Statement of Faith

  • Our Position on the Triune God

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, which teaches that there is one God who exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are co-equal and co-eternal, each fully God, yet there is only one God. This belief is foundational to our faith and is supported by numerous passages in Scripture.

    The Plurality of God in Scripture

    From the very beginning of the Bible, God refers to Himself in the plural, indicating a complex unity within the Godhead:

    Genesis 1:26 (NKJV): “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’”

    Genesis 3:22 (NKJV): “Then the Lord God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever—’”

    Isaiah 6:8 (NKJV): “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”

    These references to “Us” and “Our” suggest a plurality within God, which is further revealed in the New Testament as the Trinity.

    The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as God

    Scripture clearly teaches that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are each fully God, yet they are distinct persons with different functions within the Godhead:

    The Father is God:

    John 6:27 (NKJV): “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

    1 Peter 1:2 (NKJV): “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.”

    The Son is God:

    John 1:1 (NKJV): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

    John 20:28 (NKJV): “And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”

    Colossians 2:9 (NKJV): “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”

    The Holy Spirit is God:

    Acts 5:3-4 (NKJV): “But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.’”

    1 Corinthians 3:16 (NKJV): “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

    These passages demonstrate that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all recognized as God, fully sharing in the divine nature.

    Distinct Functions within the Trinity

    While the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equal in their divine nature, they have different roles or functions:

    The Father: The Father is often seen as the source of creation, the one who sends the Son into the world, and the one to whom prayers are directed.

    1 Corinthians 8:6 (NKJV): “Yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.”

    The Son (Jesus Christ): The Son is the one who redeems humanity through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection. He reveals the Father to us and intercedes on our behalf.

    John 14:9-10 (NKJV): “Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.’”

    The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the one who regenerates believers, sanctifies them, and empowers them for service. He also convicts the world of sin and guides believers into all truth.

    John 14:26 (NKJV): “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

    Romans 8:26 (NKJV): “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

    These distinct roles show how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in perfect unity to accomplish God’s will.

    Our Conclusion

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we affirm the doctrine of the Trinity as essential to our faith. We believe that the one true God exists eternally in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each of whom is fully God, equal in divine nature, yet distinct in function. This understanding of the triune nature of God is rooted in Scripture and has been a core belief of the Christian faith throughout history.

    We recognize that the mystery of the Trinity is profound, but it is a mystery that draws us deeper into the love and fellowship of God, who is both one and three. This belief in the triune God shapes our worship, our understanding of salvation, and our daily walk with the Lord.

  • Our Position on Salvation

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we believe that salvation is received through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. This faith is the only way to receive forgiveness of sins, be restored to a right relationship with God, be born again as a new creation, and secure one’s eternal destination in heaven. We affirm that while good works are evidence of genuine faith, they are not the means by which a person is saved. Salvation is by grace through faith alone.

    Forgiveness of Sins

    The Bible teaches that all have sinned and are in need of forgiveness. This forgiveness is granted through faith in life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who took upon Himself the penalty for our sins when He was crucified:

    Romans 3:23-24 (NKJV): “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

    Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV): “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

    1 John 1:9 (NKJV): “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

    Faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death on the cross is the only means by which we receive forgiveness and are cleansed from our sins.

    Restored Relationship with God

    Through faith in Jesus Christ, our broken relationship with God is restored. Jesus is the mediator between God and humanity, reconciling us to the Father:

    Romans 5:1 (NKJV): “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

    2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NKJV): “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”

    John 14:6 (NKJV): “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

    Faith in Jesus bridges the gap between us and God, bringing us into a restored relationship with Him.

    Becoming Born Again (A New Creation)

    When a person places their faith in Jesus Christ, they are born again, becoming a new creation. This spiritual rebirth is a work of the Holy Spirit, making us new in Christ. We believe that this regenerative work by the power of the Holy Spirit is critical for salvation:

    John 3:3 (NKJV): “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”

    2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

    Titus 3:5 (NKJV): “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”

    Being born again is a transformative work that makes us new in Christ, marking the beginning of a new life in God.

