We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of First Place Ministries as a part of the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to First Place Ministries’ employees, volunteers, and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by First Place Ministries (except those who are youth participants in our programs), or who serve as volunteers (except those only working behind the scenes or at public events), agree to and abide by this Statement on Faith, including Core Values, Statement of Belief on Marriage and Sexuality, Statement of Belief on the Sanctity of Human Life, Statement of Belief on the Final Authority for Matters of Belief and Conduct.

Core Values

First Place Ministries believes:

• We recognize that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God and we are saved by faith in God’s one and only Son, Jesus Christ. We believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, God freely offers salvation to those who place their faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.(Ephesians 1:7; John 3:16-18)

• We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Rom. 10:9-10; 1. Cor. 6:9-11).

• The salvation of humanity is completely a work of God’s free grace. It is not in any way the result of human works or goodness. Each person can receive salvation by placing his or her faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

• The entire Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God and that people were moved by the Spirit of God to write the very words of Scripture.
  (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Proverbs 30:5)

First Place Ministries will work to:

• Share the gospel of Jesus Christ as the foundation for true renewal and hope in life.

• Unite the churches that also focus on Jesus, His death and resurrection, to assist them to serve as they are called.

• Love all people unconditionally without regard to race, history, or current condition.

• Offer a safe and loving ministry for youth, volunteers, and staff that produces spiritual growth.

• Operate a ministry that honors God and is above reproach in its fiscal responsibility, integrity, and commitment to the community.

Statement of Belief on Marriage and Sexuality

1. We believe that God wonderfully creates each person as either male or female. These two distinct, complementary sexes together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen. 1:26-27) Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God gifted to and within that person.

2. We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Gen. 2:18-25)

3. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4)

• We believe that any form of sexual immorality (as defined by scripture) is sinful and offensive to God. (Matt. 15:18-20; 1 Cor. 6:9-10)

• We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31) Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of First Place Ministries.

Statement of Belief on the Sanctity of Human Life

• We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Ps. 139)

Statement of Belief on the Final Authority for Matters of Belief and Conduct

This Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of First Place Ministries’ faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our board of directors is First Place Ministries’ final interpretive authority on the Bible’s application.