Welcome and Introduction
If you’re interested in visiting us and you immediately went to this page, you’re in good company. Understanding the doctrines held and taught by a church is crucial, and we’re glad you’re taking the time to learn about us.
To guide us in this area, history has blessed us with robust confessions of faith—documents that summarize many (though not all) of Scripture's key teachings. These confessions are not on the same level as Scripture but serve as helpful tools for understanding its truths.
Highland View Baptist Church subscribes to two confessions of faith: one historic and one modern. These are the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith and The Baptist Faith & Message (2000, with 2023 Amendment).
Below, we’ve highlighted some of the doctrines we hold dear. These are either particularly important or address culturally sensitive issues, and we want to be transparent about where we stand.
To guide us in this area, history has blessed us with robust confessions of faith—documents that summarize many (though not all) of Scripture's key teachings. These confessions are not on the same level as Scripture but serve as helpful tools for understanding its truths.
Highland View Baptist Church subscribes to two confessions of faith: one historic and one modern. These are the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith and The Baptist Faith & Message (2000, with 2023 Amendment).
Below, we’ve highlighted some of the doctrines we hold dear. These are either particularly important or address culturally sensitive issues, and we want to be transparent about where we stand.
Key Doctrines
1. Biblical Inerrancy
We believe the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments are of both divine and human origin and that the original manuscripts are without error. The vast number of surviving copies ensures the reliability and accuracy of modern translations, such as the English Standard Version (ESV) and the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).
2. Justification by Grace Alone Through Faith Alone in Christ Alone
We affirm that humanity fell into sin through our first parents and that salvation cannot be earned by any works of our own. Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, bore the punishment for all who trust in Him. His perfect obedience is credited to us, freeing us from condemnation and imputing His righteousness to us by grace alone, through faith alone. Good works are not the root of our salvation but the fruit of it.
3. The Doctrines of Grace (Five Points of Calvinism)
4. Regenerate Church Membership
The local church should consist of those with a credible profession of faith. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are reserved for believers. Church leadership is entrusted to pastors (elders), and the congregation governs key decisions, such as membership, leadership, and budgets.
5. Biblical Views on Gender and Sexuality
We affirm that God created humanity as male and female, with gender being a divine and immutable gift. Marriage is defined as the lifelong union of one man and one woman. Homosexuality is a sin, but those who struggle with it are to be treated with civility, love, and truth.
6. Complementarianism
Men and women are equal in value and dignity but have complementary roles.
7. Responsibility of Church Authority and Its Limitations
The local church must lovingly discipline members in unrepentant sin, up to and including excommunication, while celebrating repentance and restoration. In cases involving criminal activity, the church is obligated to involve civil authorities as ordained by God to uphold justice.
We believe the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments are of both divine and human origin and that the original manuscripts are without error. The vast number of surviving copies ensures the reliability and accuracy of modern translations, such as the English Standard Version (ESV) and the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).
2. Justification by Grace Alone Through Faith Alone in Christ Alone
We affirm that humanity fell into sin through our first parents and that salvation cannot be earned by any works of our own. Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, bore the punishment for all who trust in Him. His perfect obedience is credited to us, freeing us from condemnation and imputing His righteousness to us by grace alone, through faith alone. Good works are not the root of our salvation but the fruit of it.
3. The Doctrines of Grace (Five Points of Calvinism)
- Total Depravity: Every aspect of humanity is affected by sin, though we are not as sinful as we could be.
- Unconditional Election: God chose us for salvation not based on our merits but for His glory.
- Limited Atonement: Christ’s atoning death effectively secured salvation for the elect.
- Irresistible Grace: When the Holy Spirit calls a person to salvation, they cannot ultimately resist.
- Perseverance of the Saints: Genuine believers will persevere in faith, and those who fall away were never truly regenerated.
4. Regenerate Church Membership
The local church should consist of those with a credible profession of faith. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are reserved for believers. Church leadership is entrusted to pastors (elders), and the congregation governs key decisions, such as membership, leadership, and budgets.
5. Biblical Views on Gender and Sexuality
We affirm that God created humanity as male and female, with gender being a divine and immutable gift. Marriage is defined as the lifelong union of one man and one woman. Homosexuality is a sin, but those who struggle with it are to be treated with civility, love, and truth.
6. Complementarianism
Men and women are equal in value and dignity but have complementary roles.
- In the Family: Husbands are called to lead sacrificially, and wives to submit lovingly, as unto the Lord.
- In the Church: While men and women serve in various roles, the office of pastor is reserved for qualified men.
7. Responsibility of Church Authority and Its Limitations
The local church must lovingly discipline members in unrepentant sin, up to and including excommunication, while celebrating repentance and restoration. In cases involving criminal activity, the church is obligated to involve civil authorities as ordained by God to uphold justice.
Pastors
Chris Hughes
Pastor since 2014 Husband to Katie Hughes Father to Treye, Kassandra, Wesley, Gabriella, and Coleena Pastor@HighlandView.org |
Drew Brummet
Associate Pastor since 2024 Husband to Hope Brummet Father to Elijah and Addie PastorDrew@HighlandView.org |