Our Mission & Story

Genesis Preparatory Academy (GPA) exists to prepare students for a life of personal fulfillment and service to others within the greater community.  The goals of the school include:

• To connect students and their families to God, to each other and to the community through shared learning environments and opportunities.
• To provide a high quality, affordable educational experience built upon a biblical worldview and the basic tenets of the Christian faith.  The school will not teach a specific denominational doctrine and will be defined as "non-denominational."
• To train and educate each student as an individual and according to their personal strengths and weaknesses as well as their interests and personal goals.  This is founded on the principle that every person is endowed by their Creator with the ability to learn, and is uniquely gifted and talented in discoverable ways.  
• To provide state-of-the-art technology and work training geared to prepare each student to eventually earn an income sufficient to provide for their personal needs and the needs of their family.  This may include independent study courses at the high school level where students enter into an “apprenticeship" with local business and civic leaders. 

Genesis Prep Academy believes a complete education is built not only upon a fundamental core academic process, works with students as unique individuals, and promotes students spiritual development.  Students will be encouraged to develop learning habits that foster the following traits:

• Curiosity
• Lifelong learning
• Clear oral and written communication
• Creative thinking and thoughtful reflection
• Purposeful investigation
• Cooperative and independent problem solving
• Effective use of technology as a tool
• Thinking logically and making informed judgments
• Managing time in a responsible manner

Genesis Preparatory Academy also seeks to instill personal character qualities and attitudes reflected in the Gospels and basic tenants of the Christian faith:

• Accepting responsibility for personal decisions and actions
• Investment and awareness of the needs of others
• Honestly and the ability to face challenges with courage and integrity
• Self-confidence and willingness to risk setbacks in order to learn
• Committment and perseverance
• Willingness to serve others and contribute to the "good of the whole"

GPA DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
OUR DOCTRINAL POSITIONS
 

Preamble:

Jesus said that the world would know that we are His because we love one another and because we are one (John 13:35; John 17:21-22). Genesis Prep Academy is a non-denominational Christian school serving people with many different church backgrounds, but we are a family. Just as in any family, team, symphony, or work place, if we do not have a shared language and meanings, it leads to an inability to accomplish a task. No matter how much talent we have, if we do not work together towards a defined goal, we don’t attain the goal. Jesus said it this way—a house divided cannot stand.  We believe the task of raising our children to be disciples of Jesus not only impacts this life, but the next as well.
 
Remember that we are seeking to be a school that makes disciples as Jesus commanded. Jesus specifically told His first Disciples to teach all that He had commanded (Matthew 28:18-21). The Disciples did that, and the early church was committed to obeying what the Disciples taught by word or letter. God's goal was to reveal His perfect plan for every part of life that had been contaminated by the curse and its effects. 

Founded on a historical biblical worldview, GPA strives to be unified on those facets of doctrine deemed to be essential for salvation. Additionally, while permitting differing stances on doctrine that are deemed not essential for salvation to attend GPA, for the sake of unity, GPA’s stance on these doctrines is included as well. Our GPA staff agree with all doctrines listed as essential for salvation as well as essential for unity, and will be teaching in accordance with them. We believe these statements of faith to be an accurate summary of what Scripture teaches. A key statement we rely on is - Where the Bible Speaks we speak, and where the Bible is silent we are silent. GPA strives to be faithful to God's Word wherever it speaks to a subject.
We also understand that we can agree that the bible is the inerrant Word of God but we can have differing ways of understanding it. Our goal is to seek out how God's Word was understood by the first disciples and understood by the first church. We understand that in our current Christian world we use the same words but define them differently. This leads to a lack of unity and alignment. In dealing with the subjects dealt with in Scripture we know that God has a view He thought we should know about or it would not be in the Bible. It may not be essential for salvation but it is essential to have the kind of life that He wants us to have in whatever subject He is dealing with. 
Though not essential for salvation, these potentially divisive issues are still dealt with and we cannot pick and choose what to teach on if we are commanded to teach all that Jesus commands. In order to have alignment and to teach kids to be disciples of Jesus, we must have a clear plan. 

There are some ways we could deal with the problem of differing opinions. 

1. We could divide and become sectarian. We do not think this is God's will for His church/people. In every way possible we recognize the need for alignment if we are to disciple others but we want to be known for our love—even when we disagree. We fight to become unified as much as possible (John 17).

