What We Believe
We hold to the truth that the Bible is the true, infallible Word of God (II Timothy 3:16).
God is the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). God is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, eternal, unchanging, holy, and just, and love.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 1:33,34), was God in the flesh (Matthew 1:23), is the Saviour (Matthew 1:21, Isaiah 9:6), and is God (John 1:1).
The Holy Spirit is the 3rd person of the Trinity (Acts 5:3,4), teacher to the church (John 14:26), the comforter (John 14:26), and indwells every believer (John 14:16,17).
Jesus Christ was born of a virgin (Luke 1:26-35).
Satan is a reality as the deceiver (Revelation 12:9), father of lies (John 8:44), adversary of God Job 1:6,7,9-12), god of this world (II Corinthians 4:4), prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), and is ruler of all darkness (Ephesians 6:12).
God created all things in a literal six days and rested on the seventh (Genesis 1-2:3).
Jesus is the only means of Salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). We are justified by faith (Romans 5:1), and saved by grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8,9). If a man has to work to maintain his salvation, it is no longer of grace but of works. However, if a person truly believes in Christ, works will be an evident sign of that saving faith (James 2:26).
All born-again believers are called to separate from all sin and the practice of same (II Corinthians 6:11-18). However, in order to make Christ known we must be in the world but not of it (John 17:16-18). If sin is being practiced by another believer, you should separate from that person (I Corinthians 5:11), but attempts to bring that person into restoration with the Lord should be made (Galatians 6:1).
Heaven is the throne of God (Acts 7:49) and is promised to those who are born again (John 3:3,5). Hell is everlasting fire (Matthew 25:41), eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46), and everlasting destruction (II Thessalonians 1:9).
We believe in the local church concept recognized as a body of born-again, baptized believers with Jesus Christ as its Head (Ephesians 1:22-23).
There are two ordinances to be carried out by the church: baptism by immersion (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3,4); and communion in remembrance of Christ’s death (I Corinthians 11:23-26).
Our Core Values
Truth.
God's truth is transformational.
We strive to build a community of faith where children, students and adults are free to explore the truth of God's Word. Because we believe that clear biblical teaching is the catalyst for life transformation, biblical truth should be communicated with excellence in a culturally relevant and compelling manner. In addition to this, we desire to model biblical truth in our personal lives.
In what ways is your life being transformed by engaging in biblical truth?
Growth.
Everyone has a next step.
We strive to build a community of fully-devoted followers of Christ who are taking next steps in their relationship with their Heavenly Father. Because of this, we desire to create irresistible environments with engaging worship and teaching rooted in the Bible. Since we believe that a person's next step is more important than their last, we will do our best to inspire people to pursue godly habits such as: Bible study, prayer, giving, serving, etc...
What's your next step for growing in faith?
Community.
Life is better connected.
We strive to build a community of people who are relationally connected with each other throughout the week. At OCC, we believe that circles are better than rows because spiritual growth happens best when we are connected with other believers. We long to be a church of Community Groups where people know, love, and care for each other while serving one another.
Are you in a Community Group?
Service.
We are contributors, not just consumers.
We strive to build a fully-engaged community of people who are equipped to serve Christ, His Church, and our community. We desire to create a culture where gifted leaders build teams of people who have discovered their gifts, awakened their passions, and work together to make MORE and BETTER followers of Jesus.
Where are you serving?
Prayer.
Prayer is our first resource, not our last resort.
We strive to build a community of Christ-followers who understand that nothing of eternal value is accomplished apart from God's help. We desire for every believer to have an active, daily prayer life. This commitment to prayer means that we will not rely upon personality, programs, or publicity to accomplish our mission. We will work as if it depends on us and pray with the awareness that it depends on God.
Are you committed to having an active, daily prayer life?
Generosity.
We give because He gave.
We strive to build a community of people who live lives of great generosity because we have been blessed with so much. We desire to extend the compassion of Jesus to people who are hurting Therefore, we will invest in others and in our church with our time, money, encouragement, and our love. Whether through physical relief or spiritual counsel, our goal is nothing less than restoration of people for the glory of God.
How are you showing generosity?
Mission.
Found people find people.
We strive to build a community of believers whose hearts are broken over the plight of lost people. Our mission is the same as that of Jesus, "to seek and to save that which was lost." As a church, and as individuals, we will run towards the messy lives of people and invite them to take spiritual steps towards Jesus. Lost people matter to God and therefore matter to us.
Who are you praying for, investing in, and inviting to take a step towards Jesus?
Leadership
David Cook
Elder | Teaching
Lead Pastor
Jeff Brook
Elder | Care & Support
Andy Swartwout
Elder | Administrative
Jeff Syzmanski
Deacon | Outreach & Missions
