FAQS

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

God’s Word

We believe that the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God. This means that God breathed out His words through human authors, so that what they wrote is not merely their own ideas but the very words of God Himself. We also believe that the Scriptures are infallible, which means that they are without error and can be completely trusted. The Bible is the final authority for faith and conduct, and is essential for knowing God, understanding His plan for salvation, and living a life that honors Him.

(2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:21)

The Holy Trinity

We believe in the Holy Trinity, which is one true God in three eternal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that there is one God who exists in three distinct persons, each of whom is fully God. The Father is the Creator and sustainer of all things, the Son is the Redeemer and Savior of the world, and the Holy Spirit is the Comforter and Counselor who dwells in the hearts of believers. This doctrine is essential to our understanding of God’s nature and character, and it shapes our relationship with Him and with one another.

(Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1-14; Acts 5:4,5)

Salvation

We believe that all people are lost and in need of salvation. This is because we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s perfect standard. Our sin separates us from God, and we are unable to save ourselves through our own efforts. However, God has provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a sinless life and died on the Cross to pay the penalty for our sins. He rose from the dead on the third day, conquering sin and death and offering us eternal life. We receive salvation through repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ, by the cleansing of sin and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. We are justified by grace through faith, not by our own works.

(John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7)

Believer Baptism

We believe that baptism in water is a commandment in Scripture and an important step of obedience for every believer. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change, symbolizing our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Through baptism, we declare our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and our commitment to follow Him. We believe that all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior should be baptized, as it is a public testimony of their faith and a sign of their membership in the body of Christ.

(Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4)

Communion

We believe that the Lord’s Supper, also known as communion, is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ Himself. It is a symbolic meal that commemorates His sacrifice on the Cross for our sins. In the Lord’s Supper, we remember Christ’s death and resurrection, and we look forward to His second coming. It is a time for self-examination and reflection, as we remember our need for forgiveness and our dependence on Christ. We believe that the Lord’s Supper should be observed regularly as a reminder of our faith and our fellowship with Christ and with one another. At Koinonia Church, we typically celebrate communion once a month in weekend services but encourage small groups and other gatherings to take communion together regularly.

(1 Corinthians 11:24-25)

Holy Spirit Baptism

We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a distinct experience for the believer, which can occur after salvation. This experience is a promise from the Father, as foretold by the prophets and fulfilled by Jesus Christ. It is a gift that empowers believers for effective service and witness to Christ. The Holy Spirit baptism is initiated by Jesus Christ Himself, who baptizes the believer in the Holy Spirit. Every believer receives the Holy Spirit as the seal of salvation, but it is possible to live at a low level of Spirit-empowerment which is why we seek MORE! We believe there are many baptisms in the Spirit, for they are fillings and re-fillings of His Presence in a tangible and active way. We believe that this experience is available to all believers who seek it with faith and surrender to Christ.

(Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:49; Acts 2:4)

Spiritual Gifts

We believe that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to believers for the common good and the building up of the church. These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation of tongues, and other manifestations and operations of the Spirit, as described in Scripture. We believe that these gifts are still valid for the church today, and that they are to be taught, expected, and practiced as the Spirit wills. We believe that each believer has at least one spiritual gift, and that they are responsible to use their gift for the benefit of the church and the glory of God. We also believe that the exercise of these gifts should be done decently and in order, according to biblical guidelines, and always in love.

(1 Corinthians 12 and 14; Ephesians 4:11)

Second Coming

We believe that Jesus Christ will return bodily to earth at a time known only to God the Father. His return will be visible, personal, and glorious, and will mark the end of this present age and the beginning of the age to come. The Second Coming of Christ is a central doctrine of the Christian faith, and it is a source of hope and encouragement to believers, who eagerly await His return. At His return, Jesus will provide an eternal inheritance to believers, and will judge the unbelievers. The return of Christ is a call to readiness, watchfulness, and faithfulness, as we seek to live holy and godly lives, to share the gospel with others, and to use our time, talents, and resources for the glory of God.

(2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Acts 1:11)

Marriage

Marriage is a fundamental institution ordained by God for the well-being of humanity. The Christian view of marriage is a covenantal relationship between one man and one woman, intended to be a lifelong commitment of love, trust, and fidelity. Sexual relations are designed to be expressed exclusively within the context of this covenantal relationship. The union of marriage reflects the image of God, who created humanity in His own image and in a relationship of unity and diversity.

At a time when the definition and purpose of marriage are being challenged, we hold firmly to the Christian view of marriage and the Christian sexual ethic, and we affirm that it is essential for the flourishing of society, the well-being of individuals, and the glory of God.

(Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31)

The Prophetic

We believe that the gift of prophecy and the ministry of the prophetic are
essential for the building up of the Body of Christ and the work of the ministry (1 Corinthians 14:4). Scripture exhorts us to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that we may prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1). Scriptures explains that prophecy is given to strengthen, encourage and comfort the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 4:3). Thus, prophetic ministry is vital to the health and growth of the Church and must be encouraged, welcomed, and nurtured.

WHAT ARE OUR VALUES?

Jesus Is Everything

At Koinonia Church, we believe that Jesus is everything. He is the reason we gather together each week to worship, pray, and learn from the Bible. He is the source of our hope, joy, and strength in difficult times. We strive to keep Jesus at the center of everything we do, both corporately and individually.

Colossians 1:18 tells us that Jesus is the head of the body, the church, and the firstborn from among the dead. This means that he has supreme authority over all things and that he has the power to bring new life to those who trust in him. We believe that when we keep Jesus as the center of our church and our lives, we experience the fullness of his love, grace, and truth.

People Matter

At Koinonia Church, we believe that people matter. We are committed to loving others the way Jesus loves people, which means putting their needs before our own and showing them the same grace, compassion, and kindness that Jesus showed to everyone he encountered.

John 3:16 tells us that God loved the world so much that he sent his one and only Son to save us. This is the ultimate example of love, and it inspires us to love others in the same way. We believe that when we prioritize people over our own interests and desires, we create a community that reflects the love of Christ.

Authentic Community

At Koinonia Church, we believe that authentic community is essential to our growth as Christians. We strive to build relationships that are based on honesty, trust, and vulnerability, creating a safe space where we can share our joys, struggles, and doubts with one another.

Acts 2:42-47 gives us a beautiful picture of what authentic community can look like. The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They were filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. They were together and had everything in common. They sold their property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. They met together in the temple courts and broke bread in their homes with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Transformed Lives

At Koinonia Church, we believe that transformed lives are possible through the power of God’s love and grace. We understand that while we are fully accepted by God as we are, He also desires to grow us, change us, and heal us from the brokenness that we experience in our lives.

2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us that as we contemplate the Lord’s glory, we are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. This means that as we turn our hearts and minds to God, we are continually renewed and transformed to become more like Him.

Holy Spirit Led

At Koinonia Church, we believe in living surrendered to the power and authority of the Holy Spirit. We understand that trying to take control of our lives can lead to stress, anxiety, and confusion, while relying on the Holy Spirit can bring peace, wisdom, and direction.

Romans 8:4 tells us that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. This means that as we surrender to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are able to live in a way that is pleasing to God and in alignment with His will.