    Securing Eternal Destination in Heaven

    Faith in Jesus Christ secures our eternal destiny in heaven. The promise of eternal life is given to all who believe in Him:

    John 3:16 (NKJV): “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

    John 10:28-29 (NKJV): “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”

    1 John 5:11-13 (NKJV): “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”

    Through faith in Jesus, believers are assured of eternal life and a secure place in heaven with God.

    Salvation by Faith, Not Works

    While good works are the evidence of genuine faith, the Bible is clear that salvation is not earned by works but is a gift of God’s grace received through faith in Jesus Christ:

    Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV): “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

    Galatians 2:16 (NKJV): “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”

    Romans 4:5 (NKJV): “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.”

    Salvation is a free gift from God, not something we can earn through our own efforts. It is received by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Consequently, in regards to baptism, for example, we believe the work of baptism in and of itself doesn’t save, but baptism must be done in obedience to Christ after one has put saving faith in Him.

    1 Peter 3:21 (NKJV): “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

    Our Conclusion

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we affirm that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ. It is through faith in His finished work on the cross and His resurrection that we receive forgiveness of sins, are restored to a right relationship with God, are born again as new creations, and secure our eternal destiny in heaven. We reject the notion that works alone can save a person’s soul, recognizing that salvation is by grace through faith alone. Our good works are a response to the grace we have received, not a means to earn it.

    This foundational belief in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is central to our faith and the message we share with the world. We invite all to place their trust in Jesus, receiving the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life with God.

  • Our Position on the Bible

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we believe that the Bible is the inerrant, infallible Word of God. We hold that all Scripture is inspired by God and is fully authoritative and trustworthy in all matters of faith and practice. We are committed to teaching the full Word of God from cover to cover and equipping believers to develop a personal relationship with God through daily personal Bible study.

    The Inerrancy and Inspiration of Scripture

    We believe that the Bible, in its entirety, is the inspired Word of God. Every word of Scripture is “God-breathed” and without error in the original manuscripts. This belief is grounded in the understanding that the Holy Spirit guided the authors of Scripture to write precisely what God intended:

    2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV): “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

    2 Peter 1:20-21 (NKJV): “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

    Psalm 12:6 (NKJV): “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.”

    These passages affirm that the Bible is not merely a collection of human writings but the very Word of God, free from error and fully reliable.

    The Authority of Scripture

    Because the Bible is the Word of God, it holds supreme authority over all aspects of our lives. It is the final standard for truth, teaching, and correction, and it is sufficient to guide us in all matters of faith and practice:

    Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV): “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

    Matthew 24:35 (NKJV): “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

    Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV): “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”

    The Bible is unchanging and eternally relevant, providing the foundation for our beliefs, our decisions, and our daily lives.

    Teaching the Full Counsel of God

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we are committed to teaching the full counsel of God’s Word, from Genesis to Revelation. We believe that every part of Scripture is valuable and necessary for understanding God’s character, His plan for redemption, and His will for our lives:

    Acts 20:27 (NKJV): “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”

    Romans 15:4 (NKJV): “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

    We seek to present the entirety of Scripture, ensuring that our teaching is balanced, comprehensive, and rooted in the truth of God’s Word.

    Developing a Personal Relationship with God through Bible Study

    We believe that the Bible is not only a book to be taught but also a living Word that fosters a personal relationship with God. Daily personal Bible study is essential for spiritual growth and intimacy with God:

    Joshua 1:8 (NKJV): “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

    Psalm 119:105 (NKJV): “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

    John 15:7 (NKJV): “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

    We encourage all believers to engage with Scripture daily, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s truth, guide their steps, and deepen their relationship with Him.

