spring lake church
core beliefs

The Bible is our final authority, rather than any church tradition or denomination. God's Word is the foundation for our beliefs and doctrine. We believe that the Bible is inspired by God and therefore the authority for knowing the truth that is important for salvation and for all of life. TheScriptures are the foundation for our faith – the truth that guides our growth, and the source of strength that empowers us to mature in Christ. We seek to be innovative and flexible in our methods, while remaining true to the Bible's teachings. We enjoy growing deeper in our understanding of God’s Word while emphasizing the basics of the Christian faith and its practical application to our daily lives. This helps new believers establish their roots and helps mature believers strengthen their roots.

The statements below are a high-level summary of some of our core beliefs.

To see our Statement of Faith, visit the EFCA website.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:22-24 (NIV)

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)

Spring Lake Church is a member of the Evangelical Free Church of America denomination (EFCA, or Ev.Free, for short), which is an association of around 1,500 autonomous and interdependent churches. We are united by a common doctrine and mutual commitment to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and obedience to the Word of God. We are interdependent with other EFCA churches in ministry and fellowship, as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission which Christ has entrusted to His Church. The growing ministry of the EFCA currently extends to around 65 countries throughout the world. For more details, visit the EFCA website.

What is our doctrine? We adhere to the same doctrine as the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) which is summed up by this quote: "In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, charity. In all things, Jesus Christ." Essential doctrines are of vital importance and pertain to salvation. Without a correct understanding and acceptance of these things, we will not be forgiven or receive eternal life. Non-essential doctrines are still of vital importance, but are not matters of salvation. They pertain to the health of the church and the spiritual vitality of the believer. We are not sacramental and practice only two ordinances: communion and believer's baptism. Communion is open to all Christ-followers, as we remember his death and resurrection by eating the bread and drinking from the cup.

To see our Statement of Faith, visit the EFCA website.