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Distinguishing Characteristics of the ICC

“And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not” – Malachi 3:18

 

In this age of religious confusion and false doctrine, the following are key biblical convications that distinguish our church from the traditions of men:

  1. We believe God physically resurrected Jesus from the dead.
  2. We believe the Bible is inspired by God and is our sole authority. Therefore, since we have not departed (divided) from the truth, we consider ourselves non-denominational.
  3. We are a Bible Church, not simply a New Testament Church. 2 Timothy 3:14-17. The context of the word “Scripture” is referring to the Old Testament. We believe the Old Testament applies to our lives — as much as the New Testament — except for the Mosaic Law and any teaching in the New Testament that supercedes the Old Testament (Example: grounds for divorce).
  4. We believe — as in the book of Acts — the visible church should be composed of only sold-out baptized disciples.
  5. “Be silent where the Bible speaks, and speak where the Bible is silent.” In applying Scriptural principles to build the visible church, we believe we must obey God’s Word, but where the Bible does not prohibit a practice or name, we are free to use our God-given creativity. Genesis 2:19 (Examples: The principles for “Bible Talks,” “Lead Evangelist,” “Discipleship Partners” and “Regions” are in the Scriptures, though these terms are not. However, nowhere are they prohibited. Also instrumental music and paid Women’s Ministry Leaders are not prohibited in the Scriptures.)
  6. We believe in a Central Leadership. Throughout God’s Word, when His people were unified, there was a strong central leadership and godly central leader. (Examples: Moses, Joshua, David and of course Jesus and the Apostles.) 1 Corinthians 4:15-17 and Titus 1:5 teaches that local congregations had an overseeing evangelist, who unified the disciples “everywhere in every church.” In the first century, congregations were a collective movement — not autonomous, not self-governing.)
  7. Matthew 28:19-20: Our vision — the evangelization of all nations in this generation — will be accomplished through every disciple making disciples and every disciple having discipling relationships.