    Our Conclusion

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we stand firmly on the belief that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God. It is our ultimate authority for faith and life, and we are committed to teaching its full counsel from cover to cover. We also believe in the importance of personal Bible study as a means of developing a close, personal relationship with God. As we study and live out the truths of Scripture, we are continually transformed into the image of Christ, equipped for every good work, and grounded in the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

  • Our Position on Worship

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we believe that corporate worship is a vital and necessary part of our faith. It is a time of celebration, praise, and exaltation of our God, where we come together as a community to express our love, gratitude, and reverence for Him. We are convicted to worship passionately, loudly, and with a variety of instruments and voices, as the Bible encourages us to do. We also embrace various expressions of worship, including dancing, shouting, singing, bowing, and lifting holy hands, all of which are deeply rooted in Scripture.

    The Necessity of Corporate Worship

    We believe that gathering together for corporate worship is essential for the life of the church. It is a time to unite our hearts and voices in praise, to encourage one another, and to experience the presence of God together:

    Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV): “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

    Psalm 95:1-2 (NKJV): “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.”

    Corporate worship is a time to celebrate God’s goodness, to declare His praises, and to exalt His name together as a body of believers.

    Worshiping Passionately and Loudly

    The Bible encourages us to worship God with passion and enthusiasm, using our voices and instruments to declare His greatness. We believe that worship should be an expression of the joy and gratitude we have in our hearts:

    Psalm 100:1-2 (NKJV): “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.”

    Psalm 150:3-6 (NKJV): “Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!”

    These scriptures show that worship is meant to be vibrant, expressive, and full of life, involving our voices and instruments in a joyful noise unto the Lord.

    Passionate Outward Expression During Worship

    Dancing in Worship

    We believe that dancing is a biblical expression of worship, a way to physically express our joy and celebration in the presence of God:

    Psalm 149:3 (NKJV): “Let them praise His name with the dance; let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.”

    2 Samuel 6:14 (NKJV): “Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod.”

    Just as King David danced before the Lord with all his might, we too are free to express our worship through dance, celebrating God’s presence and His works.

    Shouting and Singing in Worship

    Shouting and singing are powerful expressions of worship that declare God’s victory and majesty. We believe that our voices should be lifted in praise, proclaiming His goodness:

    Psalm 47:1 (NKJV): “Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!”

    Psalm 98:4 (NKJV): “Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.”

    Shouting and singing are integral to our worship, allowing us to express our love for God and our gratitude for His salvation.

    Bowing, Kneeling and Lifting of Hands in Worship

    Bowing and lifting our hands are expressions of reverence, surrender, and adoration. These acts of worship reflect our submission to God’s authority and our desire to honor Him:

    Psalm 95:6 (NKJV): “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”

    1 Timothy 2:8 (NKJV): “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”

    These actions are outward expressions of an inward posture of humility and reverence before God.

    Our Conclusion

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we are committed to worshiping God passionately and wholeheartedly, both individually and corporately. We believe that worship is a time of celebration, praise, and exaltation, where we express our love for God with all that we are. The Bible encourages us to worship with a variety of expressions—singing, shouting, dancing, bowing, and lifting our hands—and we embrace these as part of our worship experience.

    We teach and encourage our congregation to engage in worship with their whole being, knowing that God is glorified when His people worship Him in spirit and in truth. Our worship is not just a ritual but a vibrant, joyful, and reverent response to the greatness of our God, who is worthy of all praise and honor.

  • Our Position on the Gifts of the Spirit

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we firmly believe in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit as described in the New Testament. We do not adhere to cessationist theology, which asserts that the spiritual gifts ceased with the apostolic age. Instead, we hold that these gifts are active and essential for the church today, meant to glorify God and edify the saints. Additionally, we emphasize that the exercise of these gifts must be done in an orderly fashion.

    Pursuing Spiritual Gifts

    The Bible is clear that we are to pursue the gifts of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit distributes these gifts to those He chooses, and He can change the gifting in people from season to season according to His will:

    • 1 Corinthians 12:31 (NKJV): “But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”

    • 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV): “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.”

