.
Devout: lives his life to please God. Always seeks to apply the word of God in his conduct.
Self-controlled: disciplined, is 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.
(1 Timothy 3: 1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:7&17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12)
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 truth. Elders are to lead by example and will provide instruction for the maintenance of healthy relationships within the church. The elders of The Shift Church are currently Neal McKinney, Bryan Joy, Rick Reznicsek, Mark Skinner and Butch Whittington.
Qualifications for an Elder:
Above reproach: he can stand public scrutiny-is 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 alcohol, but free from it.
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.
Loves 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 what is self-gratifying or expedient.
Devout: lives his life to please God. Always seeks to apply the word of God in his conduct.
Self-controlled: disciplined, is 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.
(1 Timothy 3: 1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:7&17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12)