Pastor Michael W. Gharst
The Authority of Scripture
I believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible, inerrant, and sufficient Word of the living God. It is the final and absolute authority in all matters of faith, doctrine, and practice. Scripture alone is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), and it stands above all human opinion, tradition, and experience. My preaching, teaching, and leadership are submitted wholly to the authority of God’s Word. I am committed to preaching the Scriptures faithfully, clearly, and without compromise, believing that the Word of God is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).
The Doctrine of God
I believe in one true and living God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is sovereign over all creation, perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, and abounding in mercy and truth. He created all things for His glory (Isaiah 43:7), sustains all things by His power, and rules over all things according to His perfect will (Psalm 115:3).
The Person and Work of Jesus Christ
I believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and fulfilled the law perfectly. He died on the cross as a substitutionary atonement for sinners, bearing the wrath of God in their place (Isaiah 53:5). He rose bodily from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven, and now reigns as Lord. He is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), and there is no salvation apart from Him (Acts 4:12).
The Doctrine of Salvation
I believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). Man, in his natural state, is fallen, sinful, and unable to save himself (Romans 3:10–12). Salvation is entirely the work of God’s grace, not human merit or effort. God calls, regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and preserves His people by His sovereign power. All who truly repent and believe in Jesus Christ are forgiven, declared righteous, and adopted into the family of God.
My theology stands in agreement with the biblical truths recovered and proclaimed during the Protestant Reformation through faithful servants such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and faithfully preached by pastors like Charles Spurgeon, who exalted the sovereignty of God and the sufficiency of Scripture.
The Doctrine of the Church
I believe the Church is the body of Christ, composed of all true believers. Christ is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18), and the mission of the Church is to glorify God through worship, preaching the Word, making disciples, and proclaiming the Gospel to the world (Matthew 28:19–20). The local church is called to be a pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
The Role of the Pastor
I believe the pastor is called by God to shepherd the flock, preach the Word, guard sound doctrine, and care for the souls entrusted to him (1 Peter 5:2–4). My calling is to preach Christ faithfully, feed the church with the Word of God, protect the church from false doctrine, and lead with humility, conviction, and love.
I am committed to expository preaching, believing that the faithful preaching of Scripture is the primary means God uses to save the lost and sanctify His people.
The Glory of God as the Highest Aim
I believe that the ultimate purpose of all things is the glory of God (Romans 11:36). Therefore, my life, my ministry, and my preaching exist for this one great end: to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ and to see His name honored among His people and throughout the earth.
Closing Affirmation
This statement reflects my sincere theological convictions and my commitment to faithfully shepherd the church of the Lord Jesus Christ according to His Word. I stand firmly upon the foundation of Scripture alone, grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, and for the glory of God alone.
Signed,
Pastor Michael W. Gharst