2. We could decide not to teach on subjects that people disagree on – but what would be left to teach on then? If the bible speaks to something, is it ok to skip over it? We do not think so. However we must be known for love even in our disagreements (John 13:34-35).

3. Our choice. We decide to teach on all things that the Bible teaches on. We seek to have the best understanding of the Bible as possible. In our view, we must understand what the Bible meant in the original language, in the original context, and have an understanding of how it was understood by the first church. 

     A. When we teach on a subject, we make sure that we are aligned around what it means to live out these teachings in practice. More than that, we are, in fact, living them out. What we do in our lives is as important, even more important than what we say. 

     B. When we deal with issues where there are disagreements between bible believing Christians, we deal with them in humility. This means we are fair in how we state the differences. We must be loving in how we explain the differences. But we should be clear that though we know there are differences – we practice what we do for good biblical reasons and do not condemn those who do not agree on these non-salvation issues (Romans 14).

As an example: Baptism is commanded (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:38) The word baptism in the New testament – βαπτισθήτω—transliteration: baptizó: to dip, sink—to bury in—put under 
Scriptural example: Acts 8:34–36, 38-39 (NIV) 34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 

Conclusion: Based on the original Greek meaning and its use in the Bible, we will teach that the Bible teaches believers baptism by immersion. However we would not say that an unbaptized person was not saved. We understand people have been taught different things and may not be aware of all they were intended to know. However we are to teach whatever has been missed. We are not responsible for those not under our spiritual care, but for those who are, we seek truth and unity. 
Key phrases that help us stay aligned in dealing with non salvation issues. 

Where the Bible speaks we speak. Where the bible is silent we are silent.

We desire to understand the bible as it was understood in the first church as best we can.

We believe that the Bible is inspired and protected by God. In Scripture we find our source for truth concerning the gospel and salvation. We also believe that the Bible reveals what righteousness looks like-right and wrong. Right living in every area of our lives is revealed in Scripture (1 Timothy 4:16 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We start our doctrinal document with the foundation for all the rest. Because Scripture is given by God and thus infallible, we seek to understand it according to the Holy Spirit's intended meaning by using proper hermeneutical tools. Our understanding also begins with the clear understanding of the first church as our guide.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: The Bible

We believe the Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it is inspired by God, the Bible is infallible, inerrant, and absolute truth. It is the ultimate and final authority for Christian beliefs and living.

Supportive Scripture: Psalms 12:6; 119:105; 160, Proverbs 30:5, 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21.

We believe the following doctrines are ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION:
We believe these doctrines must be believed for someone to be saved.
If we get these wrong, we are not in line with God and we are not saved.
We desire every participant at GPA (staff, students, families, volunteers) to hold to these doctrines unto salvation: “the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 1:3)

GPA Doctrinal Statement: The Triune GOD

We believe God is self-existent, and by nature He is eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere. God has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are in agreement and unified with each other’s role in the Godhead. We believe these three are co-equal and are one God.

Supportive Scripture: Genesis 1:1; 26-27; 3:22, Deuteronomy 6:4, Job 38; 39; 40, Psalm 90:2; 139:1-4; 7-10, Isaiah 40:13-17; 45:18, Matthew 19:26; 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; I Peter 1:2. John 1:1, Colossians 1:15ff

GPA Doctrinal Statement: God the FATHER

We believe that God the Father holds all the attributes of God while exercising a unique role in the Godhead. He is the father of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and yet still one with both as God. God the Father adopts believers in Jesus Christ into a relationship with Him as their Father (see Salvation).

Supportive Scripture: John 15:1-4, Deuteronomy 32:6, Isaiah 9:6; 63:16, John 20:17, Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:6.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: God the Son - JESUS

We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He is God. He is co-equal with the Father and Holy Spirit, present and participating in creation. Jesus took on human flesh in the fullness of time so that He could live a sinless human life and offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He was raised from the dead, after three days, victorious over the power of sin and death. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead and to make all things new.

Supportive Scripture: Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 1:22-23, John 1:1-5; 8:58; 14:10-30, Acts 1:9-11, Romans 1:3-4, I Corinthians 15:3-4, Colossians 1:15-23, I Timothy 6:14-15, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 4:14-15, Revelation 1:8.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: God the HOLY SPIRIT

We believe the Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make all people aware of their sin and their need for Jesus Christ. His purpose in our time is to bring glory to Jesus and to intercede with God the Father on our behalf. He dwells in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He gives gifts to believers providing them with power to grow in Christlikeness, to understand spiritual truth, and to serve the mission of the church.

