THE CHURCH AT TAMPA IS COMMITTED TO TEACHING AND APPLYING BIBLICAL TRUTH.

Churches have a responsibility to continue the teachings of Jesus.

From the first century church in Jerusalem to the American church today, churches have had an obligation to demonstrate and share these Biblical truths in a powerful and compelling way. Paul’s words to the New Testament churches communicate this mandate (Romans 12; Ephesians 1:15-23; 4:1-16; Philippians 2:1-18; Colossians 1:3-14 & 28; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10). As churches obey, radical life changes occur for all who hear the truth and believe Jesus Christ paid the payment of sin by His death and resurrection.

The Church at Tampa is committed to teach, apply, and live Biblical truth in every aspect of daily life, both as individual followers of Jesus and as a congregation. We are devoted to obeying the Scripture in the local context of our lives together as His Church (Acts 2:42-47).

It is our prayer that through our obedience to Jesus’ commands and teachings, those outside the community of Christ will come to know Him. We pray others will be drawn to an authentic relationship with Him through the Biblical truth being lived out and His love for others being expressed (Matthew 22:34-40; Matthew 28:18-20; John 13:34-35).

God

We believe in one God (Dt. 6:4; Mk. 12:29), Creator of all things (Gen. 1:1; Ps. 33:6; Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 11:3), holy (Ex. 15:11; Isa. 6:3; 57:15), infinitely perfect (Dt. 32:4; Job 1:7-10; Ps. 18:30; 50:2; 90:2; 145:3; Matt. 5:48), and eternally existing (Ps. 33:11; 102:25-27; 115:3; Dan. 4:34-35; Jn. 5:26; Acts 17:24-25) in a loving unity (Jn. 3:35; 17:24; 1 Jn. 4:8,16) of three equally divine Persons (Jn. 17:11; Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Pet. 1:2): the Father (Dt. 32:6; Matt. 6:6; Rom. 8:15; 1 Cor. 8:6), the Son (Matt.3:17; Jn. 1:14; 3:16; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 1:5), and the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15; Rom. 8:9, 26; Gal. 4:6). Having limitless knowledge (Ps. 139:1-16; 147:5; Isa. 46:10; Jn. 21:17) and sovereign power (Jer. 32:17; Eph. 1:11; Rm. 8:28; 2 Cor. 6:18; Eph. 3:20; Rev. 1:8), God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself (1 Cor. 2:7; Eph. 1:11; 3:10,11; 2 Tim. 1:9; Tit. 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:20; Rev. 13:8) and to make all things new (Matt. 19:28; Acts 3:21; Rom. 8:19-21; Rev. 21,22) for His own glory (Ps. 19:1-2; Isa. 43:7; Jer. 13:11; Col. 1:15-23; Rev. 4:11; 5:9- 14). 

Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:21; 16:18) is God incarnate (Jn. 1:14, 18; 1 Jn. 4:2), fully God (Isa. 9:6; Jer. 23:6; Jn. 1:1; 20:28; Rom. 9:5; Col. 2:9) and fully man (Matt. 4:2; Lk. 2:40, 52; Jn. 11:35; Heb. 5:7-8; 1 Jn. 1:1-3), one Person in two natures (Jn. 3:13; 10:30; 17:5). Jesus—Israel's promised Messiah (Gen. 3:14-20; 12:1-3; 49:8-12; 2 Sam. 7:11b-16; Matt. 1:1, 17; Lk. 4:16-22; 24:25-27; Jn. 1:41; 4:25-26; Acts 2:36; 13:23,32; Rom. 1:2-3; 2 Tim. 2:8,9)—was conceived through the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:18; Lk. 1:34,35) and born of the virgin Mary (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:20; Lk. 1:34,35). He lived a sinless life (Rom. 5:19; Gal. 4:4,5; Matt. 3:15; Phil. 2:7,8; Heb. 4:15), was crucified under Pontius Pilate (Dt. 21:23; Ps. 16:10; Matt. 27:26; Mk. 15:15; Lk. 23:16; Jn. 19:16; Acts 2:27, 37), arose bodily from the dead (Matt. 28:1-10; Mk. 16:1-8; Lk. 24:39; Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:20, 44-45; Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5), ascended into heaven (Lk. 24:51; Acts 1:6-11; Eph. 1:20; 4:8-10; 1 Tim. 3:16) and sits at the right hand of God the Father (Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 1 Pet. 3:22) as our High Priest (Heb. 2:17; 3:1; 4:14; 6:20; 8:1) and Advocate (Rom. 8: 34; Heb. 7:25; 9:24; 1 Jn. 2:1).