    • 1 Corinthians 12:11 (NKJV): “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”

    Biblical Basis for the Continuation of Spiritual Gifts

    1. Scriptural Evidence for Gifts: The New Testament provides clear evidence that the gifts of the Spirit were given to the church for its ongoing ministry:

    • 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NKJV): “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”

    • Romans 12:6-8 (NKJV): “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

    1. Continuation of Gifts: There is no scriptural basis for the belief that these gifts were intended to cease. On the contrary, the gifts are intended to continue until the return of Christ:

    • 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 (NKJV): “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.”

    • 1 Thessalonians 5:20 (NKJV): “Do not despise prophecies.”

    • 1 Corinthians 14:39 (NKJV): “Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.”

    Orderly Operation of the Gifts

    We believe that the gifts of the Spirit should be operated in an orderly manner, in accordance with biblical instruction. We also believe that the spirit of those who prophesy is subject to the individual and that Holy Spirit-filled believers are expected to bear the fruit of self-control in their ministry:

    • 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 (NKJV): “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

    • Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

    Love as the Motivation

    We believe that love must be the foundation and motivation behind the exercise of spiritual gifts. The strategic placement of 1 Corinthians 13, often called the “Love Chapter,” between 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 underscores this principle:

    • 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV): “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”

    Yielding to the Holy Spirit

    We believe in being led by the Holy Spirit at all times and must be willing to yield to His influence whenever believers gather. We do not believe in limiting the power of the Holy Spirit. Wherever the people of God gather in corporate worship, we should be willing to yield to His Spirit and His giftings. This includes our Sunday Worship Encounters, prayer meetings, small group gatherings, and more.

    • Acts 2:17-18 (NKJV): “‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.’”

    • Ephesians 5:18-19 (NKJV): “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

    Our Conclusion

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we embrace the gifts of the Spirit as vital to the life and ministry of the church. We commit to operating these gifts in an orderly manner, ensuring they glorify God and edify the body of Christ. We remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our gatherings, always seeking to yield to His presence and power for His glory and the edification of His people. Above all, we are motivated by love, ensuring that all our actions and operations are grounded in the love of Christ.

  • Our Position on Church Hierarchy and Leadership

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we believe in a biblical church hierarchy that reflects the structure established by the early church, guided by the principles of the New Testament. We affirm the importance of the 5-fold ministry offices, the qualifications for eldership as outlined in Scripture, and the practice of church discipline done in love. We also emphasize that promotion into leadership positions must be prompted by the Holy Spirit and not driven by human ambition or striving.

    The 5-Fold Ministry Offices

    We believe that the 5-fold ministry offices are foundational to the leadership and growth of the church. These offices are given by Christ to equip the saints and build up the body of Christ:

    Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV): “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

    These five offices—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—serve different functions within the church, working together to ensure that the church is equipped, edified, and unified in the faith.

    Qualifications for Eldership

    We believe that the qualifications for eldership, which include pastoral leadership within the church, are clearly outlined in the New Testament. Elders are responsible for shepherding the flock, teaching sound doctrine, and leading by example. The qualifications for eldership are as follows:

    1 Timothy 3:1-7 (NKJV): “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

    Titus 1:5-9 (NKJV): “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”

    These qualifications ensure that those who lead the church do so with integrity, humility, and a commitment to sound doctrine.

    Church Discipline and Restoration

    We believe that church discipline is a necessary practice to maintain the purity and integrity of the church. However, it must be carried out in love and with the primary goal of restoring the individual to fellowship with God and the church:

    Matthew 18:15-17 (NKJV): “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.”

    Galatians 6:1 (NKJV): “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

    Church discipline is meant to protect the flock from harmful influences while seeking to restore the one who has fallen into sin. It is carried out with a heart of compassion, always aiming for reconciliation and healing.