Supportive Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2, Psalm 51:10-12, John 14:16-17; 16:7-13,17, Acts 1:8, Romans 5:5, I Corinthians 2:12; 3:16, 2 Corinthians 3:17, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 1:13; 5:18, 2 Peter 1:19-21.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: SALVATION

We believe that all have sinned (willful disobedience to God). We believe that the wages of sin is death and eternal separation from God. Salvation is a free gift of God. Jesus Christ’s death and His resurrection is the only sufficient payment for our sins. It’s only by grace through faith that one can receive this free gift. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their life. This is evidenced by repentance, confession, baptism by immersion, and a life submitted to Christ. We believe a baby, or a young child cannot understand sin or the need for Christ and are under God’s grace until an age of accountability determined by God.

Supportive Scripture: John 1:12; 14:6, Romans 5:1; 6:23, Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 10:9-13, Acts 2:38-40, 2 Samuel 12:23; Matthew 18:2-3; 19:13-15.

We believe the following doctrines are ESSENTIAL FOR UNITY as a school family:

Many devoted believers come at the following doctrines from a few perspectives but for the sake of unity in our school, we will hold to these statements as how we will handle these doctrines.
When topics from the Bible are discussed that are not covered in this statement of faith, we will handle them in a way that maintains unity and mutual respect.
We can disagree with the following statements and still be saved.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: THE CHURCH

We believe the church is the body and bride of Christ and serves as the household of faith. It is a living temple where God dwells in each of His people. We believe that everyone that has been saved by Christ is a member of His church and called to be a connected and beneficial part of His body. We believe that the church is commanded to love God and others, thus relationship is the primary vehicle through which we share the gospel, and through which the church will grow to maturity. We believe that His church exists throughout the world and is witnessed and experienced in local autonomous gatherings of believers that are overseen by Elders. We believe submission to God’s authority and the authority of the appointed Elders in the local church is essential for unity and reveals our spiritual maturity.

Supportive Scripture: Ephesians 4:16, Romans 12:4-5, Ephesians 5:24-32, Galatians. 6:10, 1 Peter 2:4-5, 1 Corinthians 3:16, Acts 14:23, Matthew 16:16–18, Acts 2:42–47, 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, Ephesians 1:20–23; 4:3–10, Colossians 3:14–15, Romans 13, Hebrews 13.   

GPA Doctrinal Statement: MANKIND

We believe people are made in the image of God, male and female, He created them, to be in relationship with Him, to become like Him in character, and to bring Him glory. We believe all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Sin separates people from God. The devil’s activity and mankind’s fallen nature have tainted the world in many ways, thus affecting all areas of life, resulting in suffering and hopelessness apart from Jesus Christ.

Supportive Scripture: Genesis 1:27, Genesis 3, Psalms 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 59:1-2, Romans 3:23.
 

GPA Doctrinal Statement: COMPLEMENTARIANISM (Gender roles in the Church and Home)

We believe men and women are absolutely equal in essence, dignity and value but are distinct by divine design. We believe God created two distinct, yet complementary genders (sexes) for our good, His glory, and to reflect His nature and character to the world. As part of God’s created order, men and women are to have different yet complementary roles and responsibilities in the home and church.

We believe that the Biblical Headship as modeled by Christ loving the church applies to the home. Husbands are to love their wives unconditionally and wives are to respect their husbands, both demonstrating Biblical submission and love, and sharing equal value in God’s design.

We believe as it relates to the church, men and women are both expected to serve and lead; however, the office of Elder/Pastor is reserved for qualified men. (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1) Specifically in relation to GPA: Adult mixed-gender bible teaching environments are overseen by qualified men. Women in leadership roles have functional authority over all areas of their oversight as well as spiritual responsibility to uphold a Christlike environment. They do not have spiritual authority over men. In the case where an adult male is needing spiritual guidance and/or exhortation, a qualified male will help work towards resolution.

