What we believe

Rooted in Faith, United in Christ

At FCC, our faith is centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. We hold to the Nicene Creed as a foundation of Christian belief, and we distinguish between essentials of the faith—what unites us as followers of Jesus—and non-essentials, where there is freedom and grace. Our aim is to live out our faith with humility, love, and a deep trust in God’s Word.

Statement of Faith

Forest City Church’s statement of faith is grounded in orthodox Christianity, focusing on essential Christian truths while allowing gracious dialogue on secondary matters..

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made.

For us and our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son]*. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic^ and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

*Early versions of the Nicene Creed do not contain the phrase "and the Son."
^Or "universal."

Essential Truths

● The triune nature of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)

● The deity and humanity of Jesus Christ

● The atoning death and bodily resurrection of Jesus

● Salvation by grace through faith, not works

● The authority and inspiration of Scripture

We commit ourselves to unity around the essential truths of the Christian faith:

Gracious Dialogue

We acknowledge that within the church, there are matters where Scripture allows for faithful diversity. While these doctrines and practices matter, they are not salvific, nor must they divide the people of God and are considered non-essential. On issues such as modes of baptism, spiritual gifts, views on the end times, worship styles, and governance structures, we grant liberty and welcome robust, grace-filled dialogue grounded in God’s Word.

Above all, we choose love. Whether discussing essentials or non-essentials, our speech and conduct reflect the character of Christ. We affirm that Christian belief is inseparable from Christian living. We also affirm that Christian belief is inseparable from Christian living. The gospel not only calls us to right doctrine but also to holy living. While no one is made righteous by works, genuine faith produces repentance and transformation
(James 2:17 ESV; Titus 2:11-12 ESV).

We are a people rooted in truth, walking in grace, and united in love. We contend for the faith without being contentious, firm in the gospel while generous with one another. But love never compromises holiness. Our prayer is that the church would be marked by deep conviction in the essentials, gracious freedom in the non-essentials, and unwavering love and truth in every relationship.

Our Church Governance:

Forest City Church is governed by a board of Elders. By relying on consensual agreement of the Elders selected from the congregation, the church creates healthy checks-and-balances of leadership direction, financial accountability, spiritual guidance, and ministry implementation. Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 20:28-31, James 5:15