Our Structure & Beliefs

Christ the Head

In the Assemblies of God Christ is recognized as the head of the Church. He is supreme; and His life is the pattern for all ministry and conduct of the church (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18).

Elected Leadership

The pastor is elected by the local congregation. He leads through exhortation of the Word and example. The pastor is responsible for much of the public ministry and day-to-day operation of the local church. A board of deacons is elected to assist the pastor and help conduct the business operation of the church (Ephesians 4:11, 12; 1 Timothy 3:8-13).

Sovereignty of the Local Church

Within the fellowship of the Assemblies of God there are two classifications of churches – General Council affiliated churches and district affiliated churches. General Council affiliated churches enjoy full autonomy, having developed to the point of where they are self-governing and self-supporting. These fundamental principles have been catalysts for growth in the Fellowship. District affiliated churches are those which have not yet developed to the point where they qualify for full autonomy. All assemblies are required to adhere to the Statement of Fundamental Truths and a biblical pattern of conduct.

Leadership And Accountability

CLA is a sovereign body, a General Council church that is part of the North Carolina District Council. The NCDC oversees the ministries in their areas, such as camps and outreaches, as well as provide ministry opportunities and avenues of fellowship for ministers and constituents. Districts also recommend ministers for national credentialing. They are authorized to lead, solving matters of leadership and direction for local assemblies. They operate as a type of regional leadership between the local church and the national Fellowship.

Our Beliefs

16 Fundamental Truths

Four Core Beliefs

Salvation

Are there ever really any second chances in life? Yes.  The Bible calls it Salvation. 

Salvation is God’s second chance for every one of us. ” The doctrine of Salvation forms the core of our Christian faith by proclaiming God’s victory over sin in our lives.  This truth results in deliverances, healings and restored lives.  Whether a new member or a mature Christian, every believer should have a clear understanding of salvation and the difference this truth makes in our lives and churches.  (John 3:3, Romans 10:13-15, Ephesians 2:8)

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit

“The baptism in the Holy Spirit provides the believer with an empowering for witness and to live a life pleasing to God. ”

The doctrine of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is our distinctive.  This truth explains the passion and power of our witness.  Jesus promised His followers they would receive power from on high so that they would be His witnesses.  We believe this truth is just as relevant today as our Fellowship continues to take the gospel message around the globe.  Accompanying the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the evidence of spiritual language.  (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31)

Divine Healing

“Christ’s death on the cross not only provides for forgiveness of sin, but also healing for sickness.  The One who gave you the gift of eternal life…is the same One who can heal your body. ”

Wherever Jesus went, He ministered with compassion and healed the sick.  Christ’s example showed an interconnection with salvation as many believed following their healing. Our Lord continues to heal today and it is vital that the church preach, teach and practice this biblical truth.  Scriptures command believers to pray in faith and trust God for the outcome.  (Isaiah 53:4-5, Matthew 8:16-17, James 5:14-16)

The Second Coming

With the world experiencing natural disasters, economic downturns and increasing uncertainties on many fronts, the doctrine of Christ’s Second Coming is more relevant than ever.  Believers must rest in the certainty of the imminent return of our Lord and share this hope with others. 

Wherever Jesus went, He ministered with compassion and healed the sick.  Christ’s example showed an interconnection with salvation as many believed following their healing. Our Lord continues to heal today and it is vital that the church preach, teach and practice this biblical truth.  Scriptures command believers to pray in faith and trust God for the outcome.  (Isaiah 53:4-5, Matthew 8:16-17, James 5:14-16)


2 Ordinances

(1) Water Baptism by Immersion after repenting of one’s sins and receiving Christ’s gift of salvation (Matthew 28:19, Acts 10:47-48). 

(2) Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death for our salvation. (1 Corinthians 11:26)


10 Additional Truths

The Scriptures are Inspired by God and declare His design and plan for mankind. 

(2 Timothy 3:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21)

There is only One True God–revealed in three persons…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity).

(Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:10, 11, Matthew 28:19, Luke 3:22)

In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ.  As God’s son Jesus was both human and divine.  We recognizeHis virgin birth (Matthew 1:23), His sinless life (Hebrews 7:26), His miracles (Acts 2:220, His substitutionary work on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:3), His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6), andHis exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9-11). 

Man, though originally good, willingly fell to sin–ushering evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world. 

(Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:17, Genesis 3:6, Romans 5:12-19). 

The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is ‘Spiritual Language, ’ as experienced on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles. Spiritual Languagein this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues, but is different in purpose and use. 

(Acts 2. 4, 1 Corinthians 12:4-10, 1 Corinthians 12:28). 

Sanctification initially occurs at salvation and is not only a declaration that a believer is holy, but also a progressive lifelong process of separating from evil as believers continually draw closer to God and become more Christlike. 

(Romans 12:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:12)

The Mission of the Church is to seek and save all who are lost in sin.  We believe ‘the Church’ is the Body of Christ and consists of the people who, throughout time, have accepted God’s offer of redemption (regardless of religious denomination) through the sacrificial death of His son Jesus Christ. 

(Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 2:22, Hebrews 12:23). 

This mission includes. . . 

  • To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world. 
  • To be a corporate body in which man may worship God. 
  • To be a channel of God’s purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son. 
  • To be a people who demonstrate God’s love and compassion for all the world. 

Divinely Called, Scripturally Ordained Leadership Ministry Serves the Church.  The Bible teaches that each of us under leadership must commit ourselves to reach others for Christ, to worship Him with other believers, and to build up or edify the body of believers–the Church. 

(Mark 16:15-20, Ephesians 4:11-16, Psalms 112:9)

Christ’s Millennial Reign occurs when Jesus returns with His saints at His second coming and begins His benevolent rule over earth for 1, 000 years.  This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel and the establishment of universal peace. 

(Zechariah 14:5, Matthew 24:27-30, Revelation 1:7)

A Final Judgment Will Take Place for those who have rejected Christ.  They will be judged for their sin and consigned to eternal punishment in a punishing lake of fire.

(Matthew 25:46, Mark 9:43-48, Revelation 19:20)

We look forward to the perfect New Heavens and a New Earth that Christ is preparing for all people, of all time, who have accepted Him.  We will live and dwell with Him there forever following His millennial reign on Earth.  ‘And so shall we forever be with the Lord!’

(2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21, Revelation 22)
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