Core Values
The following are the core beliefs of Ephrata Bible Fellowship Church based on the foundational truths taught in the Bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
God's Presence
We believe that without God's presence, willing and working in us (Phil. 2:13), we are powerless to worship in spirit and truth, grow in the Christian faith, and go into the world with the good news.
Christ-Centered Worship
All of Scripture makes much of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27), along with the command to worship all the members of the trinity (1 Peter 2:9). Therefore, we will worship God with all of our hearts (in spirit) and minds (in truth) in corporate and individual worship.
Prayer
God's people must pray to enjoy a rich relationship with Him, conform themselves to His will as revealed to Scripture, and declare their complete dependence upon His power. Therefore, we want to pray unceasingly in our gatherings and as individuals (1 Thes. 5:17, Mt. 26:39, John 15:5).
Leadership & Church Government
We seek to constantly raise up (2 Tim. 2:20 a plurality of qualified elders and deacons (1 Tim. 3:1-13) who give themselves to the ministry of the Word, Prayer, and Service (Acts 6:1-6). Leaders will also work hard to equip the congregation for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:12).
Expositional Preaching & Teaching
All preaching and teaching centers on Jesus Christ and His gospel (Col. 1:28, 1 Cor. 1:23), as we preach and teach through books and texts of Scripture (2 Tim. 4:2)
that contains the power to save and sanctify human beings (2 Tim. 3:15-17).
that contains the power to save and sanctify human beings (2 Tim. 3:15-17).
Biblical & Practical Teaching
We seek to provide opportunities for systematic doctrinal and practical teaching that is thoroughly biblical and applicable for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Our goal is maturity and holiness in the home, church, and community.
Membership, Service, & Stewardship
We encourage committed membership to a local body (1 Cor. 12), where believers have one mind theologically (Phil. 2:2) and use their spiritual gifts to build each other up (1 Cor. 12:7), and their monetary gifts to support the gospel ministry of the church (2 Cor. 9:7).
Discipleship & Soul Care
We seek to promote individual and corporate discipling, teaching, and mentoring opportunities for all ages (Titus 2:1-10) so that every member becomes mature and complete (Col. 1:28). We realize that living in a fallen world includes sin, suffering, and Satanic attacks, therefore, soul care is necessary to help strengthen the believer and help them endure to the end (Heb. 5:7-9, 1 Peter 5:10).
Fellowship & Love
We encourage our body to fulfill the "one another" passages of Scripture by meeting together in smaller groups in order to love, honor, forgive, share goods, and bear one another's burdens (Rom. 12:10, 14:19, Gal. 6:2).
Mercy & Justice
We seek to visit and take care of shut-ins, widows (1 Tim. 5), orphans (James 2:27), and the poor among us (Gal. 2:10). EBFC will also seek ways to do good to all people, including welcoming people to our church, and reaching out to the lost by providing for their needs, standing up for righteousness, and sharing the gospel.
Evangelism & World Missions
Our Lord has charged us to make disciples of all nations, beginning in the closest neighborhood to reaching the furthest nations with the gospel.