    Church discipline is also meant to be done by the leading of the Holy Spirit and not the will of man. Therefore, our eldership will carry out discipline on a case-by-case basis as directed by the Holy Spirit

    Promotion and Leadership

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we believe that promotion into leadership positions within the church must be directed by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, not by human ambition or striving. Leadership in the church is a calling, and it is the Holy Spirit who equips and appoints individuals to these roles:

    Acts 20:28 (NKJV): “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

    1 Peter 5:2-4 (NKJV): “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

    We believe that true leadership comes from a heart that is submitted to God and His will, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and direct the process of raising up leaders in the church.

    Our Conclusion

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we affirm a church hierarchy that reflects the biblical model of leadership. We believe in the 5-fold ministry offices as essential to equipping and edifying the body of Christ. We uphold the qualifications for eldership as outlined in 1 Timothy and Titus, ensuring that those who lead do so with integrity and sound doctrine. Church discipline is carried out in love, with the goal of restoration and protection of the flock. Finally, we believe that promotion into leadership must be guided by the Holy Spirit, not by human striving, ensuring that those who lead are called and equipped by God.

    This structure is designed to maintain the health, unity, and spiritual growth of the church, all while glorifying God and fulfilling His purposes in our community.

  • At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the church, which is the belief that Christians will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air before the period of tribulation begins on the earth. We hold this position based on several key scriptural insights that indicate God’s plan to spare His church from the coming judgment.

    God’s Wrath Poured Out on Jesus

    We believe that God has already poured out His wrath on His Son, Jesus Christ, on behalf of humanity. As a result, those who are in Christ will not face the same judgment that is reserved for the unbelieving world:

    Romans 5:9 (NKJV): “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”

    1 Thessalonians 1:10 (NKJV): “And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”

    1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NKJV): “For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ”

    Revelation 6:17 (NKJV): “For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (Referring to the beginning of the Great Tribulation)

    Since God has already judged sin through the sacrifice of Jesus, we believe He will not pour out his wrath on Christians in the same way He will on the world during the tribulation.

    Jesus’ Teachings on the Rapture

    Jesus taught that before the rapture occurs, life will continue as usual, with people engaged in everyday activities, unaware of the imminent return of the Lord. He emphasized the importance of being ready and praying to be worthy to “escape” the coming wrath:

    Matthew 24:37-39 (NKJV): “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”

    Luke 21:34-36 (NKJV): “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

    These teachings of Jesus underscore the importance of being spiritually vigilant and ready for His return, as the rapture will occur suddenly and without warning.

    The Pattern of Rescue from the Days of Noah and Lot

    When Jesus spoke of His return and the rapture of the church, He likened it to the days of Noah and Lot. In both of these scenarios, God spared the righteous from the judgment that came upon the wicked:

    Luke 17:26-30 (NKJV): “And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.”

    We believe that just as Noah and Lot were spared from the destruction that came upon the earth, so too will the church be spared from the wrath of the tribulation.

    The Restrainer in Thessalonians

    In the book of 2 Thessalonians, Paul speaks of the “restrainer” who holds back the revelation of the Antichrist until the proper time. We believe this restrainer is the Holy Spirit working through the church. Once the church is removed through the rapture, the Antichrist will be revealed:

    2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 (NKJV): “And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.”

    This passage supports our belief that the church will be taken out of the world before the tribulation, allowing the Antichrist to be revealed and the period of judgment to begin.

    Paul’s Comfort to the Church in Thessalonica

    In his letters to the Thessalonians, Paul sought to comfort the believers who were troubled by a false letter claiming they had missed the rapture and were already in the Day of the Lord. Paul assured them that they had not missed the rapture and reminded them of the events that would occur before the Day of the Lord:

    2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (NKJV): “Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.”

