Our beliefs and values

Importance of beliefs

Key beliefs of the local church are important, as they give the direction and life of that body of believers. In an age when we are bombarded by so called scientific theories seeking to confuse us about our origin as human beings, it is crucial that Christians understand their beliefs and stand by them. If we are not confident in what we believe, then we are easily tossed to and from with every wind of doctrine making our walk with God very unstable indeed.

Our beliefs

We subscribe to the beliefs of the Evangelical Alliance UK, which are shared by evangelical and pentecostal churches all over the world:

• The sovereignty and grace of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in creation, providence, revelation, redemption and final judgement.
• The divine inspiration of the Holy Scripture and its consequent entire trustworthiness and supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
• The universal sinfulness and guilt of fallen man, making him subject to God’s wrath and condemnation.
• The substitutionary sacrifice of the incarnate Son of God as the sole, all-sufficient ground of redemption from the guilt and power of sin and from its eternal consequences.
• The justification of the sinner solely by the grace of God through faith in Christ crucified and risen from the dead.
• The illuminating, regenerating, indwelling and sanctifying work of God the Holy Spirit.
• The priesthood of all believers, who form the universal Church, the Body of which Christ is the Head and which is committed by His command to the proclamation of the Gospel throughout the world.
• The expectation of the personal, visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ in power and glory.

Our values

If you imagine 'Beliefs' as the foundation of a house, then the values will be the pillars around which the building is constructed. What characterises church congregations is not often the beliefs but the values developed throughout their development. It is important that those wishing to join TOP take some time to seek to understand our key values.

• Every human being is unique and loved and cared for by God and so deserves to experience God’s love irrespective of gender, race, religion, ability or failings.
• The message of God’s love is preached not only through words but equally through the practical deeds of believers.
• Every person has something to contribute to the development of others if encouraged, empowered and given the opportunity to do so.
• The biblical model of the family unit with all its values remains the ideal foundation for a functioning and effective community.
• Everyone is able to and should give according to the level of his means – giving is as important as receiving.
• Undergirding qualities are Humility, Integrity and Fortitude.
• We achieve more through working with others.
• Ideal service is never for selfish gain or personal advancement.