Core Values
Inerrancy of Scripture
At Anchor242 Church, we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, without error in all that it affirms. Because God is true and cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18), His Word is wholly trustworthy in everything it teaches — in matters of faith, doctrine, history, and life.
Inerrancy means that when all the facts are known and rightly interpreted, the Bible in its original writings is completely true in all it teaches. The Scriptures were given by the Holy Spirit through human authors (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21). Inspiration extends to every word of Scripture, making the Bible our final and infallible authority. Any perceived error lies not in the text itself but in human misunderstanding, faulty interpretation, or limited knowledge.
We affirm that Jesus Christ upheld the truth of Scripture in every part (Matthew 5:18; John 10:35) and that the Bible carries His authority. While interpretations may differ, God’s Word itself is without error, fully reliable, and sufficient for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
For this reason, we are committed to preach, teach, and live under the authority of Scripture, trusting it as the unchanging truth of God for every generation.
Fellowship
At Anchor242, fellowship is one of our four pillars from Acts 2:42. The early church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Fellowship is not just friendship or social time—it is the life we share in Christ, a countercultural community shaped by the gospel that unites people who might otherwise never come together. When we are born again, we are born into God’s family (John 1:12). That means we don’t walk alone. We encourage one another, pray for one another, and carry one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). True fellowship is koinonia—a common life centered on Jesus Christ.
We believe in unity with diversity. In the Trinity there is both perfect fellowship and diversity of persons—unity without uniformity—which gives us freedom to thrive in the unique personality God has given our church. Likewise, the body of Christ has many gifts and callings, yet one Spirit and one Lord (Eph. 4:4–6). God has given our church certain gifts, but we also recognize we need the gifts of others. True fellowship means we can benefit from—and be a blessing to—other churches that have gifts we do not.
We also recognize that in the New Testament there were times when believers found it necessary to part ways. When disagreements arose, they could separate agreeably while still thriving in the unique callings God placed on their lives (Acts 15:36–41). This reminds us thatunity in Christ does not require uniformity, but a shared commitment to His mission.
For clarity, Anchor242 is an independent, non-denominational church. We are not tied to any denomination, but we gladly fellowship across denominational lines with every church that calls on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:2). We hold firmly to the core truths of the gospel, while showing grace on secondary, non-essential matters.
Fellowship is not optional—it is central. Because Jesus gave Himself for us, we give ourselves to one another. Fellowship is where love is lived out, unity is built, and the world sees Christ in us (John 13:34–35). That is why we keep fellowship at the heart of our worship, our witness, and our walk with Christ—here at Anchor242 and with the wider body of Christ, locally and globally.
Communion
As a church, we celebrate Communion monthly, keeping Christ central—His body broken for us, His blood shed for our forgiveness, and His promise to come again.
Communion is open to all who have confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9–10). As such, each believer is called to examine their heart before partaking of the elements (1 Corinthians 11:28).
Communion is taken in remembrance of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice, a proclamation of His death and resurrection, and an anticipation of His return. In our services, the elements are passed out during worship, but the meaning is the same—we look back with gratitude, inward with humility, and forward with hope.
We believe Communion (the Lord’s Supper)—along with baptism—is one of the two ordinances Jesus gave His Church. On the night He was betrayed, He told His disciples to eat the bread and drink the cup in remembrance of Him (Matthew 26:26–29; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).
Prayer
Prayer is one of the four pillars of Acts 2:42 and central to the life of the church. Prayer was central to the ministry of Jesus, and it must remain central to His church. Prayer is not ritual, formula, or mystical technique—it is a relationship with Jesus, according to the Word of God. It is not empty repetition, but fellowship with our Father through Christ (Matt. 6:7–9). Prayer does not bend God to our will; it bends us to His. True prayer is not us directing God, but God directing us as we pray. We believe this happens as the Author of Scripture, the Holy Spirit, illuminates our understanding of God’s Word and teaches us to pray effectively in line with His will (Rom. 8:26–27; John 14:26). Prayer aligns us to His will on earth (Matt. 6:10; 1 John 5:14).
For this reason, we do not practice contemplative spirituality, eastern mysticism, or ritualistic “deliverance” methods. Instead, our prayers are guided by Scripture, grounded in truth, and aligned with God’s promises (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14). Through prayer we confess sin (1 John 1:9), give thanks (1 Thess. 5:16–18), intercede for others (1 Tim. 2:1–2), and seek God’s wisdom (James 1:5). When we gather for corporate prayer, we encourage believers to pray in English (or the common language of the group), so that everyone may be built up together and our services remain clear and orderly (1 Cor. 14:33, 40). Nothing of eternal value begins apart from prayer. For this reason, we keep prayer central to our worship, our witness, and our walk with Christ.
