Sanibel Community Church

DISTINCTIVES

We are a non-denominational community church. While it is impossible for us to fully embrace and affirm the tenets of all denominations, we make every effort to be a place where people from a wide range of denominational backgrounds feel at home. In the midst of our denominational diversity, there are several distinctives that are important to us.

We affirm both the centrality of the Bible and a diversity of expressions in our corporate worship. Our corporate worship gatherings are Bible-saturated in content and Bible-governed in their components, yet eclectic in musical style and expression to reflect the diversity of our non-denominational church family.

We affirm that by the Holy Spirit, God imparts gifts to His people. In accordance with Scripture we affirm the operation of Spiritual gifts in His Church today.

We affirm Christian baptism. As a non-denominational church, we accept people into membership who were baptized as infants, or who received baptism by sprinkling or pouring; however, our practice of baptism is immersion of believers.

We affirm sexual purity. We consider sexual intimacy to be a precious gift of God to be experienced only in the covenant relationship of marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Gen. 2:18-25)

We affirm the sanctity of life. God is the author of life and we join with Him in upholding the value of life. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically and mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are pro-active in promoting alternatives to abortion or euthanasia, proclaiming the sufficiency of God’s grace and mercy in the time of need.

We affirm gender identity as male or female. We believe that God wonderfully and immutably created each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen. 1:26-27)

We affirm evangelism and missions. We are a Great Commission congregation. We are intentional in reaching these islands for Christ…and beyond these islands to the world with a serious commitment to world missions, including the sending of mission teams.

We affirm the necessity of prayer. Daily individuals and groups are praying. We encourage every follower of Christ to be devoted to prayer.

We affirm the priesthood of all believers. We believe that every follower of Christ is a minister, gifted, equipped and called to be involved in the extension of Christ’s Kingdom throughout the earth.

We affirm spiritual growth through intentional discipleship and nurturing. Sanibel Community Church is a training center, equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Through Christian Education and Bible studies, we intentionally assist in the process of growing in spiritual maturity.

We affirm the priority of nurturing children. We come alongside the family to assist in the spiritual growth of children from cradle to adulthood. Our Christian Education and LOGOS Program are disciple programs for children of all ages.

We affirm the necessity of Christian Fellowship. We enjoy being together as God’s people, bearing one another’s burdens and sharing one another’s joys. Our courtyard fellowship time is an important time of connecting as a church family. Our small groups are not only an opportunity for spiritual growth, but a vital part of our Christian fellowship.

We affirm the unity of the Church. Our Covenant of Membership statement reflects our commitment to guard the unity of the church. We affirm the unity of the local Church, as well as the Whole Body of Christ throughout the earth.

We affirm mercy ministries expressing the compassionate care of Christ. We are committed to reaching out and administering the “cup of cold water” in Jesus’ Name. We are concerned about the needs of the total person; spiritual, emotional, and physical. As Christ’s representatives, we will provide assistance to help meet these needs.