What We Believe
Doctrinal Statement
The Doctrinal Statement is our official statement of faith. We also have included our views on baptism, church membership, and marriage. Our leadership continually explores, discusses, and addresses topics that are relevant to the church.
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Concerning the Bible
We believe that the original writings of both Old and New Testaments were breathed out by God to prophets, apostles, and apostolic associates by means of the Spirit, who chose the words employed according to the personality and background of the human author, and that these writings were without error and are of supreme and final authority in the lives of believers in any age.
Concerning God
Concerning Man and His Need
Concerning the Son
Concerning Redemption
We believe Jesus died upon the cross as a sinless substitute for sinners of all ages and times, and that the Father was thus, by means of the Spirit, reconciling the world to Himself. All who receive the risen Jesus as Lord, by faith, are spiritually born into permanent membership in the family of God.
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Concerning the Holy Spirit
Concerning the Church
Concerning Ordinances
Concerning the Christian’s Responsibility
Concerning the Future
We believe that all human beings will be raised from the dead, at their proper time, to participate either in eternal life prepared for those who have been redeemed, or to participate in eternal punishment reserved for the devil and his angels.
Baptism
At PBC, we baptize those who profess faith in Christ as an outward demonstration of their inward faith. If you consider yourself a Christian and have not been baptized, we highly encourage you to celebrate your relationship with Christ and the community of faith by being baptized. If you have recently become a follower of Christ, there is no reason to wait to be baptized.
For more information, you can read our paper, What is Baptism? If you are interested in finding out more, you can fill out our Baptism Interest Form, and a pastor will follow up with you. May God bless you in this decision.
Membership
The Scriptures teach that all who receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior immediately become members of the invisible, universal Church. If you are a member of the family of God, and you have been led by Him to fellowship with us at PBC, we recognize you as part of our community. We have no membership other than participation in the Body of Jesus Christ.
Marriage & Sexuality
We believe that marriage is ordained by God to be a union of one man and one woman and that God intends sexual intimacy to be enjoyed exclusively within that relationship.
At PBC, we strive to create an environment where everyone, including those who are attracted to people of the same sex, is empowered to follow Jesus while observing our convictions regarding marriage and sexuality. We envision a spiritual family where all people can find belonging; where encountering the radical love of God leads them to follow Jesus; where they are able to grow in holiness while being confident of their great worth; and where transparency about orientation and ongoing experience creates enhanced possibilities to serve God.
For further theological reflection, see this statement from Revoice.
Biblical Explanation
- Theology Roundtable:Â Biblical Foundations for Same Sex Issues, November 2015
- Sermon:Â Choosing Life in a Sex Addicted Culture, July 15, 2018
- Sermon:Â Steady Sexuality, March 22, 2015
- Sermon:Â Sexuality: How To Live In Your Body, October 10, 2010
- Sermon:Â World Gone Wrong, January 22, 2006
Pastoral Resources
- Pastoral Papers from the The Center for Faith, Sexuality and Gender
- Tim Keller review of God and the Gay Christian
- Single, Gay, Christian, by Gregory Coles
- Washed and Waiting, by Westley Hill
- Redeeming Sex, by Debra Hirsch
- Guiding Families of LGBT+ Loved Ones, from Posture Shift