    1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NKJV): “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

    Paul’s letters were intended to reassure the Thessalonian believers that they had not missed the rapture and that they should not be deceived by false reports. He encouraged them to stand firm in their faith, knowing that the rapture would occur before the tribulation

    Historical Context of Pre-Tribulation Doctrine

    Some critics of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture argue that this theology began with John Darby in the 19th century. However, historical evidence suggests that the doctrine of a Pre-Tribulation Rapture was taught in the early church long before Darby. Early Christian writings indicate a belief in the imminent return of Christ and the deliverance of the church from coming judgment:

    **Irenaeus** (130 A.D. – 202 AD): Irenaus was a Bishop of The Church in Lyons, France.  He (Irenaeus) was an Eyewitness to The Apostle John (who wrote The Book of Revelation) and a Disciple of Polycarp (The First of The Apostle John’s Disciples).  He stated, “And therefore, when in the end the Church shall be suddenly caught up from this, it is said, ‘There shall be tribulation such as has not been since the beginning, neither shall be.’” (Irenaeus, Against Heresies, 5.29)

    The Shepherd of Hermas (2nd century AD): This early Christian text also contains references to the church being delivered from the coming tribulation.

    Ephraim the Syrian (4th century AD): In his sermon On the Last Times, the Antichrist, and the End of the World, Ephraim wrote, “For all the saints and Elect of God are gathered, prior to the tribulation that is to come, and are taken to the Lord lest they see the confusion that is to overwhelm the world because of our sins.”

    Eusebius (4th century AD): Eusebius known as the Father of Church History, who wrote:

    “The cataclysm of the destruction of the ungodly shall not happen before those men who were found of God at that time are gathered into the ark and saved according to the pattern of Noah. All the righteous and godly are to be separated from the ungodly and gathered into the Heavenly Ark of God.” (Eusebius, The History of the Church)

    These historical references demonstrate that the idea of a pre-tribulation rapture existed well before John Darby, showing that this doctrine is rooted in early Christian thought.

    Our Conclusion

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we hold to the belief in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture based on the understanding that God, having already poured out His wrath on Jesus, will not judge Christians in the same manner as the world. We believe that, as in the days of Noah and Lot, God will spare His church from the coming judgment. Additionally, we believe that the rapture will occur before the Antichrist is revealed, as the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit through the church will be removed.

    We also understand that some believers hold to a Post-Tribulation Rapture view, believing that the church will go through the tribulation before being caught up with Christ. While we do not share this conviction, we recognize that this is a non-salvific doctrine, meaning it does not pertain to the core essentials of salvation. Therefore, we approach this topic with grace and respect for those who hold different views, understanding that our shared hope in Christ’s return unites us as believers.

    This belief in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture is a source of hope and encouragement for us, as we look forward to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together with Him before the tribulation begins.

  • Our Position on Free Will and Sovereignty

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we believe in both the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. We acknowledge that these two concepts, often seen as opposing views in Calvinism and Arminianism, coexist in Scripture without contradiction. We believe that God is sovereign over all creation, yet He grants humanity free will to choose or reject Him. While God’s will is perfect and all-encompassing, He allows for human freedom and the consequences that come with it, including sin, suffering, and eternal damnation. This understanding allows us to embrace the tension between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility.

    God’s Sovereignty and Election

    Scripture clearly teaches that God is sovereign and that He exercises His will over all creation, including the election of those who will be saved:

    Ephesians 1:4-5 (NKJV): “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.”

    Romans 8:29-30 (NKJV): “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

    Isaiah 46:10 (NKJV): “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.’”

    These passages affirm that God, in His sovereignty, elects and predestines individuals according to His purpose and will.

    Human Free Will and Responsibility

    While God is sovereign, the Bible also emphasizes human responsibility. People are accountable for their actions and decisions, including the choice to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation:

    Deuteronomy 30:19 (NKJV): “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”

    Joshua 24:15 (NKJV): “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

    Romans 14:12 (NKJV): “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.”

    These verses highlight the reality of human choice and the responsibility each person has to respond to God.