Baptism
We believe baptism—along with Communion (the Lord’s Supper)—is one of the two ordinances given by Jesus Christ to His Church (Matthew 26:26–29; Matthew 28:19–20). Baptism is a step of obedience that publicly identifies a believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12).
Baptism is not an empty ritual. It is a command of Christ (Matthew 28:19–20) and an essential act of discipleship (John 14:15). In baptism, the believer declares allegiance to Jesus Christ, testifies to the gospel before the church and the world (Acts 2:38–41), and obeys the Lord who saved them by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). Baptism does not save, but every true disciple should be baptized as the God-ordained way to confess Christ publicly (Acts 22:16) and walk in obedience to Him.
Baptism is an outward testimony of an inward reality. Going under the water represents union with Christ in His death, and rising up out of the water represents new life in His resurrection (Romans 6:4; Galatians 2:20). It is a symbol of cleansing (Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21), identification with Christ (Galatians 3:27), and entrance into the fellowship of His Church (1 Corinthians 12:13). It is also a call to the Christian brothers and sisters to partner with the believer as a member of Christ’s family (Ephesians 4:4–6).
We practice baptism by full immersion as the consistent biblical pattern. The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse” or “to dip,” and every example in the New Testament describes baptism by going down into and coming up out of the water (Mark 1:9–10; John 3:23; Acts 8:36–39).
Baptism is for those who have personally trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It follows repentance and faith—it does not precede them (Acts 2:38; Acts 16:31–33). Baptism does not regenerate, forgive sins, or save; only Christ’s finished work, received by faith, does that (Titus
3:5; Ephesians 2:8–9). For this reason, we do not baptize infants. Instead, we invite anyone—whether young or old—who has come to personal faith in Jesus Christ to step into the waters of baptism as a bold and joyful testimony of identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Leadership Integrity
In a world where many ministers have fallen through a lack of integrity, we believe every leader at Anchor242—from the pastor to the newest volunteer—must model these principles. Our commitment is shaped by the Four Pillars of Integrity from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Like Billy Graham, whose ministry remained free from scandal, we desire a testimony of faithfulness that honors Christ.
Finances
We commit to faithful stewardship. “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Every dollar is handled with integrity, never for manipulation or self-gain, but always for the mission of Christ.
Purity
We commit to holiness in private and public life, as modeled by the lesson of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife and reinforced by Paul’s words: “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). God is faithful and will always provide a way of escape when we are tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13). Living above reproach is paramount to modeling integrity. We will guard against temptation and even the appearance of impropriety so that Christ and His church are honored.
Publicity
We commit to honesty in all communication. Scripture says, “Put away falsehood, let each one speak the truth” (Ephesians 4:25). We refuse to exaggerate numbers or inflate reports. Truth—not hype—will define how we represent this ministry.
Pride
We commit to humility. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). All glory belongs to God alone. Like John the Baptist, our posture in life will always be: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
Sanctity Of Life
At Anchor242, we believe life is sacred. Every person—born or unborn—is made by God in His image and carries His love and worth (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:13–16).
Life begins at conception. Abortion at any stage is the taking of innocent life and is contrary to God’s design. But the good news is this: no sin is beyond the cross. Jesus offers forgiveness, healing, and hope to all who come to Him (1 John 1:9; Romans 8:1). For women who have experienced abortion, and for men who have supported it, the gospel extends grace and restoration. As a church, we welcome all into our fellowship with love, walking beside them toward the healing and wholeness found in Christ.
We stand for life—for the unborn, for mothers in crisis, for repentant hearts, for families, for the elderly, and for every person in need (James 1:27; Galatians 6:2). We stand firm in truth, yet our arms remain open with the compassion of Christ for all who seek His love and grace.
Giving
Biblical Foundation
From the earliest days of the church, giving has been an expression of devotion—a way God’s people share in His work and care for one another. At Anchor242, we believe giving is a joyful act of worship flowing from God’s grace. Generosity is our grateful response to all He has done for us in Christ.
Old And New Testament Perspective
In the Old Testament, God’s people were called to honor Him with their firstfruits (Malachi 3:10). In the New Testament, giving moves beyond duty and becomes a Spirit-led act of worship. The apostles did not command tithing but taught believers to give freely, generously, and joyfully. Scripture calls us to giving that flows from grace, not legalism.
Grace Raises The Standard
If those under the law gave faithfully, how much more should we who live under grace give with joy? Grace doesn’t lower the call—it raises it. God is not after a fraction of our giving; He is after our hearts.
Cheerful And Willing Giving
Paul teaches that “each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). The word for cheerful (hilaron) means joyous—even hilarious. That is the posture God delights to see in His children.
The Example Of Jesus
Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins (Mark 12:41–44). Though her gift was small, her surrender made it great in God’s eyes. In the same way, giving at Anchor242 is never measured by amount but by the heart. We do not look at giving records, and no amount of giving qualifies or disqualifies anyone from ministry.
