Our Beliefs
GOD
We believe in One God, Creator and Lord of the universe, eternally existing in Three Persons as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that God has revealed himself to us through the Bible. He is Holy, Loving, and Righteous, and is to be honored, respected and obeyed. He is the Sovereign Lord over all of creation. He is worthy of our highest devotion, affection, and service, and is to be glorified in all of life. God is good and can be trusted in life and in death. God is near the brokenhearted and is Present with those who suffer. He provides grace, mercy, and comfort to those who look to Him for help. Humanity’s longing for love, purpose and meaning reveal the heart’s yearning for God; He alone satisfies and quenches the human soul. God alone is to be worshipped. (Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Psalm 8, 19; John 1:1-3; Psalm 139; Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 22:37-38; Psalm 107: 4-9; 136:1; 145:9; Psalm 73:21-28; 46:1; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 34:12-22; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Matthew 4:8-10)
JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died as our substitute to remove our guilt as sinners, and bodily rose from the dead. He then ascended to heaven, whereas truly God and truly Man, He is the only Mediator between God and humanity, and lives to intercede for us. He is both Savior and Lord. He is the Coming King and Ruler upon the Earth and will one Day usher in the New Heaven and New Earth. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-18; John 14:6-7; Colossians 1:15-23; Matthew 28:1-11; 1 Timothy 2:5; Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:5-11; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:15; 7:25; Revelation 11:15-18; Revelation 19-21; John 14:6)
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit for each individual’s spiritual New Birth. We believe in the work of the Holy Spirit for the maturing process of a believer, as well as for the Church’s constant renewal in truth, wisdom, faith, holiness, love, power, and mission. Every believer is called to live and walk in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit as a disciple of Christ, so that he/she will bear life-changing fruit to the glory of God and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. It is only through the Power of the Spirit that believers can live God-honoring lives and experience joy, peace, and victory in Christ. (Titus 3:5; Acts 16:14; Romans 8; Galatians 5:16-26; John 14:15-27; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Romans 14:17)
THE BIBLE
The Bible is a collection of ancient manuscripts written over a period of about fifteen hundred years by over forty authors that tells one story. We believe that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is God’s authoritative, inspired Word. It is without error in all its teachings, including what it affirms about creation, history, its own divine origin, humanity’s salvation, and eternity. It is the supreme and final authority in all matters of belief and conduct. It accurately predicted the First Coming of Messiah Jesus to die for all of humanity, and accurately predicted the Second Coming of Christ who will return as Reigning King. The Bible has as its Subject God, and the Kingdom of God for the Glory of God as its theme. It is a Book with four chapters: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and New Creation. Every believer is to read, meditate, memorize, study, and live according to the Bible. The Bible holds the message by which we can be saved and be made right with God through Jesus Christ, of the Church’s mission, and how to live a life of hope both for this world, and for the World to Come. (Psalm 19:7-14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21; Ps. 19:9-16; 119:105; Isaiah 53; Isaiah 9:2-7; 11:1-5; Daniel 9:24-26; Micah 5:2; Zechariah 9:9; Daniel 2:44-47; Revelation 19-20; Romans 8:18-25; Rev. 11:15; 20:3)
HUMANITY
Human beings were created in the image of God to be holy (Gen. 1:26–27). We were designed to know Him, love Him, live with Him, rule with Him, and glorify Him (Gen. 1:27– 28; 2:15, 19; Matt. 22:37; Eph. 1:4–5; 1 Cor. 10:31; Rev. 4:11). We lived in innocence under the law of our Creator until, by reason of our voluntary rebellion against God’s commandment, we fell from innocence (Gen. 3).
