About

We believe Jesus invites us to abide with him, not just believe in him. Therefore, we cultivate rhythms that help us slow down, pay attention, and live aware of God’s nearness in every moment of life.
John 15:4 – Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

We believe Jesus is not only Savior but Lord. Therefore, we order our lives around his teachings, surrendering our will, habits, and desires so that our lives increasingly reflect his way.
John 5:10–11 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

We believe following Jesus is a shared life, not a solo journey. Therefore, we commit to loving one another with honesty, humility, and grace, growing together as a spiritual family shaped by Christ’s love.
John 13:34–35 Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples.

We believe Jesus sends his people to embody his love in the world. Therefore, we live outward-focused lives, joining God’s work of renewal by loving our neighbors, proclaiming the gospel in word and deed, and multiplying discipleship
John 17:17–18 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.  As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

We believe there is one living and true God who, in essence, while eternally existing, is three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all having the same nature, attributes, and perfections.
(Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 2:13, 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)

God the Father is the creator of the universe and is a personal God who desires a relationship with all people. He is a supernatural being who has always existed. He is the ruler of all creation who also hears and answers prayer. He is perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love.
(Genesis 1:1; Psalm 89:26; Isaiah 9:6; John 6:27, 45-46; I Corinthians 8:6; II Corinthians 1:3; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 5:20; Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 2:13, 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)

Jesus Christ is God’s only begotten Son. We believe in His conception by the Holy Spirit, virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, teachings, and that He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He rose from the dead on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven and will return again to earth to reign as Lord and King.
(Ephesians 4:1-8; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; I John 5:20; Isaiah 53:3-12)

The Holy Spirit is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.
(John 14:16-17, 26, 15:26, 16:7-14; Galatians 5:18, 22-25; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 6:19-20)

The Bible is God’s Word to all people, written by human authors through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the foundational source of truth and authority for all Christian beliefs and living. God inspired it without error.
(John 17:17; II Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 30:5)

The true Church is composed of all people who trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Believers are united together in the “Body of Christ,” of which Jesus is the head. Friends Church is a group of believers who have organized themselves for doing the work of God’s ministry. Our church is responsible to provide opportunities for fellowship, growth, teaching, and serving by using one’s spiritual gifts as given by the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 12:5; I Corinthians 12:12-28; Ephesians 3:6, 4:11-16, 5:23)
(Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 2:13, 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)
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This document, entitled Faith and Practice, describes the beliefs, values, structures, and
processes of Friends Southwest and its churches.
This document is a way to understand who
we are and who we are endeavoring to become. It includes history that summarizes the origins
of Friends, the theological tenets we hold with other Christian traditions, Friends distinctives,
and our approach to current social issues. Further, it guides us on how we have agreed to live
and work together, outlining the organization of our churches and denomination.

At the moment we become Christians we are baptized into the Body of Christ, and this spiritual baptism is completely sufficient for the believer.
(Mark 1:8; Ephesians 4:4-6; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:11-12; Luke 3:16; I Peter 3:21)
Water baptism by immersion, following conversion, is not necessary for salvation or spiritual standing before God. It is, rather, a public proclamation of what has already taken place inwardly; a death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ.
(Acts 2:28, 8:12, 16, 36-39, 10:47; Matthew 28:16-20)

Our relationship to God as believers provides us with the privilege of moment-by-moment communion with God. It is this silent communion of our spirit with the Spirit of God that is essential to our continued walk with Him.
(John 6:33, 48, 51, 14:16; Romans 8:11; Ephesians 3:14-17a; II Corinthians 13:5; Revelations 3:20)
The Lord's Supper is the practice of consuming bread and wine in remembrance of Christ's body and blood, given for us at the cross. The elements carry no inherent spiritual power, but God has given us this physical act as a scripturally appointed way to remember His sacrifice and examine our hearts in light of it.
(I Corinthians 11:23-28, 10:16-17; Luke 22:17-20)