Supportive Scripture: Genesis 2:18-25, 1 Corinthians 12:4-32, Galatians 3:28-29, 1 Timothy 2:8-15, 1 Timothy 3, Titus 2:3-5, 1 Peter 3:1-7, Ephesians 5

GPA Doctrinal Statement: THE ELDERSHIP MODEL OF THE CHURCH

We believe Christ is the head of the church. We believe the local Church should be governed by a plurality of male elders (who have been appointed by existing Elders) to oversee the carrying out His will in the local assembly of believers.

Supportive Scripture: Acts 14:23, 1 Timothy 5:17, Ephesians 5:23-25, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 13:1-3; 20:26-31, 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:14; 5:17,22.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: BAPTISM

We believe baptism, by immersion, was both modeled and commanded by Christ. We believe baptism is only for those who believe in Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We believe one who has believed, confessed and repented should be baptized, in a timely act of obedience.

Supportive Scripture: Matthew 28:18-21, Acts 2:37-38, Acts 8:35-39, Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 12:13.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: COMMUNION

We believe celebrating communion was both modeled and commanded by Christ. We believe communion is a memorial, a proclamation, and representative of the new covenant in Christ Jesus as defined by Scripture.

Supportive Scripture: Matthew 26:26-28, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Corinthians 11:23-30, 10:16, 1 Peter 2:24, Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 5:23-24, Romans 12:1

GPA Doctrinal Statement: The PRIESTHOOD OF EVERY BELIEVER

We believe we have been given direct access to God through Jesus Christ, the great high priest. We believe it is God’s design for every believer to play a role in the priesthood, living out the ministry and mission of His Church.

Supportive Scriptures: Ephesians 4:11-13, Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-30, 1 Peter 2:5,9, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Hebrews 4; 10.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: SPIRITUAL GIFTS

We believe there are a variety of gifts, given by the Holy Spirit, to be used to serve and build up the body of Christ and bring glory to God. We believe God has designed the local church like a physical body, consisting of many members, with Jesus Christ as the head. We believe we are interdependent on each other, and all believers must be the part God has designed and gifted them to be, if not, the body suffers.

Some in our school believe all the ‘extraordinary’ spiritual gifts are for today, while others believe that only some of these gifts are for today, still others believe none of these gifts are for today. We believe you can hold any of the views below and still be a Christian. We believe that the Spirit of God does not work contrary to the Word of God, including the issuing and use of spiritual gifts.

At GPA we will act in the following ways in our organized gatherings so that there will be order and unity within the school:
We believe God performs miracles and answers our prayers.
We believe God empowers us to serve Him and do good works, through the gifts and work of the Holy Spirit.
We believe that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is an ongoing work in our lives.
Because this is a non-salvation area of contention between believers, we will not have a place in our organized gatherings where the gift of tongues is encouraged.

Supportive Scriptures: Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians 12-13, 1 Peter 4:7-11

GPA Doctrinal Statement: STEWARDSHIP & GENEROSITY

We believe our whole lives; our time, talents and treasures, are to be given obediently and generously in response to God’s grace, mercy and love for us. We believe that giving 10% of our income is defined as a “tithe”, the Biblical starting point of giving to the local church (the storehouse). We believe that any giving over 10% is an “offering” of gratitude for the great things God does for us daily and can be directed at the giver’s discretion to any worthwhile ministry, church or organization. We believe that stewardship and generosity are essential to maturity and the accomplishment of Christ’s mission.

Supportive Scripture: Leviticus 27:30, Malachi 3:7-12, Acts 4:32-5:11, 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Mark 12:43, 2 Samuel 24:24, Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: MARRIAGE, GENDER and SEXUALITY

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.

We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no sexual activity, of any kind, be engaged in outside of marriage.

We believe that neither the federal government, the state, nor the church, nor any other individual possess the authority or jurisdiction to set or alter Scripture’s definition of marriage. Therefore, unions or partnerships that do not conform to the Biblical definition of marriage are not acknowledged by GPA as marriage.

We acknowledge that there are some individuals that do not have a physical attraction towards the opposite sex, or who do not wish to marry. We believe these brothers and sisters are wholeheartedly supported and encouraged to remain voluntarily celibate as delineated in Scripture.