The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 16:14). He convicts the world of its guilt (Jn. 16:8; 1 Cor. 2:14). He regenerates sinners (Ezek. 36:25-27; Jn. 3:3, 5; 1 Cor. 12:3; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:5; Col. 2:13; 1 Thess. 1:4-5; 2 Thess. 2:13; Tit. 3:5; Jms. 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:3), and in Him they are baptized (Mk.1:8; Acts 1:5; 1 Cor. 12:13) into union with Christ (Rom. 3:24; 5:15-21; 12:5; 1 Cor. 1:2; 5:19; 15:22b; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 1:22; 2:17; 3:28; Eph. 1:4; 2:12; 3:6; 4:32; 2 Tim. 2:10; 1 Thess. 4:16) and adopted as heirs (Rom. 8:15, 23; 9:4; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5; Tit. 3:7) in the family of God (Matt. 12:49-50; 2 Cor. 6:18; Eph. 3:14; 1 Jn. 3:14-18). He also indwells (Jn. 14:17; Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 3:16), illuminates (1 Cor. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:4-15; Eph. 1:17-19; Phil. 1:9-11), guides (Jn. 16:13; Acts 15:28; Rom. 8:4, 14; Gal. 5:16, 18), equips (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12: 4-10; Eph. 4: 7-11; 1 Pet. 4:10-11) and empowers (Acts 1:8; 10:38; Rom. 15:13; 1 Cor. 12:11; Eph. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:7) believers for Christ-like living and service (Acts 6:8; Rom. 8:4-6, 12-16; 2 Cor. 13:14; Gal. 3:3, 5; 5:22-23, 25; Eph. 2:22; 4:3; Phil. 2:1-2).

Christian Living

We believe that God's justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose (Matt. 7:17-18; 12:33, 35; Heb. 11:6; Eph. 2:10; 1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17, 23; 2 Thess. 2:13; 5:23; 2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Jn. 2:29; 3:9; 5:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Tit. 3:5; 1 Cor. 6:11; Rom. 6:11, 14; 1 Pet. 1:15; Phil. 2:12-13; Heb. 12:1, 14; Rom. 6; 2 Tim. 1:9; Jms. 2:17; 1 Pet. 2:24; 2 Pet. 1:3-11). God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially (Dt. 6:5; Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:37-39; Mk. 12:30; Lk. 10:27) and to live out our faith with care for one another (Rom. 12:10; 14:13; 15:7, 14; Gal. 5:26; Eph. 4:32; 1 Thess. 3:12; 5:11, 15; Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Pet. 4:9), compassion toward the poor (Dt. 15:11; Psa. 82:3,4; Psa. 140:12; Prov. 14:21,31; 19:17; 22:9,16,22,23; 28:8; 29:7; 31:8,9; Jer. 22:16; Gal. 2:10; Jms. 1:27) and justice for the oppressed (Ex. 23:6; Lev. 19:15; Psa. 82:3,4; 140:12; Prov. 29:7; 31:9; Isa. 1:17; Jer. 9:24; Mic. 6:8; Zech. 7:9,10; Matt. 23:23; Luke 4:18). With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name (Eph. 6:10-18), we (Heb. 3:13; 10:25), are to combat the spiritual forces of evil (2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 6:11, 12; 2 Tim. 4:7; 1 Jn. 5:3-4). In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people (Matt. 28:19; Jn. 20:21; Rev. 7:9), always bearing witness to the gospel (Acts 1:8) in word and deed (Matt. 5:13- 16).

The Bible

We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures (Matt. 1:22; 4:4; 19:4,5; Heb. 1:1- 2), both Old and New Testaments (2 Pet. 3:15,16), through the words of human authors (Lk. 1:1-4). As the verbally inspired Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20,21), the Bible is without error in the original writings (Num. 23:19; 2 Sam. 7:28; Prov. 30:5; Ps. 119:96, 160; Matt. 5:18; Jn. 10:35; 17:17; Tit. 1:1,2), the complete revelation of His will for salvation (Lk. 16:29-31; Gal. 1:8,9; 2 Tim. 3:15), and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged (Jn. 17:17; 1 Tim. 3:15-17; 1 Pet. 1:23; Ps. 119:44,45,165). Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches (Matt. 22:29; Rom. 15:4; 2 Tim. 3:16), obeyed in all that it requires (Matt. 28:20; 2 Thess. 3:14; 1 Jn. 2:5), and trusted in all that it promises (Rom. 1:2; 4:21; Heb. 10:23; 2 Pet. 1:4; 3:13).

