Distinctives of Highland Park
In addition to our statement of faith, we believe it is necessary to clarify and uphold certain distinctives that mark out our church as uniquely committed to what we understand the New Testament to teach regarding the church's doctrine and practice.
Expository Preaching and Teaching...that exposes the intended meaning of the Biblical text as written by the authors of Scripture, and presented in a relevant and practical way, resulting in changed lives.
Repentant Faith...that clarifies the true Gospel which requires faith in the Person and Work of Christ and repentance towards God resulting in justification by faith, the forgiveness of sins.
The Doctrines of Grace...that embrace with firm conviction the eternally sovereign purposes of God in the work of Christ, applied to the helpless sinner in salvation, resulting in the praise of His glory.
God-centered Worship...that extolls the worth of God as a redeemed people in a volitional, intellectual, and emotional response to His Person as expressed in the work of Christ's atonement and revealed in the Word of God.
Biblical Counseling...using all the all-sufficient Scriptures as the only resource for living godly in the face of life's problems, resulting in obedience and righteous interpersonal relationships.
Plurality of Eldership...leading the local church by the God-given authority and wisdom of Biblically qualified men united under the Lordship of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, resulting in edification as a church.
Authentic Community...living out Biblical Christianity in the context of life with other believers in a genuine way, vitally connected to one another in the local church through fellowship, accountability, prayer, discipleship, serving, and using spiritual gifts, resulting in spiritual friendships that stimulate Christlikeness.
Church Discipline...purifying the church from unrepentant patterns of sin in the lives of people through a process of restoration as outlined in the Scriptures, in an effort to enforce accountability to the standard of God's holiness, resulting in a chaste Bride with a vibrant witness.