The first human couple, Adam and Eve, aligned themselves with Satan when they chose to sin (Gen. 3; 6:1–5; 11:1–9). This, in turn, brought the judgment of death to the whole human race (Rom 3:23; 6:23; Eph. 2:1–3). Because Adam served as the representative head of humanity, his original sin infects all of us, and all of us evidence this infection, by our own individual sins and together in our collective sins (Gen. 6:1–5; 11:1–9; Ps. 51:5; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:10–23; 5:10–19). (Sin is any lack of complete conformity to the character of God—any violation of His law, in spirit or in deed.) Being justly condemned, without hope, and without excuse, we as human beings can only look forward to judgment and to an eternity apart from God, being utterly unable to remedy our lost condition or to save ourselves from our own sins (Isa. 64:6–7; Matt. 19:25–26; Rom. 8:7–8).
God creates each person as one of two sexes, also called genders: male or female (Gen. 1:26–27). These are equal in value but are distinct from one another in purpose and function, being complementary rather than interchangeable (Gen. 2:20–24; Eph. 5:22–31). Marriage is a divine institution, sanctioned by God in the Garden of Eden, to unite one
woman and one man in a lifelong bond that demonstrates God’s love and glory while making provision for the future and multiplication of the human race (Gen. 2:27–28; Mal. 2:14–16; Matt. 19:3–9; 1 Cor. 7:39; Heb. 13:4).
God creates the human body as sacred architecture, and He has placed limitations on the exercise of sexual impulses (Gen. 2:21–22; 1 Cor. 6:18–20; 1 Thess. 4:1–8). God’s intent is that all sex occurs within the confines of a monogamous marriage with a human member of the opposite biological sex (Matt. 19:4–6; 1 Cor. 7:2, 39). Therefore, all sex outside of this design is sinful, as is any attempt to change one’s biological sex or to present oneself as being the opposite sex from that which God assigned at birth (Heb. 13:4; Deut. 22:5).
SALVATION BY FAITH ALONE
We believe that humanity is separated from God because of sin, but that God has provided salvation and reconciliation to Him, by grace, by the gift of the sacrifice of his Son. As sinners, we are called to trust in Christ as Savior and to turn to God in repentance which leads to newness of life. This new way of life, however, can only be experienced when an individual places their faith in Christ for eternal life and is born again. Justification or being made right with God is by grace through faith in Christ alone. This new relationship with God leads to a life of repentance or of fruit produced by the Holy Spirit as believers submit to the Lordship of Christ. (Genesis 1:27; 2:4-25; 3:1-24; John 1:12; John 3:5, 16; 5:24; 6:47; 14:6; Acts 16:31; Acts 17:30-31; 20:21; Romans 3:21-26; 8:1; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2:8-9; Romans 5-8; Titus 3:4-7)
ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God justifies or declares the sinner right before Him by grace through faith alone, the true believer is secure in that salvation. When one has been genuinely saved, they cannot lose or forfeit their salvation. The believer is secure in the Perfect Obedience of Christ on their behalf. Therefore, salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort or obedience of the follower of Christ. It is the promise, grace and keeping power of God that is the essence of our assurance and security. (John 3:16; 5:24; 10:27-30; 11:25-27; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 John 5:9-13)
LIVING AS FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST
The Christian life should be characterized by holiness, the Fruit of the Spirit, and by service in God’s kingdom by means of the use of spiritual gifts. Christians are to glorify God privately, at home, at work, in leisure, and in all of life. They are to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love their neighbor or those in need, as themselves. By God’s grace they are to care for and serve the Christian community, forgive when offended, be merciful and gracious, minister to those in need, and support God’s kingdom work. They are to pray for, serve, and share Christ with the lost, both in word and in deed. God disciplines His children in order to lead them to greater holiness and usefulness. Those who are faithful and persevere in good works, until the end, will be rewarded and will serve faithfully in the coming Kingdom. (Romans 6:11-14; 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7; 5:23; 1 Peter 1:15, 16; Matthew 28:19-20; Matthew 22:37; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11, 18; 10:31; Matthew 22:39; Ephesians 4:32; Hebrews 12:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 2:26-29; 3:21-22)
THE FAMILY
A family is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption. God created man and woman in His image and united them in Holy Marriage. They were to bear children and fill the earth in order to spread God’s image throughout the world. Marriage has as its purpose the enjoyment and intimate companionship of the husband and wife, the pleasures of a healthy relationship, the depiction of the Faithful love of God for his children in Christ, and the bearing of children.
