What We Believe

Vision Statement

The concept of a "teaching church" is not unlike that of a "teaching hospital." The "teaching hospital" provides the best patient care because it is able to develop world-class staff and facilities. The "teaching Hospital" also develops the areas of specialty to the fullest extent and then because there are interns and residents who study there, the doctors in the "teaching hospital" have to stay abreast of the latest technologies and practice the highest quality of medicine. The result of these factors is a great hospital with outstanding medical care for the patients. In a similar matter, a "teaching church" can have the same impact on the kingdom of God. This involves:

  • Building and maintaining world class staff
  • Providing the finest facilities to support a teaching church ministry
  • Providing exciting and participative worship experience
  • Challenging and encouraging each participant to the practice of holy habits such as daily Bible reading, reflection and prayer, a weekly tithe, a regular participation in an accountability growth group, a place of service, compassion, concern and the heart of God to share the good news with others.
  • Drawing lay people into more significant areas of the church’s ministry.
  • Developing lay ministry to provide pastoral care which moves beyond the concept of simply visitation and crisis intervention into building health and wholeness into individuals and families.
  • Developing a level of Stephen Ministry and Growth Group Ministry which creates a web of interlocking human relationships so that no one ever feels alone at St. Johns.
  • Identifying individual and family issues and provide a ministry to address them.
  • Identifying structures in society which create these human needs. · Developing a youth intern program that equips young men and women for youth ministry in the local church.
  • Ultimately creating a significant and faithful ministry to Jesus Christ so that when people ask what it means to be a church engaged in effective, excellent ministry—they will say, "Look at St. Johns in Jacksonville."

Core Values

  • Biblically-Based – We believe the Bible is God’s Word and the final authority for all matters of faith and practice. We strive to understand it and stand under it in all aspects of our lives. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Mark 12:29-30; John 14:21)
  • Devotion – We believe that the pursuit of full devotion to Christ and His cause is normal for every believer. (Philippians 2:3-5; 2 Corinthians 8:7); Philippians 3:12-14)
  • Prayer – We believe in the importance of prayer as provision God gives us for knowing Him and participating in the work of His kingdom. (1 John 5:14-15; John 15:7)
  • Excellence - We believe that excellence honors God and blesses people. (Colossians 3:17; Malachi 1:13-14; Jeremiah 48; 10)
  • Biblical, Spirit-led Teaching - We believe that biblical, Spirit-led teaching is a primary catalyst for changing lives. (2 Timothy 2:16-17; James 1:25)
  • Distinguished by Love – We believe Christians are to be distinguished by our love, endeavoring to guard the sanctity of every human life and to love one another as Christ loves us. (Mark 12:31; John 13:34-35; Exodus 20:13)
  • Small Groups - We believe that significant life change happens in the context of biblically-based small groups. (Luke 6:13; 2 Timothy 2:2; Philippians 4:9)
  • Every Member a Minister – We believe that God gifts and prepares every believer for ministry, and expects every believer to serve Him. (1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:4-6a); Joel 2:28-29; Acts 13:1)
  • A Healing Station - We believe our church is to be a catalyst for bringing healing in our broken society. (James 1:27; Matthew 25:35-40)
  • Unity – We believe our church should actively seek to bring unity in Christ across racial, denominational and cultural boundaries while remaining biblically faithful. (John 17:20-21)
  • Penetration of the Culture – We believe our church and every believer must strive to understand our times and uncompromisingly strive to establish Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in all aspects of life. (1 Chronicles 12:32; 1 Corinthians 9:19-22; 10: 31; Colossians 3:17, 23; Proverbs 21:3)
  • Evangelism – We believe that lost people matter to God. Therefore, we believe the responsibility of every Christian is to reach the people God has placed within that Christian’s sphere of influence. (Luke 5:30-32; Matthew 18:12-24)

Sacraments

The Sacraments observed by Presbyterians are Holy Communion (or the Lord’s Supper) and Baptism. Both sacraments were instituted by Christ, who invited His disciples to serve them. A sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible grace. Both of these sacraments point to the incarnate Word and declare that Jesus Christ is present. Holy Communion is the re-enactment of Jesus’ last meal in the Upper Room as described in the Gospels and in I Corinthians 11. It is a holy celebration of the presence of Christ who is risen and alive. Holy Communion points to our union with Christ as we live and work within the community of faith. The St. Johns Presbyterian congregation celebrates communion  on the first Sunday of each month at the 8:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m services.  Also, we celebrate communion Maundy Thursday, Easter and Christmas Eve. Baptism, the act of cleansing, marks our reception into the household of God. Following the New Testament practice, the baptism of infants, children, and adults requires of the congregation a commitment to nurture the Christian growth of each individual as a member of the Christian family of faith.