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of GPA. We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of GPA as a non-denominational Christian school, and to provide a Biblical role model to GPA members, staff, students/families and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by GPA in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by GPA’s Doctrinal Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality 

Supportive Scripture: Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:18-25, 1 Corinthians 6:18; 7:1-8, 32-38, Hebrews 13:4, Matthew 15:18-20, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Matthew 5:16, Philippians 2:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, Acts 3:19-21, Romans 10:9-10, Mark 12:28-31, Luke 6:31, Luke 6:31, Matthew 19:4-12, Isaiah 56:3-5

GPA Doctrinal Statement: GENDER IDENTITY/SEXUAL ORIENTATION/TRANSGENDER POLICY 

The term gender has been redefined in our culture to be fluid and subjective, and therefore its use in describing sexual identity is leading to confusion and questions about God’s perfect design for individuals, relationships, and society, especially for our children. Therefore, when and if gender is discussed by our staff, we mean biological sex at birth, distinctly either male or female. We recognize there are some very rare medical exceptions to this, however, generally speaking, gender is either biologically male or female, as we define it.
We represent Christ and the Church as we set boundaries and dialogue with students about issues such as these. As individuals created in the image of God, all our students should be made to feel welcomed, loved and valued. At the same time, we cannot affirm their belief that they were created / are the opposite of their biological birth sex. The following are some general guidelines:
GPA represents a historical biblical worldview that God created two sexes; “male and female He created them,” that are identified as such at birth and are designed for holy sexuality; fidelity in heterosexual marriage or celibacy in singleness.
Pronouns: We will not call students by a pronoun that does not align with their biological (birth) sex. This is because it could look like to them, or other students, that we are affirming their self-created identities also known as genders.
Gender-divided activities, teams, or small groups: students participate with their biological birth sex.
Restrooms: students use the restroom of their biological birth sex or a single-use/family restroom if available.
Dress Code: student’s dress code must match their biological birth sex. Additionally, we do not allow any type of publicly visible clothing, apparel, or flag that represents the LGBT movement or any movement that runs contrary to our doctrinal stance on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality.
Nicknames/Changing names: in the past, students have been called by their preferred nickname, but in alignment with all of the above, we will not refer to a male student by a female name or a female student by a male name.                
Supportive Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28; Genesis 2:18-24; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Exodus 20:16; Colossians 3:9; Ephesians 4:15; Matthew 19:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Titus 3:9-11; James 3:9-12.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE

We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God, in His image. We believe human life is of immeasurable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. Therefore, we believe that we are called to teach about the value of all human life. Therefore, we believe that abortion and euthanasia are wrong.

Supportive Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28, Psalm 139.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: ETERNAL SECURITY

We believe a person is saved by grace through faith, and faith is evidenced by action and fruit in a person’s life. We believe faith in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior is eternal security.

Supportive Scripture: Luke 8:13-14, John 10:27-28, Ephesians 2:8-10, James 2:14, Romans 1:5.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: THE END TIMES (The Return of Christ)

We believe there will be a literal return of Christ and a judgment day. We also believe there will be a literal rapture (a catching up of the saints). As to the day and the hour, only God the Father knows.

Supportive Scripture: Matthew 12:36, Matthew 24:36, John 5:22; 16:8, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 2 Peter 3:7, Jude 6.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: ETERNITY

We believe people were created to live forever. People will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or exist eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is eternal death in Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven. We believe that Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. We believe that as we walk out our faith, we can have assurance of eternal life with God.

Supportive Scripture: John 3:16; 14:17, Romans 6:23, Romans 6:23; 8:17-18, 1 Corinthians 2:7-9, Revelation 20:15.
 

GPA Doctrinal Statement: RELATIONSHIPS

We believe that God created us for relationship—relationship with God and with one another. We emphasize the greatest commandments, which are to love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength and to love others as ourselves. It is by our primary relationship with God, through Jesus, with the Holy Spirit working in us, that love and all Godly fruit is possible. It is by our love for one another as Christians that people will know we are true disciples of Jesus Christ. We bring glory to God by living our lives in authentic, life changing relationship with Him and with one another.

Supportive Scripture: Genesis 1-2, Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:34-40, John 13:34-35, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 1:5-7.

GPA Doctrinal Statement: ORDINATION

Ordination is reserved for men who faithfully serve the church in an official leadership role. It is overseen and bestowed by the laying on of hands by the Elders. Ordained pastors participate and provide leadership in the following sacerdotal duties: Weddings, Funerals, Preaching/Teaching, Baptism, Communion, and Pastoral Counseling.

Supportive Scripture: Acts 13:1-3; 20:26-31, 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:14; 5:17; 5:22.