Core Beliefs

At FFC, we prioritize elder discretion and discernment above policies. We are striving for unity, not uniformity. As an outflow of those desires, we strive to limit the number of issues we have concrete stances on. That being said, there are some topics that have had a precedent set during the forming years of FFC and in order to avoid future division they have been written down on the first page of this document. These topics in particular are practical enough and frequent enough that it makes sense to have them written down. These positions were formed from a Biblical foundation and conviction. Instead of providing proof-texts for how the elders arrived at each of these positions, the elders invite anyone into further conversation over lunch or coffee if there are questions or concerns.  

In general, the doctrinal beliefs are as outlined in our Statement of Faith - although even within that there is room for disagreement on 2nd and 3rd tier issues. 

Topic: Egalitarian/complementarian

Elders: Various positions 

FFC: Will operate as complementarian while still upholding, supporting and encouraging women and their giftings, opinions, and perspectives. 

In practice: Only men will be elders and/or pastors and only men will teach from the ‘pulpit’ on Sunday mornings. 

Topic: Baptism 

Elders: Various positions

FFC: Will teach and practice believer’s immersion baptism (credobaptist)

Topic: Church Governance

Elders/FFC: Elder-led

Topic: Communion

Elders/FFC: Open to all who treasure and trust Jesus - “Fenced open”

Core Principles and Practices

Recognizing practices flow from and follow principles, we expect certain practices to adapt and change over time while the principles will remain the same. We are ‘dating our methods while being married to our mission!’ That being said, there are certain practices that make FFC unique and would need significant reason to change - some of those are listed below.  

1. Principle: Develop a faith that is real (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:13-24, Romans 10:17 Galatians 2:20-21, Ephesians 2:8, 1 Timothy 1:5)

   1. Practices:

      1. We usually teach through a book/section of the Bible, not topical

      2. We strongly encourage the body to develop a ‘time in the chair’ - a daily time in the Word on their own. 

      3. We are attempting to create a culture of lifelong learners - one main method is to encourage people to be readers!

      4. We prioritize finding practical ways to equip the body to make their homes Christ-centered (Advent blocks, age- appropriate Bibles, theme verse art, etc)

2. Principles: We believe “every member is a minister” and joy is found in serving by finding the “right seat in the orchestra” for you to use the gifts and passions He has given you.

We believe “people are often God's method” so live to be “changed lives changing lives”. (2 Corinthians 1:4, 2 Timothy 2:2, 1 Peter 2:9)

1. Practices:

   1. We do not have formal membership at FFC. Instead, we utilize ‘connection cards’ and when someone fills one out they enter our shepherding responsibility and are treated as part of the FFC fellowship.

   2. Small groups are organic and lay-led 

   3. Young people/non-professionals are encouraged and welcome to serve in a variety of areas (tech team, SMT, kids messages, etc)

   4. We utilize various men to teach from the pulpit - it is not limited to the paid staff. 

   5. Worship teams are not led by ‘professionals’ and often give space for new/young people to play/lead

   6. We encourage and promote the mindset of ‘dream a dream and build a team’. The body is encouraged to think of, develop and start new ministries - the staff will support as wanted/needed.  (softball teams, Mom’s group, craft night, etc) 

      1. Staff utilize the five “P’s” to help build a team: Prayer, Passion, Partner, Plan, Purpose

   7. In general, we view staff as there to empower and equip the body to do ministry, not do all the ministry themselves 

3. Principles: Developing friends that are true. We believe to live out the “one anothers” of the New Testament, we need to “move from rows to circles”. (NT contains over 50 “one-anothers”, Hebrews 10:24-25)

   1. Practices:

      1. We believe it is worth the time and money to emphasize community building via:

         1. Events (Glamping, pool BBQ, brunches, Roller Skate night, etc)

         2. Monthly Sunday Morning community builders (Birthday/anniversary recognitions, etc)

      2. On Sunday mornings we strive to find opportunities to help ‘connect names with faces’ (Attendance recognition, sports recognition, connection card gifts, etc)

      3. We see Sunday morning as one part of ‘church’ - there should be many other opportunities to gather and learn

      4. Hospitality and ‘lifestyle discipleship’ are taught,  modeled, and valued. 

4. Principle: We believe in being a “family friendly” church where intergenerational interaction and involvement is the norm (Matthew 19:14, Titus 2:2-6)

We believe the church is a family, not a business or an institution. (Romans 8:14-17, Ephesians 2:19-22)

1. Practices: 

   1. Attendance by kids in the Sunday morning service is both welcomed and valued.

   2. Kids messages are a regular part of Sunday morning service

   3. Shorter teaching times are practiced recognizing it is difficult for young kids to sit still for long periods of time

   4. Childcare and Sunday School are available from ages 0-10 to help reach all ages and stages. 

   5. When we have a ministry that is segregated by age or stage (Youth Group small groups, Mom’s Group, etc) we strive to find ways to integrate other ages and stages as a regular parts of the group 

      1. In Sunday School and Youth Group we desire to have leadership teams and involvement made up of a variety of ages and stages

      2. Mom’s groups invites a plurality of women to teach and share

      3. Parenting class bring together empty-nesters with young families

   6. Missions trips are often open to all ages and stages (or at least, many ages and stages)

   7. We want to continually be finding ways to bridge generational relationships (Firm Family Feasts, Intentional Intergenerational Ministry/Adopt-a-Thon)

   8. We introduce guests on Sunday morning and regularly host Firm Family Dinners

5. Principle: We believe “the best is yet to come because Jesus has yet to return”. (Philippians 1:21-23, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18, Titus 2:13, Revelation 21)

   1. Practices:

      1. Since Jesus isn’t back yet, there is work to do!

      2. We love and emphasize missions

         1. We want our body to know our missionaries

         2. We want to offer a variety of missions opportunities with various levels of entry and challenge

         3. We strive to make our church budget reflect this

      3. We pray for our missionaries and/or local churches every week