As an oasis in the desert we are a Spirit-filled, Christ-like, God-glorifying body of believers. We faithfully preach and teach God’s word, applying its truths to all aspects of our lives. Individually we are committed to God, the study of His Word, the pursuit of holiness and faithful service to God’s kingdom according to our giftedness.
We compassionately welcome each individual. We build one-on-one relationships – loving, encouraging and equipping one another for the next step in our walk with Christ. We are a fountain of refreshment where God is glorified and love for one another reigns. With prayer and God’s empowerment, we offer Living Water to those who thirst as we boldly proclaim the gospel of Christ within our community and around the world.
As a church we exist ultimately to Glorify God (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Cor. 10:31) and that we also must fulfill the great commission given in Matthew 28:19-20. We believe that scripture has given to us a threefold responsibility in both our lives and through the ministry of the local church in Matthew 18. This threefold responsibility includes (1) Reaching, (2) Teaching, and (3) Training.
REACH – We believe that Christ has given us the command to reach those who do not know Him. Therefore we desire to share the Good News with our community and the world.
TEACH – Believers who grow in a relationship with God are pleasing to Him. We believe that knowing God is building a relationship with Him and learning to love Him more. Desert Foothills strives to help believers grow in that relationship by teaching the truth of God’s Word.
TRAIN – Once believers grow in their knowledge and love for God, we believe that service is the next step. our church provides opportunities to serve God through many different ministries and service opportunities.
We value LOVE as the foundation of the two greatest commandments, to love God and to love others, as given by Christ (Matthew 22:37-39). Therefore, we are committed to lives of selflessness, kindness, and patience toward others in response to God’s love to us (1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 1 John 4:19).
We value INTEGRITY as a characteristic of God demonstrated by Christ (1 Peter 2:22, 23). Therefore, we are committed to lives of consistency, honesty, and trustworthiness regardless of the cost (1 Samuel 12:1-5).
We value HOLINESS as the desire to pursue Christlikeness continually in all areas of life as commanded by God throughout His Word (1 Peter 1:15-16; Leviticus 20:26). Therefore, we are committed to holiness both individually and corporately through the Word, worship, prayer, accountability, and encouraging others for the glory of God.
We value PEOPLE as they are precious in the eyes of the Lord both inside and outside the church (Luke 12:7). Therefore, we are committed to demonstrate Christ’s love and compassion in our service and outreach to others (1 Corinthians 16:14).
We value UNITY as being single-minded in glorifying God and passionately pursuing oneness through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:3). Therefore, we are committed to unity both individually and corporately through harmony, peace, and humility within our relationships and service to one another (Philippians 2:1-4).
OUR BAPTIST DISTINCTIVES
Biblical Authority (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21)
Autonomy of the local church (Matt. 18:17; Acts 6:1-7)
Priesthood of the believer (1 Pet. 2:1-9)
Two Ordinances:
Baptism (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:41)
the Lord’s supper (1 Cor. 11:23-25)
Individual soul liberty (Romans 14:5, 12)
Two Offices:
Pastors (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1-7)
Deacons (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:8-13)
Separation:
Personal – from wordliness (1 John 2:15-17)
Ecclesiastical – from compromise (Acts 5:29; Galatians; Rev. 18:4)
Governmental – from state religion (Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:29)