VISION & BELIEFS

What does Southside stand for?

Our Vision

We exist to help people return to Jesus Christ. No matter where you are in your journey through life, we want to help you love Jesus, love your neighbor & disciple others in Christ’s ways. 

Our Beliefs

GOD

A holy (without sin), spiritual being, all knowing, everywhere present, eternally existent in three distinct personalities – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – one God (Exodus 3:14-15, John 4:24, Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-2).


JESUS CHRIST

Jesus became “God in the flesh.” He was born through the miracle of a virgin birth, lived a sinless life, was crucified and died a physical death as atonement for our sins, and was physically resurrected from the grave. (Matthew 1:18-25, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8) He will return in bodily form as Lord of the universe, to gather his followers and judge those who have rejected him (Acts 1:9-11, Hebrews 9:27-28).


THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit lives within those who believe in Jesus Christ as Comforter and Advocate, and helps us become more like Jesus in thought, word, actions and character (John 16:5-15).


SIN

Men and women were created in the image of God but are now separated from God because of sin (Romans 5:12-21).


SALVATION

Faith (belief and trust) in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross is the only way to be reconciled with God (Acts 4:8-12). Salvation cannot be earned; it is offered through Jesus based on grace, not merit. What we couldn’t do for ourselves (reconcile with God), Jesus did through his death on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). God lovingly offers salvation to every person, and every person has the freedom to accept or reject this gift at any time (John 3:16-18). Faith is our starting point that guides us through repentance (conforming our lifestyle to Christ), confession and baptism by immersion.


BAPTISM

We believe that full immersion under water is the prescribed mode of baptism as indicated by Jesus' own example, command, and the meaning of the original Greek word "baptizo" = to immerse, dip, or dunk (Mark 1:9-10; Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4). 


THE BIBLE

We believe the Bible is the inspired, written Word of God and the final authority for all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:14-16). 


THE CHURCH

The Church of Jesus Christ is not limited to any one institution or denomination; it consists of all who have trusted Jesus Christ for redemption of their sins. Southside is therefore but one part of the greater Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-17).