A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation. Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God’s pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents." (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; Matthew 19:3-9; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7; Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
THE CHURCH
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, which is made up of all believers everywhere in the world, and that locally the church is a growing group of baptized believers who are organized to do God’s will, by God’s grace. Its calling is to worship God and to witness concerning its Head, Jesus Christ, by living transformed lives, and by spreading the Good News of salvation to every man, woman and child, and among all the nations. The Church is called to make disciples, demonstrating love and commitment to God by living obediently to His Word, and by ministering compassionately to the needs of human beings, promoting righteousness, justice, and reconciliation in society.
On the Ordinances
The ordinances of the local church are water baptism and communion. Both are symbolic representations of what Jesus Christ has accomplished (Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:23–26).
On Baptism
Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water. While there is no saving power in water baptism, it is an act of obedience by those who are already saved, picturing their death, burial, and resurrection to walk in newness of life with Jesus (Rom. 6:3–4). Christian baptism is for those who repent of their sins and profess a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:19; Acts 8:12; 18:8; Col. 2:12).
On Communion
Communion follows the tradition of our Lord set forth at His last supper, when He offered bread and wine as representations for remembrance of His broken body and shed blood on the cross (Matt. 26:26–29). Like baptism, this ordinance is limited to those who have repented of their sins and have professed a personal faith in Christ (1 Cor. 11:26).
On Charismatic Gifts
Venture Church is a non-denominational and non-charismatic community. We love the Lord and seek the unity of the body of Christ as we present the gospel to Greater Collier County. Although we acknowledge that the Lord gives spiritual gifts as he chooses (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11, 18), we also believe that the gathering of the body of Christ should be focused on worshipping God and in the teaching and preaching of the Word (Ephesians 5:19-21; 2 Timothy 4:1-2). We encourage believers from different evangelical backgrounds to worship with us, but to embrace our commitment to keep the unity of the faith centered on the themes of worship and biblical preaching in our Sunday gathering. Venture’s greatest desire is to share the gospel by pointing others to the cross without any distraction or confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33; Ephesians 4:1-5). (Ephesians 1:20-23; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 2:10-11; 4:14-21; Acts 2:41-27; Romans 1:16-17; Ephesians 3; Ephesians 4:1-13; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; 12:12-13; Eph. 2:11-22) Ephesians 4:1-13; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; 12:12-13; Eph. 2:11-22)
ETERNITY
We believe that Jesus will personally and visibly return in Glory to raise the dead in Christ, and to bring final salvation or glorification to the redeemed. God will come to judge the unbelieving world who rejected His gracious offer of love and salvation in Christ, and by means of an eternal separation from His presence, honor the free will of those who did not believe in His Son. God will fully manifest his Glorious Kingdom when He establishes the kingdom rule of Jesus upon Earth, and then usher in the New Heaven and New Earth, where He will eternally abolish all evil, suffering, injustice, and death, and throughout which He will be glorified, served, and enjoyed forever. (2 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; John 3:16-21; Romans 8:29-30; Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 20:11- 15; Revelation 19-22)
MARRIAGE
We believe that because God our Creator established marriage as a sacred institution between one man and one woman, an immutable precept that marriage is a covenant only between one man and one woman has been the traditional and Biblical definition of marriage for all of human history (“Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage”). Because of the longstanding importance of the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage to humans and their relationships and communities, and, most importantly, the fact that God has ordained that marriage be between one man and one woman, as clearly conveyed in God’s inerrant Scriptures, including for example in Matthew 19:4-6 where in speaking about marriage Jesus referred to the fact that “he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,” the Church, through its Lead Pastor and ELT, considers the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage to be a central tenet of the Christian Church and hereby creates this policy, which shall be known as the “Marriage Policy.”