Early Church Example
The early church modeled this posture in Acts 2:47, where believers gave freely out of love for Christ and one another. This is the culture we long to cultivate at Anchor242.
Our Posture
Giving at Anchor242 is always voluntary, Spirit-led, and joyful. It is not a burden to bear but a blessing to share. Your presence in this church family is worth far more than any gift you could give.
The Holy Spirit And Gifts
We believe in the Holy Spirit—His person and His work. He convicts the world of sin, gives new life to believers, indwells the Church, and empowers us to live godly lives and proclaim the gospel (John 14:16–17; John 16:8; Titus 3:5; Acts 1:8).
The Spirit gives different gifts as He chooses (1 Corinthians 12:11). We believe all the spiritual gifts described in the Bible are still given by God today. Their purpose is always to glorify Christ and to build up the Church. And because God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), these gifts must be used in a way that is clear, orderly, and Christ-centered. One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but one who prophesies edifies the Church (1 Corinthians 14:4). Therefore, prophecy is God’s spoken Word, available to strengthen His Church. Tongues are prayers and praise intimately directed to God to edify the individual unless interpreted. They are never “messages from God” to others (1 Corinthians 14:2–4). Because tongues have often been misused—even in Corinth—we affirm their private use in prayer but do not practice them in corporate worship. Our gatherings focus on what strengthens everyone: clear teaching, orderly worship, and Christ-exalting praise (1 Corinthians 14:26–33, 40).
The Spirit and the Word always work together. The Spirit makes the Word alive, and the Word keeps us grounded in truth. Every experience must be tested by Scripture, and the Spirit never contradicts His inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 4:1). We reject practices that are unbiblical, manipulative, or excessive. The Spirit always points to Jesus—not to us, not to our emotions, not to hype (John 16:14).
The clearest evidence of the Spirit’s presence is a transformed life (Galatians 5:22–23). Spiritual gifts may differ, but love is given to all. Signs and outward displays can be imitated for a season, but lasting holiness and genuine love are eternal. Truth without the Spirit is empty; the Spirit without truth is dangerous. Together, the Spirit and the Word bring life, calling Spirit-filled Christians to be both heavenly minded and earthly useful, with love being the surest test.
We believe the Holy Spirit leads us to pursue not the gifts or signs themselves, but Jesus. Walking in the Spirit is not about chasing experiences—it is about knowing Christ more deeply and making Him known through the gospel. Our desire is to live in the Spirit’s fullness in a way that is biblical, orderly, and Christ-exalting, with worship that engages both heart and mind, grounded in truth, and centered on Christ.
Marriage
We believe marriage is a sacred covenant established by God at creation and revealed in Scripture. It is the exclusive union of one biological man and one biological woman, joined as “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6). This covenant reflects the mystery of Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31–33) and is to be honored as holy.
Marriage ceremonies within the church are reserved for those who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If either has been previously married, the union must have ended by the death of a spouse or on clear biblical grounds (adultery or willful desertion). Where this is not the case, pastoral counsel will be given with both grace and truth, since Scripture warns against entering unions that dishonor God’s design (Matthew 19:9; 1 Corinthians 7).
We affirm the complementarian design of marriage: men and women are equal in dignity and worth before God, yet called to distinct, valuable roles within the covenant. The husband is called to lead with sacrificial love, modeling Christ’s headship of the Church. The wife is called to respond with respect and partnership, reflecting the Church’s joyful submission to Christ (Ephesians 5:22–25; 1 Peter 3:1–7). True headship is never authoritarian but Christlike; true submission is never demeaning but life-giving. Together, husband and wife display the gospel in word and deed.
All couples married under the ministry of Anchor242 must complete premarital counseling with a pastor or approved Christian counselor. This preparation will focus on biblical principles of marriage, spiritual unity, and God’s design for family. Weddings conducted by Anchor242 pastors or held on our property must affirm God’s Word, reflect the biblical definition of marriage, and be Christ-centered celebrations marked by reverence and purity.
Finally, we affirm that sexual intimacy is a gift of God, to be enjoyed only within marriage between one man and one woman. Couples are called to pursue holiness, refraining from sexual activity and cohabitation before marriage (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5; Hebrews 13:4).
Alcohol
At Anchor242, we affirm the authority of Scripture in our lives and seek clear, practical application of God’s Word that leaves no room for confusion. The Bible condemns drunkenness. We condemn the destruction caused by the abuse of alcohol, which has harmed many families and lives within our culture. Conversely the Bible gives no prohibition to drinking in moderation (John 2:1–11; 1 Tim. 4:4–5), while it gives no license to abuse (Eph. 5:18; Prov. 20:1). We are free to celebrate, but not free to surrender. As Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything” (1 Cor. 6:12).
