What CEFC believes

We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God; without error in the original writings; the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men; and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)

We believe in One God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14)

We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven where He sits at the right hand of the Majesty on High. He now is our High Priest and Advocate. (John 1:1; Hebrews 8:1; I Corinthians 15:3,4)

We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and during this age to convict men; regenerate the believing sinner; indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for Godly living and service. (John 15:26; John 16:8)

We believe that man was created in the image of God, but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained. (Genesis 1:27; Romans 5:12)

We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only those who receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become believers. (John 3:3; John 1:12; John 3:16)

We believe that water baptism for the believer and the Lord's Supper (Communion) for the believer are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation nor as a requirement for membership. (Matthew 28:19; I Corinthians 11:23-26)

We believe that the true Church is composed of all such persons who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been born anew by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. (I Corinthians 12:12-14)

We believe that only those who are thus members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership in the local church. (Acts 2:47)

We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church and that every local church has the right, under Christ, to decide and govern its own affairs. (Colossians 1:18)

We believe in the personal and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this "blessed hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)

We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment. (I Corinthians 15:51-54)

CEFC’s Ministry Strategy

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12 ESV)

Connecting to CEFC's Community

We want people to do more than simply attend a Sunday morning service at CEFC. We want them to be connected to our community. A few ways to get further connected

include.

• Joining a ministry team

• Regularly attending an Class

• Regularly attending a community group

Deepening Commitment to CEFC's Community

CEFC has people who "regularly attend" and it also has those who are "members." Under our form of church government, members have the ability to vote on certain issues. Members, however, exercise their authority by electing and approving elders who govern and lead the church.

Membership at CEFC is also linked closely with shepherding. Those who are members willingly submit themselves to the church leadership and, through membership, are declaring their willingness to be shepherded by the leadership.

The qualifications for membership at CEFC include being a professing Christian and being over 18 years of age.

CEFC also has certain expectations for those who, through membership, express their desire to be part of this Christian community. We expect our members to:

• agree with CEFC's doctrinal statement

• preserve the unity of CEFC and never intentionally create disunity nor divisiveness within CEFC

• regularly attend CEFC's corporate worship services

• actively use their gifts and abilities to serve within CEFC

• be involved in the Great Commission and disciple others

• financially support CEFC as a steward of the money that God has given to them

• participate in CEFC's community through a community group, Discipleship Class, or ministry team

• actively pursue an ongoing, growing relationship with God

• submit to the leadership of CEFC and the proper, biblical exercise of church discipline, should that ever be needed.