In accordance with this Church’s Marriage Policy, the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage is the only definition of marriage that will be recognized or accepted. No Executive Leadership Team Member, pastor, director, officer, employee, servant, agent, or any person, corporation, organization, or entity under the direction or control of this Church shall commit any act or omission, or make any decision whatever, that would be inconsistent with, or that could be perceived by any person to be inconsistent with, full support of this Church’s Marriage Policy and strict adherence to the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage rather than any alternative to the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage. This Church’s Marriage Policy specifically prohibits acts or omissions including but not limited to permitting any Church assets or property, whether real property, personal property, intangible property, or any property or asset of any kind that is subject to the direction or control of the Church, to be used in any manner that would be or could be perceived by any person to be inconsistent with this Church’s Marriage Policy or the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage, including but not limited to permitting any church facilities to be used by any person, organization, corporation, or group that would or might use such facilities to convey, intentionally or by implication, what might be perceived as a favorable impression about any definition of marriage other than the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage. We believe this Church’s Marriage Policy is based upon God’s will for human life as conveyed to us through the Holy Scriptures, upon which this Church has been founded and anchored, and this Marriage Policy shall not be subject to change through popular vote; referendum; prevailing opinion of members or the general public; influence of or interpretation by any government authority, agency, or official action; or legal developments on the local, state, or federal level.
We believe in One God, Creator and Lord of the universe, eternally existing in Three Persons as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that God has revealed himself to us through the Bible. He is Holy, Loving, and Righteous, and is to be honored, respected and obeyed. He is the Sovereign Lord over all of creation. He is worthy of our highest devotion, affection, and service, and is to be glorified in all of life. God is good and can be trusted in life and in death. God is near the brokenhearted and is Present with those who suffer. He provides grace, mercy, and comfort to those who look to Him for help. Humanity’s longing for love, purpose and meaning reveal the heart’s yearning for God; He alone satisfies and quenches the human soul. God alone is to be worshipped. (Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Psalm 8, 19; John 1:1-3; Psalm 139; Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 22:37-38; Psalm 107: 4-9; 136:1; 145:9; Psalm 73:21-28; 46:1; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 34:12-22; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Matthew 4:8-10)
JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died as our substitute to remove our guilt as sinners, and bodily rose from the dead. He then ascended to heaven, whereas truly God and truly Man, He is the only Mediator between God and humanity, and lives to intercede for us. He is both Savior and Lord. He is the Coming King and Ruler upon the Earth and will one Day usher in the New Heaven and New Earth. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-18; John 14:6-7; Colossians 1:15-23; Matthew 28:1-11; 1 Timothy 2:5; Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:5-11; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:15; 7:25; Revelation 11:15-18; Revelation 19-21; John 14:6)
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit for each individual’s spiritual New Birth. We believe in the work of the Holy Spirit for the maturing process of a believer, as well as for the Church’s constant renewal in truth, wisdom, faith, holiness, love, power, and mission. Every believer is called to live and walk in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit as a disciple of Christ, so that he/she will bear life-changing fruit to the glory of God and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. It is only through the Power of the Spirit that believers can live God-honoring lives and experience joy, peace, and victory in Christ. (Titus 3:5; Acts 16:14; Romans 8; Galatians 5:16-26; John 14:15-27; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Romans 14:17)
THE BIBLE
The Bible is a collection of ancient manuscripts written over a period of about fifteen hundred years by over forty authors that tells one story. We believe that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is God’s authoritative, inspired Word. It is without error in all its teachings, including what it affirms about creation, history, its own divine origin, humanity’s salvation, and eternity. It is the supreme and final authority in all matters of belief and conduct. It accurately predicted the First Coming of Messiah Jesus to die for all of humanity, and accurately predicted the Second Coming of Christ who will return as Reigning King. The Bible has as its Subject God, and the Kingdom of God for the Glory of God as its theme. It is a Book with four chapters: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and New Creation. Every believer is to read, meditate, memorize, study, and live according to the Bible. The Bible holds the message by which we can be saved and be made right with God through Jesus Christ, of the Church’s mission, and how to live a life of hope both for this world, and for the World to Come. (Psalm 19:7-14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21; Ps. 19:9-16; 119:105; Isaiah 53; Isaiah 9:2-7; 11:1-5; Daniel 9:24-26; Micah 5:2; Zechariah 9:9; Daniel 2:44-47; Revelation 19-20; Romans 8:18-25; Rev. 11:15; 20:3)
HUMANITY
Human beings were created in the image of God to be holy (Gen. 1:26–27). We were designed to know Him, love Him, live with Him, rule with Him, and glorify Him (Gen. 1:27– 28; 2:15, 19; Matt. 22:37; Eph. 1:4–5; 1 Cor. 10:31; Rev. 4:11). We lived in innocence under the law of our Creator until, by reason of our voluntary rebellion against God’s commandment, we fell from innocence (Gen. 3).
