Beliefs & Governance
Every organization has its operating rules and principles. These are ours, which help to keep us on mission as we love God, love each other, and love the world that Jesus, through his people, is working to restore.
Our Beliefs
Willowdale holds to historical Christian orthodoxy—the central doctrines of the faith that the vast majority of Christians have always believed – such as those contained in the Apostle’s Creed. We summarize our beliefs this way:
We believe the Bible is God’s inspired Word, through which he exercises his authority in our lives. (Psalm 19:7‐11; Psalm 119; 2 Timothy 3:14‐17; Hebrews 4:12‐13)
We believe God is One, revealed to us in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:45; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
We believe human life is both sacred and sinful—sacred because each person is created in the image of God; sinful because each person is marked by rebellion against him. (Genesis 1:26‐31; Psalm 8:3‐5; Romans 3:10‐18; Ephesians 2:1‐3)
We believe Jesus Christ is the perfect Son of God in human flesh, who lived, died, and rose again for us, absorbing the just penalty for our sins and opening the way to eternal life for all who trust in him. (John 1:1‐18; Hebrews 2:14‐18; 4:14‐16; 7:26‐27; 1 Peter 3:18)
We believe in the Gospel of God’s holistic grace, by which he intends to transform every aspect of our existence. (Isaiah 35; Luke 4:14‐21; Romans 8:18‐39; Ephesians 2:4‐10)
We believe every person’s eternity, whether in heaven or in hell, hinges on their response to Jesus. (Matthew 25; John 10; 14:6; Romans 1:16‐17; 10:9‐13; 1 John 1:1‐10; 5:12)
We believe the Holy Spirit has been given to unite us to Christ, applying his redemptive work to our lives and empowering us to live joyfully and purposefully in him. (Ezekiel 36:26‐27; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:13‐14; 2 Timothy 1:7)
We believe the church is God’s new community, comprised of diverse individuals, yet collectively commissioned to passionately spread the life‐transforming Gospel. (Matthew 5:13‐16; 16:13‐19; 28:18‐20; 2 Corinthians 5:11‐21; 1 Timothy 3:14‐15; 1 Peter 2:9‐12)
We believe every follower of Jesus Christ is called and gifted to make a vital contribution to the church’s mission. (Matthew 25:14‐46; Romans 12:1‐8; 1 Corinthians 12—14; Ephesians 4:7‐16; 1 Peter 4:10‐11)
We believe in the future kingdom, when God will remake all of heaven and earth, including our physical bodies, to fully reflect his perfection and glory. (1 Thessalonians 4:13‐18; 1 John 3:1‐2; Revelation 21—22)
Our Bylaws
Willowdale Chapel is a non-denominational elder governed church. Our elder board is comprised of the Lead Pastor and at least four qualified members of the congregation who are nominated and elected by our congregation. Our bylaws serve as the guidelines for our elders as they govern our church.