What Does LLCF West think about…?
: LLCF West teaches that all believers are commanded to be baptized in water as an outward demonstration of their commitment to follow Christ. (Acts 2:38). It is for those old enough to repent of their sins and understand the significance of their decision. We believe baptism by immersion as scripture teaches. Rebaptism is desirable for a rededicating believer but is not necessary. All those wishing to become members must have or be willing to declare their faith through baptism. We do not baptize those in willful, unrepentant sin.
Communion: For all those who know Christ, regardless of membership. Parents decide for their young children. We believe it is a symbolic act of worship with potential power as the believer receives it with faith and humility. It is offered frequently.
Life Style Standards: When it comes to issues such as movie selection, drinking, smoking, gambling, dancing, we make a distinction between gray areas and black and white areas. Where the Bible is clear we will speak boldly (drunkenness, gluttony, immorality, gossip, lust, etc.) Where the Bible is unclear we will preach the principles of holiness but leave freedom for the individual believer to be led by the Holy Spirit into godly life choices. We cannot baptize or admit to membership those who are living together, practicing drug addicts, alcoholics, habitual pornography users, habitual gossipers, etc. (I Corinthians 6:9,10)
Tithe: We believe the Bible teaches that all that we have comes from God and belongs to God. Christians should generously, sacrificially, and cheerfully give back as much as possible to the eternal work of God. The only standard for giving in scripture is a regular 10% giving of one’s income. This should be the minimum goal of our giving. “Tithes and offerings” means giving a regular 10% to your local church and then giving love offerings to needs that God prompts you to. The pastor does not know what people give. No one is accountable to give a tithe (10%) except ministry staff, leadership council, and those pursuing full time ministry. The money given goes for ministry staff salaries, ministry expenses, missions, new church plants, facility costs, office expenses, utilities... As a church we give a tithe to support other churches and missions.
Spiritual Gifts: We believe in the current operation of all the gifts of the Spirit found in I Corinthians 12-14, Ephesians 4, Romans 12 and I Peter.
Spiritual Warfare: We believe in the actual existence of demons and angels. We believe in our ability to influence this realm through our prayers. See Ephesians 6.
End Times: We believe we are living in the last days but we refuse to become entangled in profitless speculation as to when that return will be. We are to live ready, watching, working and praying.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: We believe that believers receive the Holy Spirit at conversion but need to be baptized or filled with His presence. This comes through a combination of “spiritual encounters” in which we are baptized by faith, surrender, an invitation AND “daily spiritual decisions” to surrender our self-will and yield to the Spirit’s power.
Counseling: We believe in the wisdom of receiving godly counsel from trained professionals who understand God’s Word and have insights into human behavior. The church provides brief spiritual counseling but not on-going counseling or therapy. We refer that to train professionals.
Church Budget: Budgets are created by the Leadership Council with Ministry Staff input. The Leadership Council monitors budgets and financial reports. Leadership Council set salaries using ministerial comparisons from across the nation. Church is funded solely through the gifts of the people who attend.
River Church: This phrase means we believe God has called us to prioritize sending out workers and planting churches rather than becoming a “mega church”.