The first human couple, Adam and Eve, aligned themselves with Satan when they chose to sin (Gen. 3; 6:1–5; 11:1–9). This, in turn, brought the judgment of death to the whole human race (Rom 3:23; 6:23; Eph. 2:1–3). Because Adam served as the representative head of humanity, his original sin infects all of us, and all of us evidence this infection, by our own individual sins and together in our collective sins (Gen. 6:1–5; 11:1–9; Ps. 51:5; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:10–23; 5:10–19). (Sin is any lack of complete conformity to the character of God—any violation of His law, in spirit or in deed.) Being justly condemned, without hope, and without excuse, we as human beings can only look forward to judgment and to an eternity apart from God, being utterly unable to remedy our lost condition or to save ourselves from our own sins (Isa. 64:6–7; Matt. 19:25–26; Rom. 8:7–8).
God creates each person as one of two sexes, also called genders: male or female (Gen. 1:26–27). These are equal in value but are distinct from one another in purpose and function, being complementary rather than interchangeable (Gen. 2:20–24; Eph. 5:22–31). Marriage is a divine institution, sanctioned by God in the Garden of Eden, to unite one
woman and one man in a lifelong bond that demonstrates God’s love and glory while making provision for the future and multiplication of the human race (Gen. 2:27–28; Mal. 2:14–16; Matt. 19:3–9; 1 Cor. 7:39; Heb. 13:4).
God creates the human body as sacred architecture, and He has placed limitations on the exercise of sexual impulses (Gen. 2:21–22; 1 Cor. 6:18–20; 1 Thess. 4:1–8). God’s intent is that all sex occurs within the confines of a monogamous marriage with a human member of the opposite biological sex (Matt. 19:4–6; 1 Cor. 7:2, 39). Therefore, all sex outside of this design is sinful, as is any attempt to change one’s biological sex or to present oneself as being the opposite sex from that which God assigned at birth (Heb. 13:4; Deut. 22:5).
SALVATION BY FAITH ALONE
We believe that humanity is separated from God because of sin, but that God has provided salvation and reconciliation to Him, by grace, by the gift of the sacrifice of his Son. As sinners, we are called to trust in Christ as Savior and to turn to God in repentance which leads to newness of life. This new way of life, however, can only be experienced when an individual places their faith in Christ for eternal life and is born again. Justification or being made right with God is by grace through faith in Christ alone. This new relationship with God leads to a life of repentance or of fruit produced by the Holy Spirit as believers submit to the Lordship of Christ. (Genesis 1:27; 2:4-25; 3:1-24; John 1:12; John 3:5, 16; 5:24; 6:47; 14:6; Acts 16:31; Acts 17:30-31; 20:21; Romans 3:21-26; 8:1; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2:8-9; Romans 5-8; Titus 3:4-7)
ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God justifies or declares the sinner right before Him by grace through faith alone, the true believer is secure in that salvation. When one has been genuinely saved, they cannot lose or forfeit their salvation. The believer is secure in the Perfect Obedience of Christ on their behalf. Therefore, salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort or obedience of the follower of Christ. It is the promise, grace and keeping power of God that is the essence of our assurance and security. (John 3:16; 5:24; 10:27-30; 11:25-27; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 John 5:9-13)
LIVING AS FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST
The Christian life should be characterized by holiness, the Fruit of the Spirit, and by service in God’s kingdom by means of the use of spiritual gifts. Christians are to glorify God privately, at home, at work, in leisure, and in all of life. They are to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love their neighbor or those in need, as themselves. By God’s grace they are to care for and serve the Christian community, forgive when offended, be merciful and gracious, minister to those in need, and support God’s kingdom work. They are to pray for, serve, and share Christ with the lost, both in word and in deed. God disciplines His children in order to lead them to greater holiness and usefulness. Those who are faithful and persevere in good works, until the end, will be rewarded and will serve faithfully in the coming Kingdom. (Romans 6:11-14; 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7; 5:23; 1 Peter 1:15, 16; Matthew 28:19-20; Matthew 22:37; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11, 18; 10:31; Matthew 22:39; Ephesians 4:32; Hebrews 12:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 2:26-29; 3:21-22)
THE FAMILY
A family is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption. God created man and woman in His image and united them in Holy Marriage. They were to bear children and fill the earth in order to spread God’s image throughout the world. Marriage has as its purpose the enjoyment and intimate companionship of the husband and wife, the pleasures of a healthy relationship, the depiction of the Faithful love of God for his children in Christ, and the bearing of children.
