Theological Overview
At Village Church, there are elements of the Reformed tradition which
we embrace and there are elements of dispensationalism which we embrace.
We Encourage Berean Conviction
Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, we encourage every believer to examine the
Scriptures for themselves. Sound doctrine is not just something to affirm,
but something to be understood, embraced, and lived out.
The best way to understand our core beliefs, distinctives, and differences
is to see them lived out in the life of our local church community.
Doctrinal Priorities
We recognise that not all doctrines carry the same weight.
At Village Church, we distinguish between:
. Essentials – Doctrines necessary for salvation (e.g., the Gospel, the Trinity,
the authority of Scripture).
· Distinctives – Doctrines not essential for salvation, but which shape our
identity as a local church (e.g., views on baptism or church governance).
.Differences – Doctrinal matters on which Christians may charitably
disagree while still enjoying fellowship and unity (e.g., end-times views,
certain spiritual gifts)
1. Essentials
These doctrines mark the difference between true and false churches,
and between genuine Christians and those outside the faith.
All Biblical Christians and churches must hold to a core set of theological
essentials - doctrines that are necessary for salvation. These truths define
what it means to be a Christian, and they are universally affirmed by all true
churches throughout history. To reject these essentials is to reject Biblical
Christianity.
Key essentials include:
· The Deity of Christ – Jesus is fully God and fully man.
· The Trinity – One God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
· Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, on the basis of the penal
substitutionary atonement of Christ alone – We are saved not by works,
but solely by trusting in Christ’s death in our place.
While our Statement of Faith includes additional doctrines beyond the
essentials, these core truths necessary for salvation are clearly affirmed
and upheld within it.
2. Distinctives
In a world of many churches and convictions, these theological distinctives -
while not essential for salvation - are convictions we believe are of great
practical significance for church life, unity, and culture.
We recognise that other Biblical churches may differ on these points.
However, these distinctives are foundational to what makes Village Church
who we are. They shape how we teach, lead, and live together as a church.
You do not need to personally hold to these distinctives to join Village Church,
but we do want to be transparent that these are what we believe, teach, and
practice.
2.1 Reformed View of Salvation
We affirm the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation.
We believe that salvation is ultimately a work of God - from His eternal
election to His effectual calling. While humans are responsible to repent and
believe, salvation is not dependent on human effort but on God’s gracious
initiative. His glory is magnified when we acknowledge His sovereign rule
over all things, especially in salvation.
Key Scriptures: Psalm 115:3; John 6:37, 44; Romans 8:29–30;
Ephesians 1:3–14; 2:1–10; Philippians 1:29.
2.2 Believers Baptism
We baptise only those who profess personal faith in Christ.
We believe baptism is a public declaration of personal faith, and therefore
is reserved for those who can give credible testimony to their salvation.
We practice baptism by immersion, which beautifully pictures our union with
Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
Key Scriptures: Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 2:38–41; Romans 6:1–11.
2.3 Membership
We encourage formal membership in the local church.
Believers are not only part of the universal church but are called to commit
themselves to a specific local body. Membership reflects this commitment
and enables mutual care, accountability, and participation in the life of the
church. Elders are called to shepherd identifiable members, and members
are called to live out the “one another” commands together.
Key Scriptures: Acts 2:41–47; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Hebrews 13:17;
1 Peter 5:2–3.
2.4 Elder-Led
We affirm leadership by a plurality of Biblically qualified elders.
Scripture teaches that local churches are to be led by godly men who meet
the qualifications outlined in the New Testament. These elders are to shepherd
the flock, teach sound doctrine, and exercise oversight with humility and
accountability.
Key Scriptures: Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–5.
2.5 Expository Preaching
We are committed to the systematic teaching of Scripture.
The Bible is central to our worship and discipleship. Our regular practice
is to preach through books of the Bible, explaining the meaning of the text and
applying it faithfully. From time to time, we also teach topically in order to
address key doctrines or issues.
Key Scriptures: Acts 20:27; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 4:1–2.
2.6 Complementarian
We uphold God’s good design for men and women.
Men and women are equal in value and dignity but have distinct,
complementary roles in the church and the home. We believe leadership in the
local church is reserved for qualified men, but we affirm and encourage the
significant ministry and service of women in the church. We also affirm Biblical
sexuality, marriage between one man and one woman, and loving Christlike
leadership in every context.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 2:18–24; Ephesians 5:22–33; 1 Timothy 2:8–15;
1 Peter 3:1–7.
2.7 Cautious Regarding Miraculous Gifts
We are functionally cessationist, while theologically cautious.
We believe the miraculous sign gifts (e.g., tongues, prophecy, healing) were
primarily associated with the apostles and prophets in the early church. While
we do not dogmatically deny their possibility today, we exercise caution due to
widespread misuse. As a church, we do not practice these gifts publicly unless
they align clearly with Scripture.
Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12–14; Hebrews 2:3–4; Ephesians 2:20.
3. Differences
At Village Church, we acknowledge that believers may hold a variety of
convictions on secondary or disputable matters. These differences, while
important, do not define our church’s identity and should not divide our
fellowship.
Leadership will teach a position on these matters, but unity in Christ and love
for one another remain our highest aim.
Examples of theological differences include:
· Eschatology (end times views)
· Bible translation preferences
· Views on the Sabbath
· Methods of schooling
· Frequency of the Lord’s Supper
We also recognise speculative differences - areas where Scripture is less clear
and where doctrine or practice should not be built (e.g., the timing of Christ’s
return, the authorship of Hebrews).
In all of this, we encourage a Berean spirit (Acts 17:11) - searching the
Scriptures and forming personal convictions with humility and grace. If your
convictions in these areas would prevent you from joyful participation in the
life and teaching of our church, we encourage you to consider joining a
church more aligned with your beliefs.