mission & beliefs

We believe there is one God who exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We call this mystery the Trinity. God created everything for His glory, including us, whom He loves dearly. (John 1:1-4; John 14:16-17, Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; Matthew 3:13-17; Isaiah 43:7; John 3:16-17)

We believe all people are sinners by nature and choice. Unfortunately, the due penalty for our sin is death and separation from God. Without God stepping in to help, we are helpless to regain a right relationship with Him.  (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6; Isaiah 59:1-2; James 1:14-15; Ephesians 2:1-3)

We believe Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and was executed on a cross, paying the penalty for our sin that we could not pay. He was buried in a borrowed tomb, but the good news is He didn’t stay dead! Through His resurrection, we are offered a restored relationship with God through faith and the forgiveness of sins.  (Hebrews 4:15; Isaiah 7:14; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; John 1:29)

We believe the church is not a building, an event, or an institution. It is God’s family, made up of those who trust in Jesus, are baptized, and are made new by the power of the Holy Spirit. The primary purpose of the church is to serve and to share the good news of Jesus with a broken world. (Ephesians 2:19, 22, 5:25-27; Matthew 16:15-19; Acts 2:38-41; Matthew 28:18-20)

We believe the Holy Spirit is present in the world today and is available to every believer. He is our helper, who opens our ears to hear God’s truth, brings conviction to turn from sin, comforts us in times of struggle, and empowers us to carry God’s hope to those who are hurting.  (John 16:7-15; Ephesians 1:13-14; John 14:16-17,26; Romans 8:14-17; Acts 1:8)

We believe that Jesus is very much alive, having ascended into heaven after fulfilling His mission on earth. We eagerly await the day He returns to establish His eternal kingdom, eliminate sin entirely, and take us home to the place He has been preparing for us. (Revelation 1:18; Acts 1:9-11; Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Hebrews 9:28; John 14:3)

We believe everyone is created to live forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God in a place called hell, or through faith in Jesus, be reunited to live forever with Him in heaven, where He will wipe away every tear from every eye. (Philippians 3:20; John 11:26; Revelation 20:11-15; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:3; Revelation 21:4)

We believe the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God, and that men were moved by the Holy Spirit to write the very words of Scripture. Therefore, we believe the Bible is without error and is the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. (John 17:17; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Psalm 19:7-11)

In essential beliefs, we have UNITY. We define essential beliefs as the foundational statements above. These are the core truths that hold us together as followers of Jesus and shape our shared faith and mission.

In non-essential beliefs, we have LIBERTY. We hold opinions and convictions in many other areas, and we assume you do too. We don’t expect everyone at HCC to agree on every expression of Scripture and faith that makes the Church so beautifully diverse. Unity isn’t about believing the same exact thing—it’s about serving the same purpose. And our purpose and mission are helping people find and follow Jesus.