P3 Theological Distinctives
- Jul 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 19, 2024

Christ is ALL
We will live and die on the biblical gospel of Christ crucified, Christ raised, and Christ our
righteousness. Above all, we will maintain a clear gospel focus and centrality. (Romans 1:16-17,
1 Corinthians 15:3-4) We hold to salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. We believe
that this is freely given by Jesus who gave Himself up to crucifixion, death, burial, and
resurrection to secure that salvation. (Ephesians 2:8, Romans 6:23) Furthermore, we believe that
Christ alone is mediator between God and man. We hold to the truth that in Christ, every
believer has direct access to the Lord, needing no priest or intermediary to go before them or
give them access. As such, we hold that elders and pastors are not to serve as gatekeepers to
the Lord and His grace, but rather as under-shepherds, graciously leading the Lord’s people.
We hold that elders are also sheep in the flock in no way superior to the other brothers and
sisters in the body. Because of this, we reject the “CEO” model of church leadership and the
“Lone Ranger” pastor who exalts himself above the rest. (1 Peter 2:9, 1 Peter 5:1-5, Titus 1:5-9,
1 Timothy 3:1-7)
Sin is the problem, not mankind
We believe that man’s chief problem is ultimately sin, which separates him hopelessly from the
Lord. We believe that every human being (with exception of Jesus) is plagued by this sin and is
unable to do anything to cleanse themselves. This sin not only breaks relationship with the
Creator, it separates mankind from one another. Because God is loving and desirous of a
relationship with us, He provided the only solution for this sin - Jesus Christ, crucified, died,
buried, and raised to pay the penalty for our sins, uniting us with Himself and other believers.
(John 3:16, Romans 3:23, 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 1 Peter 2:22-24)
The Bible is enough
We believe that the Bible is the primary way for humanity to know about God, His glory, and
His plan to redeem His people and creation. We recognize the absolute authority and
sufficiency of the Bible to equip Christ-followers for a life of godliness and mission. In the Bible,
we find guidance for personal holiness, marriage, loving those around us, and obedience to
the Lord. (2 Tim 3:14-17, 2 Peter 1:3)
God is sovereign
Though we do not diminish or downplay the biblical basis for man’s responsibility, we affirm
God’s perfect sovereignty over the affairs of man, including his salvation. (John 6:65,
Philippians 1:6, Colossians 2:20-23, Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 1:3-11, Ephesians 2:1-10)
The Spirit is essential
Transformation, growth, renewal, revival, restoration, and reconciliation will not come through
the efforts and work of man. It will not come through fleshly wisdom, power, and skill. We are
completely dependent upon the Holy Spirit to be the primary agent of all these things. (John
14:26, John 16:8 Acts 1:8, Romans 5:3-5, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 2 Timothy 1:14)
Men are servant leaders of the home & church
We hold to a complementarian view of men and women in the home and in the church.
Though God created man and woman equal in worth, value, and dignity, there is a distinction
of roles. We believe that the role of pastor/elder is reserved for men. (Genesis 1:27, Genesis
2:20-25, Ephesians 5:22-33, 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 2:2-10)
Philosophical Distinctives
Evangelistic/Soul Reaching focus (Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 9:22)
Disciple Making Systems (Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 14:21, Acts 18:24-26, Philippians 3:17, 2 Timothy 2:2, Titus 2:4, Ephesians 6:4, Hebrews 13:3)
Primacy of a thoroughly biblical worldview (Acts 17:24-25, Colossians 2:8, Romans 12:2)
Expository Preaching is a best practice (Acts 20:27, 2 Corinthians 2:12-16, 2 Timothy 4:2-5)
Teams approach to church planting with lead elder being first among equals (Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1, Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5)
Unity in Biblical Diversity - seeking to engage and reflect the community where the Lord has placed us (John 4:4, Acts 11:19-21, 13:1-3, Romans 14, Galatians 4:1-7, Ephesians 2:11-22)
Open Source Approach (Biblical practice of sharing and elevating others needs above our own) (1 Thessalonians 2:8, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Hebrews 13:16,