Our Guiding Principles

Discover the core beliefs that shape The "Barn" Ministry, from our theological foundations to how we apply them in our community and daily lives.

Our Core Theological Beliefs

At The "Barn" Ministry, our faith is built upon foundational truths. We uphold the standard view of the Trinity, believing in one God existing as three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We believe salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not through human efforts or religious rituals. The Bible is our primary guide, held as infallible and inerrant, shaping our teaching and daily living.

Beliefs Regarding Salvation

We Believe salvation by the blood of Jesus Christ represents the ultimate sacrifice made to forgive humanity's sins and restore a relationship with God. According to the Bible, the shedding of Christ's blood on the cross serves as the payment for sin, offering believers redemption, justification, and eternal life.

The concept of being saved by the blood encompasses several core theological meanings:

  • Repentance: In the Bible, to repent means to ask God to forgive you for sin in your life, then turn away from your sin and follow Jesus. You will experience a radical "change" in your heart and mind regarding sin. Rather than just feeling sorry or guilty, it involves a complete change of perspective that results in intentionally turning away from a life of sin and turning toward God to live in obedience to Him. The Holy Spirit living within you will help you to do this and teach you along the way.  Acts 2:38,  Acts 17:30, Acts 3:19, Mark 1:15, 2 Corinthians 7:10, John 14
    • Atonement & Forgiveness: The shedding of blood is described in the scriptures as necessary for the remission of sins. The Bible explains that His blood satisfies the spiritual debt owed to God for humanity's failures. Romans 3, Hebrews 9:22, Ephesians 1, 1 John 1
    • Redemption: To redeem means to buy back. Through His blood, believers are set free from the bondage of sin and God's wrath.
    • Justification: Christ’s sacrifice removes the guilt of sin, allowing individuals to stand righteous and blameless before God.
    • The New Covenant: The shedding of blood instituted a new agreement between God and His people, shifting from the Old Testament system of animal sacrifices to the ultimate, once-and-for-all sacrifice of Jesus.

    This salvation is not earned through good works, but is received as a free gift of grace. It is faith and works together. Christian teachings emphasize that it is accessed through faith—believing in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God, and confessing it to be true.

    Beliefs Regarding Baptism

    We view baptism as a public declaration of faith following a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ, rather than a ritual that saves. We practice "believer's baptism" by full immersion in water, symbolizing Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

    Key aspects of our beliefs include:

    • Age of Accountability: Baptism is reserved for individuals who are old enough to understand their sin.  In the New Testament, baptism follows the preaching of the Gospel. In Acts 2:38, individuals were told to "repent and be baptized" for the forgiveness of sins, which assumes the person is old enough to feel sorrow for sin and understand their need for a Savior.
    • Symbolic Meaning: We view baptism as an outward symbol of an inward transformation, representing the washing away of sin and the beginning of a new life with God.
    • Step of Obedience: Baptism is considered an important act of obedience to Christ's teachings, rather than a requirement for salvation itself.
    • Salvation: We Believe that salvation comes before Baptism. (See above)

    Beliefs Regarding Spiritual Gifts

    We believe that the spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament, such as those in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4, are still active today. These "manifestation gifts" of the Holy Spirit include wisdom, knowledge, faith, miraculous healings, prophecy, and speaking in tongues.

    We teach that the Holy Spirit empowers believers with unique gifts to serve the church, demonstrate the power of the Gospel, and live out their faith beyond Sunday services. While we welcome the Holy Spirit's moving, we emphasize that these gifts should be practiced in an orderly, edifying, and scripturally aligned manner.

    Our Non-Denominational Approach

    Being "non-denominational" means The "Barn" Ministry operates as a Christian Church independent of any specific national or global denomination. We uphold core Christian beliefs shared across many traditions, focusing on biblical teaching, following Jesus, and living out our faith in community.

    Our beliefs emphasize the authority of Scripture, the centrality of the gospel, and fostering a warm, welcoming community that puts faith into action. This approach allows us to focus directly on God's word and its application in our lives.

    "The Barn Ministry's teachings have deepened my understanding of faith and strengthened my walk with Christ."

    A devoted member