Statement of Conviction

At the Brown Trail School of Preaching, we have very strong convictions regarding the truth, firmly rooted in the inspired and eternal word of God. While the bible itself is the only complete statement of belief to which anyone should cling, the following statements highlight some of the fundamental principles that we at Brown Trail are committed to teach, uphold, and defend. Check out our beliefs regarding:

The Bible

We believe that the Bible is the complete, inerrant, and inspired word of God. It is all-sufficient for the purpose God intended. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17:2, and 2 Peter 1:3)

The Church

We believe that Jesus built only one church, and that His church is not denominational in nature. Christian fellowship, therefore, is limited to those who are walking in the light. (Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:4, Acts 2:47, and 1 John 1:7)

Baptism

We believe that baptism is a burial in water unto the remission of sins, and is therefore necessary for salvation. (Romans 6:4, Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21)

The Lord's Supper

We believe that the Lord's supper is to be observed by Christians on the first day of every week and only on the first day. (Acts 20:7, and 1 Corinthians 11:20, 24-29)

Music

We believe that singing in worship to God is to be done without addition of mechanical instruments of music. (Ephesians 5:19, and Colossians 3:16)

Defending the Faith

We believe that we are bound by the Scriptures to "content for the faith," but while we do so we should exercise love in these activities. (Jude 3, Ephesians 4:15, John 13:34-35)

Leadership

We believe that God has directed men to occupy the positions of leadership in both the home and the church. (Genesis 3:16, Ephesians 5:22-31, and 1 Peter 3:1-2) We believe that elders in the local congregation have authority over that congregation in matters of expedience, and that the congregation should have input regarding those who serve as elders. (Acts 14:23, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-11, and 1 Peter 5:1-3) We do not believe it Scriptural to practice elder "reaffirmation" in view of the dismissal of elders. Elders who sin should be rebuked "before all, that others also may fear." (1 Timothy 5:20)

Marriage

We believe that marriage is between one man and one woman until they are separated by death. We believe that the only exception to this arrangement is outlined in Matthew 19:9 - namely, that a fornicator may be put away by the innocent spouse, thus allowing that innocent one freedom to contract another marriage. All other divorce and remarriage situations constitute adulterous unions ( Romans 7:1-3). We do not believe that marriage may be a matter of convenience or in the "doctrine" of "mental reservation" relative to marriage. It is our belief that when a man and woman marry, regardless of why they do so, they are married and are held to the high standards seen in the verses above, and others like them.

The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit indwells the Christian in some fashion (Romans 8:11, and 1 Corinthians 6:19) as He guides and directs the child of God through the word (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 17:2, and 2 Peter 1:3). We stand in opposition to the direct operation and baptism of the Holy Spirit.