A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation. Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God’s pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents." (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; Matthew 19:3-9; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7; Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
THE CHURCH
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, which is made up of all believers everywhere in the world, and that locally the church is a growing group of baptized believers who are organized to do God’s will, by God’s grace. Its calling is to worship God and to witness concerning its Head, Jesus Christ, by living transformed lives, and by spreading the Good News of salvation to every man, woman and child, and among all the nations. The Church is called to make disciples, demonstrating love and commitment to God by living obediently to His Word, and by ministering compassionately to the needs of human beings, promoting righteousness, justice, and reconciliation in society.
On the Ordinances
The ordinances of the local church are water baptism and communion. Both are symbolic representations of what Jesus Christ has accomplished (Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:23–26).
On Baptism
Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water. While there is no saving power in water baptism, it is an act of obedience by those who are already saved, picturing their death, burial, and resurrection to walk in newness of life with Jesus (Rom. 6:3–4). Christian baptism is for those who repent of their sins and profess a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:19; Acts 8:12; 18:8; Col. 2:12).
On Communion
Communion follows the tradition of our Lord set forth at His last supper, when He offered bread and wine as representations for remembrance of His broken body and shed blood on the cross (Matt. 26:26–29). Like baptism, this ordinance is limited to those who have repented of their sins and have professed a personal faith in Christ (1 Cor. 11:26).
On Charismatic Gifts
Venture Church is a non-denominational and non-charismatic community. We love the Lord and seek the unity of the body of Christ as we present the gospel to Greater Collier County. Although we acknowledge that the Lord gives spiritual gifts as he chooses (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11, 18), we also believe that the gathering of the body of Christ should be focused on worshipping God and in the teaching and preaching of the Word (Ephesians 5:19-21; 2 Timothy 4:1-2). We encourage believers from different evangelical backgrounds to worship with us, but to embrace our commitment to keep the unity of the faith centered on the themes of worship and biblical preaching in our Sunday gathering. Venture’s greatest desire is to share the gospel by pointing others to the cross without any distraction or confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33; Ephesians 4:1-5). (Ephesians 1:20-23; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 2:10-11; 4:14-21; Acts 2:41-27; Romans 1:16-17; Ephesians 3; Ephesians 4:1-13; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; 12:12-13; Eph. 2:11-22) Ephesians 4:1-13; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; 12:12-13; Eph. 2:11-22)
ETERNITY
We believe that Jesus will personally and visibly return in Glory to raise the dead in Christ, and to bring final salvation or glorification to the redeemed. God will come to judge the unbelieving world who rejected His gracious offer of love and salvation in Christ, and by means of an eternal separation from His presence, honor the free will of those who did not believe in His Son. God will fully manifest his Glorious Kingdom when He establishes the kingdom rule of Jesus upon Earth, and then usher in the New Heaven and New Earth, where He will eternally abolish all evil, suffering, injustice, and death, and throughout which He will be glorified, served, and enjoyed forever. (2 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; John 3:16-21; Romans 8:29-30; Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 20:11- 15; Revelation 19-22)
MARRIAGE
We believe that because God our Creator established marriage as a sacred institution between one man and one woman, an immutable precept that marriage is a covenant only between one man and one woman has been the traditional and Biblical definition of marriage for all of human history (“Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage”). Because of the longstanding importance of the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage to humans and their relationships and communities, and, most importantly, the fact that God has ordained that marriage be between one man and one woman, as clearly conveyed in God’s inerrant Scriptures, including for example in Matthew 19:4-6 where in speaking about marriage Jesus referred to the fact that “he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,” the Church, through its Lead Pastor and ELT, considers the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage to be a central tenet of the Christian Church and hereby creates this policy, which shall be known as the “Marriage Policy.”
