Rooted in Scripture. Growing Together in Christ.

1. The Triune God

We believe in one true, living, eternal God, existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is Creator and Sustainer of all, perfect in holiness, wisdom, justice, mercy, and love. He alone is worthy of our worship and obedience.

2. Holy Scripture

We believe the Old and New Testaments are the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God, wholly trustworthy and authoritative in all that they affirm. Scripture is our supreme written authority for Christian faith, doctrine, teaching, and daily life. We seek to understand and apply God’s Word faithfully through prayer, careful study of its literary and historical context, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We recognize that sincere Christians may differ in their interpretations of particular passages, while remaining committed to the truth and authority of Scripture.

Scriptural foundations: 2 Timothy 3:16–17 · 2 Peter 1:20–21 · Psalm 119:160 · John 17:17

3. Jesus Christ

We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully divine and fully human, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived without sin, died for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, reigns as Lord, and will return in glory. Through Him alone we receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

4. Humanity and Sin

Every person bears God’s image and has inherent dignity regardless of ability, health, status, wealth, or personal history. Humanity has sinned and needs the grace, forgiveness, and redemption of Jesus Christ.

5. Salvation by Grace

Salvation is God’s gracious gift, received through genuine repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, never earned by good works or religious performance. Forgiveness is available to those who sincerely turn to Christ. Good works are a fruit of transformed faith, not a payment for salvation.

6. Eternal Security, Perseverance, and Restoration

We believe salvation is the gracious gift of God, received through genuine repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Those who are truly saved are secure in Christ, kept by God’s grace and faithfulness, and assured of His promise of eternal life. We recognize that believers may experience doubt, temptation, spiritual struggles, and seasons of wandering. Such struggles do not mean that God’s grace has abandoned them or that salvation must be earned again. We encourage every believer to persevere in faith, grow in spiritual maturity, and seek repentance and restoration when they stumble. We acknowledge that God alone fully knows the human heart.

Scriptural foundations: John 10:27–29 · Romans 8:38–39 · Ephesians 1:13–14 · Philippians 1:6

7. The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts

The Holy Spirit is fully God, draws people to Christ, renews, guides, and equips believers, and cultivates Christlike character. We are open to gifts and extraordinary works of the Spirit while testing spiritual claims through Scripture, humble discernment, and accountable pastoral leadership. No gift proves superior spiritual standing. Prayer for healing is welcome and must not replace appropriate medical care or promise a particular result.

8. The Church, Ministry, and Spiritual Leadership

We believe Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. His people are called to gather in worship, grow through Scripture and discipleship, care for one another, and put His love into action. We affirm that both women and men are created in God’s image, possess equal dignity and worth, and are entrusted with gifts, abilities, and opportunities to serve His purposes. We believe the office of pastor, elder, or overseer is reserved for biblically qualified men, called to lead through humble service, sound teaching, integrity, compassion, and spiritual accountability. We wholeheartedly welcome and encourage women to serve as governing board members, corporate officers, ministry directors, Bible study teachers, mentors, and leaders of both local and mixed-gender online Circles. Women and men serving in teaching and ministry roles operate within the church’s shared doctrinal commitments and under the spiritual oversight of its qualified pastors or elders. Leadership is a responsibility of service rather than personal privilege or superiority. All leaders are accountable to Christ, Scripture, and appropriate church governance.

Scriptural foundations: 1 Corinthians 12:4–27 · Romans 16:1–5 · Acts 18:26 · Ephesians 4:11–16 · 1 Timothy 2:11–12 · 1 Peter 4:10

9. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

We practice believer’s baptism by immersion following personal repentance and faith. It publicly witnesses to identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection and does not purchase salvation. We observe the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Christ and welcome all sincere professing Christians to participate regardless of church membership or prior baptism, encouraging reverence and self-examination. Those exploring faith are welcome to observe without pressure.

10. Marriage, Family, and Human Dignity

We believe marriage, as we understand it through Scripture, is a sacred and lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, grounded in love, faithfulness, mutual respect, and devotion to God. We affirm the equal dignity and worth of husband and wife. We believe marriage calls both partners to love, honor, support, and care for one another, with leadership expressed through humility, responsibility, and sacrificial love rather than domination or control. We recognize that people hold different understandings of marriage and that loving, faithful, and committed relationships exist beyond our church’s traditional definition. We respect the dignity of individuals and couples whose beliefs and relationships differ from our own, including those in legally recognized same-sex marriages. Our theological convictions do not diminish our commitment to treating every person with kindness, compassion, fairness, and respect. We reject harassment, cruelty, humiliation, and mistreatment of anyone because of their sexual orientation, identity, relationships, or beliefs. Starfish Church welcomes people from all walks of life to worship, explore Scripture, build friendships, ask questions, and grow in their understanding of faith. We believe every person is worthy of dignity, care, and genuine human connection. We believe families should be places of love, faithfulness, protection, and spiritual nurture. Parents share responsibility for guiding and caring for their children with wisdom, patience, and love.

Scriptural foundations: Genesis 1:27 · Genesis 2:24 · Matthew 19:4–6 · Ephesians 5:21–33 · Colossians 3:12–14 · John 13:34–35

11. Faith Lived in Daily Life

Faith is more than polished words. Genuine discipleship involves love, repentance, integrity, mercy, forgiveness, and meaningful service. Knowing Scripture should lead to living its teachings. No person has to arrive perfect to be welcomed and invited to grow. Quiet faithfulness, caregiving, loving family, and serving neighbors are valued, regardless of public recognition.

12. Evangelism and Mission

Followers of Jesus are sent to make disciples, share the Gospel, and serve their communities. We welcome responsible cooperation across churches and organizations where consistent with our Christian identity. Technology can strengthen learning, prayer, connection, and outreach, but never replaces authentic relationships or pastoral care.

13. The Return of Christ and Eternal Hope

We believe Jesus Christ will return personally and gloriously; God will raise the dead, judge with perfect righteousness, bring an end to evil, and fulfill His eternal purposes. Our hope is in Christ and eternal life through Him. We do not prescribe speculative levels of heaven.

Our Commitment

We gather around Christ, grow together in faith, and go into the world to put His love into action. An Open Invitation. A Clear Center.