    God’s Perfect Will vs. Permissible Will

    Not everything that occurs on earth is in line with God’s perfect will. Scripture shows that while God is sovereign, He allows certain things to happen within His permissible will, including sin, suffering, and even people’s rejection of Him:

    2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV): “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

    Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV): “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

    Matthew 23:37 (NKJV): “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!”

    These scriptures show that although God desires all to come to repentance and be saved, He allows people the freedom to reject Him, leading to their own destruction.

    The Mysterious Coexistence of Sovereignty and Free Will

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we accept that God’s sovereignty and human free will can coexist without contradiction. God, in His sovereignty, has made provision for human freedom. He orchestrates His divine plan while respecting the free will He has given to humanity:

    Philippians 2:12-13 (NKJV): “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

    Romans 9:16 (NKJV): “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.”

    These verses demonstrate that while we are called to respond to God’s grace, it is ultimately God who works in us, guiding our will and actions according to His purpose.

    Our Conclusion

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we embrace the tension between God’s sovereignty and human free will. We believe that God, in His sovereignty, elects and predestines according to His perfect will, while also allowing humans the freedom to choose or reject Him. This dual reality reflects the complexity of God’s nature and His relationship with humanity. We affirm that truly loving God is only possible with the gift of free will, which allows us to choose Him out of genuine love and not compulsion.

    We hold that both the sovereignty of God and the free will of man are biblical truths that coexist in the mystery of God’s divine plan. In His infinite wisdom, God makes provision for these truths to work together, ultimately fulfilling His purpose while allowing us the freedom to choose Him.

  • Our Position on Benevolence

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we believe that part of our calling as followers of Christ is to steward our resources to bless those in need. We are committed to being a generous and compassionate community, prioritizing the care of those within our local church while also extending help to others as the Lord leads. Our approach to benevolence is guided by Scripture and prayerfully considered on a case-by-case basis.

    Prioritizing the Needs of Our Local Church

    Scripture teaches us to care for those within our own community of believers, placing a special emphasis on meeting the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ:

    Galatians 6:10 (NKJV): “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

    Acts 4:34-35 (NKJV): “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.”

    These verses emphasize the importance of ensuring that the needs of our local church family are met. At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we prioritize helping those who are part of our congregation, recognizing that our responsibility begins at home.

    Stewarding Resources Wisely

    We believe that the resources God has entrusted to us must be stewarded with wisdom and care. This means that our benevolence efforts are not just about giving, but about giving wisely, ensuring that our support is effective and aligned with God’s will:

    1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV): “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

    Proverbs 21:20 (NKJV): “There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.”

    We strive to be faithful stewards of the resources God has provided, seeking to use them in ways that bring glory to Him and genuinely help those in need.

    Prayerfully Considering Benevolence Opportunities

    AtKappes Chatfield Ministries, we recognize that not every need presented to us is one that God is calling us to meet directly. We believe in the importance of prayerfully discerning each benevolence opportunity, considering it on a case-by-case basis:

    James 1:5 (NKJV): “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

    We seek God’s guidance in all our benevolence efforts, asking for His wisdom to make decisions that align with His purposes and reflect His heart for those in need.

    Extending Help Beyond Our Local Church

    While our first priority is to care for those within our church community, we also recognize the call to be a light to the world and to extend help to those outside our immediate fellowship:

    Matthew 25:35-36 (NKJV): “For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.”

    Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV): “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.”

    We are committed to being a generous and compassionate church that reflects God’s love to those in need, both within and beyond our congregation.

    Our Conclusion

    At Kappes Chatfield Ministries, we believe in the importance of benevolence as a reflection of God’s love and compassion. We prioritize helping those within our local church, recognizing our responsibility to care for our own community. However, we also extend our generosity beyond our congregation as the Lord leads. All benevolence efforts are prayerfully considered on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that we steward our resources wisely and in alignment with God’s will.

    Our commitment to benevolence is rooted in our desire to honor God by meeting the needs of others, serving as His hands and feet in the world. Through thoughtful, prayerful giving, we aim to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve, demonstrating the love of Christ in tangible ways.