Fairhaven Church

There is one God, who is infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. — Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:19; Jude 20-21

Jesus Christ is the true God and the true man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substitutionary sacrifice, and all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. He arose from the dead according to the Scriptures and will come again to establish His kingdom, righteousness and peace. — Philippians 2:6–11; Luke 1:34–38; 1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 2:9; Romans 5:9; Acts 2:23–24; Hebrews 8:1; Matthew 26:64

The Holy Spirit is a divine person, sent to indwell, guide, teach, empower the believer, and convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. — John 14:15–18; John 16:13; Acts 1:8; John 16:7–11

The Old and New Testaments, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God and are a complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice. — 2 Peter 1:20–21; 2 Timothy 3:15–16

Man is made in the image of God and is the supreme object of His creation. Man was created to have fellowship with God but became separated in that relationship through sinful disobedience. As a result, man cannot attain a right relationship with God through his own effort. Every human personality is uniquely created, possesses dignity, and is worthy of respect and Christian love. — Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 15:20–23; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 21:1–4

Man, being disobedient incurred both physical and spiritual death. Because of this, all men are born with a sinful nature, are separated from God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who repent and believe in Him are born again of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of eternal life, and become children of God. Those who reject Him face an existence of everlasting conscious punishment. — Romans 7:18; Psalm 51:5; Romans 6:23; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 5:8; Titus 3:4–7; Romans 2:8; Matthew 25:41

The local church is a group of believers in Christ who are joined together for the worship of God, for prayer, fellowship and the proclamation of the Gospel. The "Church", on the other hand, consists of all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is the Head of the Church and has commissioned all believers to go into all the world as witnesses, preaching the Gospel to all nations and peoples. — Romans 16:5; Ephesians 1:22–23; Matthew 28:19–20; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Corinthians 12:28

We believe the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent and will be personal, visible and premillennial. His return is a vital truth that provides an incentive to holy living and faithful service. — John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Hebrews 10:37; Luke 21:27; Titus 2:11–14

Along with sound theology, we also believe that there are other elements that make up a healthy church: At Fairhaven, we have identified 13 measures that we believe define a healthy church. As you are exploring our beliefs, we thought it would be helpful to tell you what they are, so that you can look for these qualities as you get to know us.

• People are coming to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
• Our missions program is expanding locally, nationally and globally.
• People are making public professions of faith through baptism.
• Attendance in worship services is increasing.
• The worship experience is vibrant, enthusiastic and intergenerational.
• There is broad participation in serving throughout the ministries.
• New ministries are beginning as God imparts vision.
• Guests are being connected to church life.
• Covenant membership is increasing.
• Our budgetary needs are being met.
• Leaders are being developed and placed in ministry roles.
• Scripture is central to our message.
• Staff relationships are healthy.