Oaklands Chapel is an independent church coming from the Open Brethren wing of the Christian (Plymouth) Brethren tradition. Theologically our beliefs are compatible with such groups as Fellowship Baptists, Evangelical Free, and Alliance Churches. (See our statement of faith below). We recognize Believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Communion) as the two ordinances Christ left his church. We celebrate the Lord’s Supperweekly as a component of our Sunday Morning worship service. We are non-Charismatic in the modern sense of the term, but firmly believe that God gives gifts of ministry to all his people.

The Statement of Faith of the Church is that:

a) The Holy Scriptures are God-breathed and are, therefore, infallible and authoritative in all     matters of faith and conduct.

b) There is One God, eternally existent in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

c) Our Lord Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh, born of a virgin, truly human yet without     sin. We believe in His miracles, His sacrificial death, His work and His personal return in     power and glory.

d) There is salvation for all lost and sinful mankind through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ     and the regeneration of the Holy Spirit by faith apart from works.

e) The Holy Spirit is given without rite or invocation to all who believe in Christ through the     gospel, and by whose in-dwelling the believer is enabled to live a holy life.

f) There is a living unity and common priesthood of all true believers, who together form the one     universal church, the body of which Christ is the head.

g) The universal church is given visible local expression through the autonomous local church     where the Elders act as under shepherds to Christ and overseers of the local flock.

h) There is resurrection both of the saved and the lost, the saved unto life and the lost unto     condemnation.

Biblical

The Bible is God’s Word.  (1 Tim 3:16)  It is the expression of His mind to mankind.  It is authoritative, definitive and necessary for living.  We receive it with humility and are committed to teach it faithfully and effectively.

Christ Centered

We acknowledge Christ as the “image of the invisible God”, the “Head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18) and the “chief cornerstone” of our salvation (1 Peter 2:6).

Outward focused

We take seriously the Great commission of Matthew 28 to “go and make disciples” – locally and globally.  This is both a directive for the individual believer and a shared responsibility for the whole church.  

Vital relationship with God

We affirm the importance of personal faith that is expressed through individual and corporate worship, prayer, praise and service.  (Rom 12:1,2)

Unity in Leadership

We affirm the principle of team leadership where each is in submission to the Spirit of God and to one another, and view themselves as servants to the Body of Christ (the local church) Mark 10:43-45

Practice of the Sacraments

We take seriously the command of Christ in Luke 22 to remember him through the act of communion.  We view communion as integral to worship and the spiritual health of the church. Therefore, we have chosen to do this at least once a week. We also affirm the importance of baptism following salvation. (Matt 28:19 and Acts 2:38) 

This is an outward expression of personal commitment based on the inward change
that has been effected by the Spirit of God.

You may know the truth through an understanding of what the Bible teaches.

That you may live a fuller, more purposeful life through the power of the indwelling Holy      Spirit.

That You may have a place of meaningful worship and friendly Christian fellowship.

That you may share with others the Good News concerning Jesus Christ.