What we Believe

Peace Haven has adopted a group of 6 principles we call SIMPLE, which is an acronym for them. In addition, we accept the Apostles Creed as a bottom-line statement of what we believe.

SIMPLE Principles

Scripture is taught

  • The Bible is the Word of God, authored by God through human beings. Its words are true and authoritative, serving as the foundation for all truth. The Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and practice. It is an inerrant document in its original writings and context.
  • Engaging deeply with the study of Scripture helps to align our thoughts and actions with God’s.
  • “All Scripture is divinely inspired and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16
  • “They devoted themselves continually to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to breaking bread, and prayer.” Acts 2:42

Intimacy with God is pursued

  • Our first and most important relationship is with God.
  • “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37
  • As we fellowship with Him and with each other, He clarifies our mission and adds meaning to our lives.
  • Fellowship among believers results from our relationship with God and our shared mission.

Mission is accepted

  • Because Jesus became the sacrifice for our sins, each of us is a priest with direct access to God.
  • “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
  • The New Testament does not recognize classes of believers.
  • The words clergy and layman do not appear in the New Testament.
  • Each of us has gifts, talents, and functions that enable us to do our portion of God’s work.
  • God desires that each one of us find our fit and our function to enable us to fulfill His mission.
  • Each of us is a member of the body of Christ and an associate in ministry.

Prayer is practiced

  • God informs and guides us in response to our prayers.
  • Prayer is both a personal and corporate act.
  • Corporate worship is a form of corporate prayer.
  • “Again, truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:19-20

Leadership is encouraged

  • Because each of us is a priest in God’s kingdom, we have an opportunity to serve God and others.
  • He wants us to take on the responsibilities related to our calling.
  • Taking on God-given opportunities and responsibilities provides a basis for a meaningful life.

Empowerment is by the Spirit

  • Because all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, we need a power greater than ourselves to live the life and do the work He has called us to.
  • When you were born again, you received the Holy Spirit to empower you to live the life God calls you to live.
  • The empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the teachings of Scripture, being fervent in prayer, and living in fellowship with other believers, strengthens us to live out our calling.

The Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit

Born of the Virgin Mary

Suffered under Pontius Pilate

Was crucified, dead, and buried.

He descended to the place of the dead.

On the third day, He rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

He is seated at the right hand of God the Father, Almighty.

He will come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.