In accordance with this Church’s Marriage Policy, the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage is the only definition of marriage that will be recognized or accepted. No Executive Leadership Team Member, pastor, director, officer, employee, servant, agent, or any person, corporation, organization, or entity under the direction or control of this Church shall commit any act or omission, or make any decision whatever, that would be inconsistent with, or that could be perceived by any person to be inconsistent with, full support of this Church’s Marriage Policy and strict adherence to the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage rather than any alternative to the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage. This Church’s Marriage Policy specifically prohibits acts or omissions including but not limited to permitting any Church assets or property, whether real property, personal property, intangible property, or any property or asset of any kind that is subject to the direction or control of the Church, to be used in any manner that would be or could be perceived by any person to be inconsistent with this Church’s Marriage Policy or the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage, including but not limited to permitting any church facilities to be used by any person, organization, corporation, or group that would or might use such facilities to convey, intentionally or by implication, what might be perceived as a favorable impression about any definition of marriage other than the Traditional and Biblical Definition of Marriage. We believe this Church’s Marriage Policy is based upon God’s will for human life as conveyed to us through the Holy Scriptures, upon which this Church has been founded and anchored, and this Marriage Policy shall not be subject to change through popular vote; referendum; prevailing opinion of members or the general public; influence of or interpretation by any government authority, agency, or official action; or legal developments on the local, state, or federal level.
Our Guiding Principles
AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY
We believe a sense of belonging, care, and accountability are critical to balance and progress in our spiritual journey. At Venture, these are best achieved within the context of a small group of relationally connected believers.
CULTURAL RELEVANCE
We believe the church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure. To engage our culture, we created environments that are conducive to the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of people.
LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP
God has made each of us to be worshippers – it is hardwired into our spiritual DNA. We make it a priority to gather weekly to express our love and gratitude to God.
CULTURE OF PRAYER
Prayer is what connects us to the heart of God and enables us to carry out the will of God. We pray together as a church family and we promote personal prayer in the private lives of our members.
BIBLICAL INSTRUCTION
Biblical instruction is the catalyst for transformation in the lives of individuals and the church. We provide multiple venues for people to study God’s Word together.
FAMILY MINISTRY
Discipleship begins in the home. We are committed to assisting families through strong age-appropriate ministries that encourage spiritual growth at all stages of development.
RELATIONSHIP EVANGELISM
We believe that all believers have the responsibility of carrying out the Great Commission within their sphere of influence.
STRATEGIC SERVICE
Service to others is the bedrock of a loving faith community. We expect every member to exercise his or her gifts in tandem with other members of the body.
PASSION FOR SHARING
A passion for sharing takes us outside the walls of our church. Believing that missions is at the center of God’s heart, we encourage members to both give generously and when possible be involved in “hands on” mission projects locally and abroad.
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
We believe that excellence honors God and inspires people. Therefore, we strive for a spirit of innovation, honest evaluation, and continuous improvement.
