Lakes of Springfield Presbyterian - Beliefs:

1. Scripture

• We believe the Holy Scriptures are God’s written revelation to all people. We accept the Scriptures as our authority for faith and practice, looking to the whole of Scripture as our guide for living out our faith.

2. Church

• We believe the true church is made up of all who accept Jesus as Christ and Lord.

3. Salvation

• We believe all people are in need of redemption and must make a personal commitment to Christ in order to be a part of God’s community. All who die in infancy or who do not have the faculty of reason are redeemed and saved through the mercy of Christ.

4. Sacraments

• We believe there are two sacraments of the Church.
• Water Baptism is one sacrament. It is a symbol of the Holy Spirit and a seal of the Covenant of Grace. We do not require re-baptism for church membership.
• Holy Communion is the other sacrament. The elements, after consecration remain what they are yet are powerful symbols of Christ’s sacrifice. All who profess Jesus as Christ and have the faith to understand the significance of this sacrament are invited to partake with us, regardless of denominational affiliation.

5. Government

• Elders who are elected by the people govern particular churches in our denomination. Each congregation through its elders calls its minister. Elders and ordained clergy of an area are formed into presbyteries. Standards for ordination include educational requirements of at least a college education.
  The official statement of doctrine of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is called The Confession of Faith, and is available to any one who has the desire to read further on the subject of government or doctrine.