The Human Condition

We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image (Gen. 1:26-27; 5:1; 9:6; 1 Cor. 11:7; Col. 3:10; Jms. 3:9), but they sinned when tempted by Satan (Gen. 3:1-6; Jn. 8:44; Rom. 5:12-14; 16:20; 2 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim. 2:13-14). In union with Adam (Job 14:4; Ps. 51:5; Jn. 3:6; Rom. 3:12; 5:12-14; 1 Cor. 15:22a; 1 Jn. 1:8), human beings are sinners by nature and by choice (Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9; Isa. 6:5; Rom. 5:15; 8:5-8; Eph. 2:1-2; 4:17-19), alienated from God (Rom. 5:10), and under His wrath (Rom. 1:18; 2:5; 3:9-19; 3:23; Eph. 2:3). Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5) can we be rescued (1 Thess. 1:10), reconciled (Rom. 5:1,2,10; Col. 1:20) and renewed (Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:24; Phil. 3:21; 1 Jn. 3:2). 

The Work of Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative (Gen. 2:15-17; Matt. 4:1-11; Mk. 1:12-13; Lk. 4:1-13; Rom. 5:18-19; 1 Cor. 1:30; 15:45, 47; Phil. 3:9) and substitute (Mk. 10:45; Heb. 2:16-17; 1 Pet. 2:24; 3:18), shed His blood on the cross (Lev. 17:11; Matt. 26:28; Heb. 9:14, 22; 10:19; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Rev. 12:10-11) as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice (1 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 9:23-24, 26, 28; 10:1; 13:11, 12) for our sins (Isa. 53:5-7, 12; Jn. 1:29; Rom. 3:21-26; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13; 1 Jn. 3:5). His atoning death (Rom. 3:25; Heb. 2:17; 1 Jn. 2:2; 4:10) and victorious resurrection (Col. 1:13; 2:13-15; Heb. 2:14-15) constitute the only ground for salvation (Rom. 4:25; 6:4, 11, 14; 1 Cor. 6:14; 15:20; 2 Cor. 4:14; Eph. 1:19-20; 2:5-6; 1 Pet. 1:3). 

The Church

We believe that the true church (Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:4-6; 5:25; Heb. 12:28) comprises all who have been justified by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone; to the Jew first and also to the Gentile (Rom. 1:16; Ps. 103:12; Isa. 44:22; Jn. 3:16; Acts 16:31; Rom. 3:20-28; 4:3; 5:1, 21; 8:1, 30, 33-34; 10:4, 9; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 3:9; Tit. 3:7; Heb. 10:14). They are united by the Holy Spirit in the Body of Christ (Eph. 2:11-22; Rom. 11:11-24; 1 Cor. 12:12-27), of which He is the Head (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:15-16; Col. 1:18; 2:19). The true church is manifest in local churches (Acts 9:31; 20:28-30; Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 1:2; 16:19; 2 Cor. 1:1; 1 Thess. 1:1; Philem. 1-2), whose membership should be composed only of believers (Matt. 18:15-20; Acts 2:41, 47; 14:23; 20:7; 1 Cor. 1:2, 9; 11:20; 12:13; 14:40; 16:1-2; 1 Tim. 3:1- 13; 5:9; Tit. 1:5-9; Heb. 10:25). The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism (Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:12) and the Lord’s Supper (Matt. 26:26-29; Mk. 14:22-25; Lk. 22:15-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26), which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer (Jn. 6:55-56; Acts 2:38; 8:39; 16:34; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:29-30; Col. 2:12).

Christ's Return

We believe in the personal, bodily (Matt. 24:30; 26:64; Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7) and premillennial (Rev. 20:1-10) return of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 25:31; Tit. 2:13; 2 Thess. 1:6-8; Rev. 19:11-21). The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God (Matt. 24:36; Mk. 13:32), requires constant expectancy (Matt. 24:42-51; Rom. 13:11- 14; 1 Thess. 5:1-11; Jms. 5:8,9; 2 Pet. 3:10-14; Rev. 3:3) and, as our blessed hope (Tit. 2:13), motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission (2 Thess. 1:6-8; 2 Tim. 4:8; Tit. 2:14; Heb. 9:28; 1 Jn. 3:2-3; 2 Pet. 3:10-14).