The issue is not the drink itself but the condition of the heart (Rom. 8:5–6). Because love is greater than liberty, each believer must walk with a clear conscience before God, exercising wisdom, moderation, and care for others (Rom. 14:21–23; Gal. 5:13–14). Some may choose to abstain entirely for the sake of witness and example, while others may exercise freedom responsibly. In all things—whether freedom or abstinence—Christian liberty ceases to be liberty when it masters us or stumbles another. Our freedom must always glorify Christ and build up His church (1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Thess. 5:22; 1 Cor. 14:26).
Politics
As Christians in America, we take the Great Commission seriously. That call is global, but it is also local. Our mission field includes our schools, our neighborhoods, and our government. Freedom is a gift from God, secured at great cost by our Founding Fathers, who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to defend it. If freedom is to endure, it must be defended biblically through faithful civic engagement. When the church is silent, evil prevails. That is why we proclaim the entirety of God’s Word from the pulpit and live it out in every arena of life.
Throughout Scripture, God’s people spoke truth before the seats of power. Prophets stood before kings. Apostles stood before rulers. They declared God’s Word without fear, even at the cost of their lives and fortunes. We contend not with violence but with truth, faith, and conscience. In that same spirit, we will not endorse political parties or candidates from the pulpit, but we will expose policies, laws, and decisions that defy God’s Word and diminish human dignity. Silence is not neutrality; silence is surrender.
We will engage wherever values align with God’s truth — not to advance a party, but to advance the kingdom of God. We encourage believers to vote with biblical conviction, and we will provide resources when needed to help Christians think clearly about the issues. We will continue to speak boldly whenever the government overreaches or violates God-given freedoms. As the Founders recognized, liberty cannot survive without virtue, and virtue cannot endure without faith. For that reason, we call every believer to think biblically, vote prayerfully, and live courageously in the public square.
But we remind our people: America’s greatest need is not another election cycle, but revival. Laws may restrain evil, but they cannot redeem the soul. No leader can offer eternal life. Only Jesus Christ can.
Our trust is not in Washington, Sacramento, or any seat of man’s power. Our authority comes not from the state but from the Word of God. Our power comes not by governmental leverage but through the name of Jesus Christ — the King of kings, who rules over every nation and who alone can heal our land.
Our Biblical Stance On Israel
At Anchor242, we affirm God’s everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:1–3; Romans 11:28–29). Our support for Israel is not political but biblical. Even when Israel’s leaders failed, God’s covenant plan remained firm. We do not tie this conviction to any party or government—our stance flows from Scripture, not politics.
Through Israel came the Word of God and the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ (Romans 9:4–5). Today, many in Israel remain blind to Jesus as their Messiah (2 Corinthians 3:14–16), yet Scripture promises that one day “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26). Still, being God’s chosen people does not guarantee salvation. God’s covenant secures Israel’s future, but salvation is only through Christ. The Bible is clear: no one—Jew or Gentile—can enter heaven apart from confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and believing in His death and resurrection (Romans 10:9–10).
We do not believe the Church has replaced Israel. Scripture teaches that God’s covenant with Israel is everlasting and His gifts and calling are irrevocable (Romans 11:28–29). The Church and Israel are distinct in God’s plan: the Church is made up of Jews and Gentiles who trust in Christ, while Israel still has a promised future in God’s redemptive purposes. God’s covenant shows His faithfulness; the cross shows His salvation. And if God is faithful to Israel, we can be assured He will be faithful to His Church.
We pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), but we also pray for every nation to find peace with God through Christ. We long for peace and justice for all who suffer in the Middle East, knowing true peace will only come through the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. We do not endorse every decision of any earthly government, but we bless what God has blessed and stand against the rising tide of antisemitism in our world. Supporting Israel means trusting God’s covenant faithfulness while proclaiming that Christ alone saves.
Medical Freedom
We affirm the God-given responsibility of parents to make medical decisions for their children without coercion or shame. Scripture entrusts parents—not the state—with the sacred duty of raising and protecting their children (Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Ephesians 6:4). Because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), every medical decision must remain a matter of conscience before God.
We support parents who prayerfully choose a vaccine schedule for their children, and we equally support parents who prayerfully choose to opt out. This is not about uniformity but about freedom of conscience, informed consent, and parental rights. Medical freedom is not rebellion—it is stewardship. Parents will one day give an account before God for how they cared for their families (Romans 14:12). As guardians of these precious gifts from God, we encourage parents to seek reputable counsel from multiple sources and, most importantly, to be prayerful in their decisions.
As a church, we reject coercion in all matters, including healthcare. We stand with families in protecting this fundamental liberty. Whether choosing or declining a vaccine, families at Anchor242 will be respected, supported, and loved.