STATEMENT OF PRACTICE
Renaissance Church’s beliefs and practices place us firmly amid the historic, orthodox Protestant tradition expressed in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. Our Statement of Practice sets forth our primary theological doctrines. We appreciate that, beyond those primary doctrines, a range of valid, biblically-based beliefs and practices exist.
Although we do not take an official theological position on these matters, we must decide how to practice our faith in these areas. We do so humbly and graciously, with a desire to create an environment in which people who hold to different valid interpretations of the Bible are excited to participate in the life of our church as we pursue our core mission. We encourage individuals to explore these matters through in-depth Bible study, research, discussion, reflection, and prayer.
Ordinances/Sacraments
Renaissance Church recognizes two ordinances/sacraments: baptism and communion. We are comfortable describing these two symbolic acts as “ordinances” since our Lord ordained (i.e., commanded) both. We are also comfortable with the terms “sacraments or “means of grace," both of which emphasize the blessing God bestows.
Although we encourage all believers to be baptized and celebrate communion, we believe neither baptism nor communion is necessary for salvation, nor do they remove sin nor earn us any favor with God.
Believer Baptism
We encourage anyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior to be baptized to celebrate the work that God has accomplished in their life. Believer's baptism symbolizes the believer’s unity with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4). It also symbolizes the cleansing from sin that Christ has provided (Acts 22:16).
We baptize believers by immersion since it most completely symbolizes our unity with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Infant Dedication
Some parents may choose to have their children dedicated to God as a symbol of the parents’ desire to raise their children to become followers of Christ (1 Samuel 1:27–28).
Communion
Renaissance Church celebrates communion regularly in keeping with Jesus’ command to his disciples that we do so to proclaim his death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Communion reminds us of Jesus’ death and resurrection and provides us with an opportunity to examine our lives and enjoy the forgiveness and cleansing from sin he provides. Communion also celebrates the unity we have as a community whose foundation is found in the relationship we each have with Christ.
We encourage all who have put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior to participate in communion, regardless of their affiliation with Renaissance Church or any other local church.
Spiritual Gifts
Renaissance Church believes that the Holy Spirit provides each believer with one or more spiritual gifts to glorify God and build up his church. We encourage all followers of Jesus to seek to know how God has gifted them, develop their spiritual gifts, and exercise these gifts in a way that glorifies him and benefits their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Our understanding of the nature and practice of spiritual gifts is subject to the teaching of the Bible (Romans 12:3–8; 1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40; Ephesians 4:7–16; and 1 Peter 4:10–11). Valid interpretations of these passages include some or all of the gifts mentioned in these passages being active today.
Leadership and Service
We believe that the Bible teaches the full equality of human beings in creation and redemption (Genesis 1:26–28, 2:23, 5:1–2; 1 Corinthians 11:11–12; Ephesians 4:7–13), and we conclude that all qualified persons, whether clergy or lay, are free to exercise their God-given gifts in all ministry and leadership positions in the church (Ephesians 4:11–13). Qualification for service will be determined by character (1 Peter 5:1–5), calling (1 Timothy 4:14), gifts (1 Peter 4:10–11), and preparation.
Other service positions are also open to all who are qualified for those positions.
Stewardship
Renaissance Church believes that all we have—spiritual gifts, talents, abilities, and money—is a gift from God and that we are stewards of all God has given us. We should use what he has given us to bring glory to him and love others (Luke 10:27; 1 Peter 4:7–11).
We understand that the financial situation for each individual and family attending Renaissance Church differs. We hope that our entire church community will aspire to give generously, joyfully, and worshipfully in response to what God has graciously given. Ultimately each person must prayerfully consider how much they will give, understanding that the appropriate amount and timing is between them and God.
Followers of Christ ought to give intentionally in a planned way, whether weekly, monthly, as paid, etc. Spontaneous giving is also appropriate, but it should not replace regular, planned giving (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
We provide various options for making donations (e.g., offering box, online giving, stock donation, etc.), which may change over time.
Fiduciary Responsibility
Renaissance Church takes seriously our fiduciary responsibility (2 Corinthians 8:16–21). All donations made to Renaissance Church are used at the sole discretion of Renaissance Church. Donors may discuss with the church leadership designating their contributions to be used for a ministry previously established by Renaissance Church or a new ministry that could be established.
Renaissance Church provides each donor with an annual summary of their donations. We provide periodic financial reports to the church congregation. These reports update our people regarding how we use their donations and our ongoing financial needs.
We have regular audits and reviews by an independent accounting firm.
