What we believe, and why we exist
One Creed
We believe in God; Father, Son, & Holy Spirit
On the first Sunday of each month, we affirm our faith in God through this statement of faith that originates no later than the 4th century. It’s a beautiful, concise declaration that the church throughout time and around the world has used to articulate what we believe.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places
One Story
We believe the Bible tells the true story of the whole world.
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We believe that God created the world and all that is seen and unseen. He called it good. Humanity, male and female, made uniquely in his image he called very good. Stewardship of God’s creation is humanity’s true vocation, and fruitfulness is the aim (and gift) of this work.
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We believe that sin has twisted every part of God’s good creation. Sin is disobedience to God’s ways, unbelief in God and his word, and placing anything else at the center of our lives (misplaced worship). All have sinned. Sin leads to death. Sin disconnects what was intended to be connected in love–men and women in their relationship with God, each other, the earth, and their work.
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We believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the center of this great story, the Hope of the world, the Head of the church, Savior, Redeemer, Friend, and Lord of All. He alone is the promised Messiah (Christ), who is the very presence and person of God called Emmanuel, which means God with us. Everything was made through him, he holds all things together, and in his birth, life, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension he has made a way for the twisting of sin to be undone. We are saved and freed from sin, and to an eternal, abundant life through Jesus, as we trust in him, listen to him, love him, and serve him. He has given to the church his Holy Spirit which is his continued presence and power on earth, convicting the world of sin, reminding us of Jesus’ life and words, and who gives gifts to the church so that she bears more and more resemblance to Jesus.
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We believe that one day, Jesus will return and make all things new - a new heaven and a new earth. God has promised to wipe every tear from our eyes, and will make an end to death, mourning, crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). Therefore we do not fear death (for it is not the end), and we eagerly wait for this glorious day, even as we are called to anticipate it through our lives and work here and now. So the church is called to meet and serve the world in those places of mourning, crying, pain, tears and even death.
A bible sits on the pew that is covered in red velvet. The sun shines and lights up the carpet and pew with the bible
Five Convictions
The protestant reformation recovered essential truths about God's Word and His grace. These five convictions remain the bedrock of how we worship and serve at Crown Hill Church.
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God's Word is the final authority for faith and practice in our lives.
2 Timothy 3:16
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We stand before God through trust in Christ, not through our own righteousness.
Romans 10:9-10
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Salvation comes through Christ's work, not through our own efforts or merit.
Ephesians 2:8-9
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Jesus is Lord of the church and the center of all we do.
John 14:6
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Everything we are and everything we do reflects the honor of our Creator.
1 Corinthians 15:28
Two Questions
There are two questions and answers given to us in two different catechisms (teaching tools) from the reformation that are foundational, human questions.
The first question and answer of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:
What is the chief end of humanity?
Humanity’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
The first question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism:
What is your only comfort in life and in death?
That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.
Two Rhythms
We gather. We scatter.
God gathers his people together in worship, where we are built into a community of disciples; our love and attention redirected toward him, our friendships deepened, and our lives shaped by his Word. Together we hear and respond to Scripture, celebrate communion, pray, and proclaim the good news of Jesus. This happens primarily through Sunday morning worship, and continues through the week in Bible studies and community groups.
At the end of our gatherings, we don't simply leave, we are sent. Scattered into the world, we carry our faith into our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces. Here we love and serve our neighbors, make disciples, show hospitality, give generously, and bear witness in word and deed to who Jesus is and what he has done. We also support individuals and organizations locally and globally who share this mission of love and service. We believe every vocation — paid or unpaid — is a calling to serve.
Three Loves
The Bible teaches that God is love, and that the greatest commandment God gives us is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
In everything, as those who are loved by God, we desire to love him in return.
The first place we love our neighbors is within the church. Jesus doesn’t simply establish an institution, but a family of brothers and sisters who are constantly growing in love for each other.
The love of our neighbors extends beyond the boundaries of the church into all the world, so that, following Jesus’ teaching, everyone made in God’s image (which is everyone) is a neighbor to be loved.
Join us on this journey
Ready to become part of our community? We'd love to know you and walk alongside you.