Response & Eternal Destiny

We believe that God commands everyone everywhere (Acts 17:30; 20:20) to believe the gospel (Mk. 1:15; Jn. 6:29; 8:24; 11:26; 14:1; 20:31; Acts 16:31; Rom. 3:22; 10:14; Gal. 3:22; 1 Tim. 1:16; 1 Pet. 1:8; 1 Jn. 3:23) by turning to Him in repentance (Isa. 55:6-7; Lk. 24:47; Acts 2:37-38; 3:19; 14:15; 17:30; 20:21; 26:17,18; Rom. 2:4; 2 Cor. 7:9-10) and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:12). We believe that God will raise the dead bodily (Isa. 26:19; Dan. 12:2; 1 Cor. 15; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 20:13) and judge the world (Ecc. 12:14; Matt. 12:36; 26:31-32; Acts 17:31; Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 20:12), assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment (Matt. 25:46; Lk. 16:26; 2 Thess. 1:9; Rev. 14:11; 21:6,8; 22:14,15), and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord (Matt. 25:34, 46; Jn. 14:2; Rev. 21:1-3), in the new heaven and the new earth (Isa. 65:17; 66:22; Rom. 8:19-21; Heb. 12:26;27; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1; 22:3), to the praise of His glorious grace (Eph. 1:6, 12).

CHURCH GOVERNMENT

House Church Leader

House Churches are a vital part of The Church at Tampa and will be an ongoing core value as we strive to equip, teach, and practice authentic Biblical community. Therefore, the House Church Leader is someone who fully embraces the House Church philosophy in word and practice.The House Church Leaders are appointed by the Elder/Pastor- Teacher and are accountable to him, as well as the Deacons, for the ongoing health of the House Church they are shepherding. Each House Church is to stay connected to the congregation in all aspects of body life, and the House Church is never intended to become its own “church.” The House Church Leader is responsible to accomplish the purpose for House Church and will be encouraged and equipped to be successful in that endeavor by the Elder/Pastor-Teacher and Deacons. (cf. Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12)

Elder

The Elder is the primary spiritual leader of a congregation. The term elder in the New Testament is interchangeable with pastor, shepherd, bishop and overseer (cf. Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-2). In the Greek language, the term pastor is poimen and means,“shepherd.” In Ephesians 4:11, Paul speaks of four offices of the New Testament church – apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor-teacher. The Elder/ Pastor-Teacher is Spirit called and gifted for the task of leading the church; equipping the believers to do the work of the ministry, teaching Biblical doctrine, and helping the church appropriately apply Biblical truth. The Elder/Pastor-Teacher is the under shepherd for the congregation and should be seen as such with appropriate and healthy expectations. (cf. Ephesians 4:12-16; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Peter 5:1- 2; Hebrews 13:17)

Deacon/Deaconess

The term deacon in the Greek language is diakonos and means, “servant.” This term was used both for men and women who served the local congregations. The Church at Tampa sees this Biblical office as an assistant to the Elder/Pastor-Teacher. The Deacon/ Deaconess are appointed by the Elder/Pastor- Teacher for the purpose to care for the physical and logistical needs of the church so that the Elder/ Pastor-Teacher can concentrate on his primary calling. These individuals also serve for the purpose of executing and leading certain ministries as designated by the Elder/Pastor-Teacher. This office is crucial to the on-going ministries of The Church at Tampa in the present and future.(cf. Acts 6:1-7; Philippians 1:1-2; 1 Timothy 3:8-12; 1 Timothy 3:11; Romans 16:1-2)

Service Team Leader

The Service Team Leader is tasked with overseeing, organizing, implementing, and visioning for the area of service in which they lead.The Service Team Leader is appointed by the Deacons and affirmed by the Elder/Pastor-Teacher. The Service Team Leader is accountable to the Deacons, and the Deacons are responsible to equip, encourage, and do everything necessary to help the Service Team Leader be successful in their respective ministries. (cf. Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12)

Congregation

The New Testament teaches the congregation of a local church has authority to self-determination as led by the Holy Spirit and is an autonomous entity. (cf. Acts 15:12, 22-25, Colossians 1:18; 1 Peter 2:9- 10)The congregation of The Church at Tampa is part of the universal Bride of Jesus Christ. She is a group of followers who are united through Christ. The Church at Tampa has been granted authority to execute the Biblical mandate for the purposes of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, being led by the Holy Spirit in all aspects of her Biblical responsibility. The congregation of The Church at Tampa is accountable to the Holy Spirit for her obedience to the Scriptures and through her Spirit-called leaders. (cf. Hebrews 13:17) She is also responsible to support the leadership of the Elder/Pastor-Teacher and Deacon. This involves giving Biblical insight and wisdom on certain decisions that affect the entire body, and participation in determining Elder/Pastor- Teacher and Deacon leadership when necessary.It is incumbent on the congregation, via each member, to advance the agenda of the Holy Spirit as given in the New Testament. (cf. Hebrews 10:19-25)