Our Beliefs

The Hills Church is entirely congregationally-led and supported. We are totally free from any formal denomination or hierarchical association. That being said, we were born of and consider ourselves an active part of a larger fellowship of churches known historically and globally as the Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. For more information about this fellowship of churches, the Christian Standard (a publication stemming from our movement) published a piece which summarizes this movement’s history and mission. Click here to read more.

While faithful, Bible-believing Christians may disagree upon finer points of theology, we seek unity with all followers of Jesus around these beliefs:

About God:

We believe that there is one true God, the creator of the universe, who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As Creator, God seeks justice. As Father, he provides grace. (Matthew 28:19; John 1:1,14; John 14:26; 1 Peter 1:2)

About Jesus:

We believe that Jesus is both human and divine. Jesus is God’s only begotten Son, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, voluntarily died on the cross for our sins, and was bodily raised from the dead. He ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father and acts as a ‘go between’ on our behalf. One day Jesus will return and initiate the end of human history on earth. (John 1:1-18; Acts 2:22-41; Philippians 2:1-11)

About the Holy Spirit:

We believe that the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God. The Holy Spirit provides us power to overcome sin, insight into God’s Word, and personal direction in life. All believers are given the gift of the Holy Spirit at conversion, giving us the power and motivation to pursue spiritual maturity in Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, each person in the body of Christ is given certain gifts to use in ministry. (Luke 11:13; John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:11)

About the Bible:

We believe the Bible is God’s inspired word and was given to provide instruction for what we should believe and how we should live our lives. We believe that the Bible is accurate and reliable, was written under direct inspiration from God, and it is to be followed by all Christians. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21)

About Salvation:

We believe that a human being’s central purpose for existence is to have a close and personal relationship with God. We are created for that purpose. As humans we defied God, choosing to go our own independent way, and because of this were separated from Him. This ‘separation’ took place at the beginning of human history, and all individuals since have been separated and are in need of God’s forgiveness and grace. We all can be forgiven by God and have a close, personal relationship with Him by believing that Jesus is God’s son, repenting of our sin, confessing our faith in Jesus’ power to save us, and being immersed in water as an outward sign of our inner faith. (John 3:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 3:23, 10:9; 1 John 1:9)