The Vine
A Christian Fellowship
Statement of Beliefs
Salvation
Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ. Because of original sin, all people are born in a fallen condition and are separated from God. Humanity is unable to save itself and stands in need of redemption. Salvation is accomplished solely by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, through His death, burial, and resurrection. When a person repents of sin and places personal faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, he or she is regenerated by the Holy Spirit, declared righteous by God, and given eternal life. Salvation is not earned by good works but is the free gift of God, resulting in a transformed life and obedience to Christ.
Baptism
Baptism is an ordinance of the church and a symbolic act of obedience for the believer, following salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It does not contribute to salvation but publicly testifies to the believer’s faith in Christ and identification with Him. Baptism by immersion symbolizes the believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, representing the washing away of sin, the death of the old life, and the beginning of a new life in Christ. It is a visible declaration of an inward spiritual transformation and a commitment to walk in newness of life. We believe in baptism by immersion due to the Greek word used is baptízō which means to dip or submerge as in bathing.
In circumstances where a believer is physically unable to undergo baptism by immersion, yet sincerely desires to be baptized, a symbolic baptism by sprinkling may be administered. Such circumstances may include recovery from surgery or serious illness where immersion is not medically permitted and future opportunities for baptism may not be possible. In these cases, the symbolic act serves as a testimony of faith and obedience, while acknowledging the individual’s physical limitations and desire to fulfil this ordinance.
The Bible
We believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and practice. The Scriptures were written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and are therefore fully trustworthy, true, and without error in the original manuscripts. The Bible reveals God’s character, His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, and His will for humanity. As such, it is sufficient for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, and it serves as the foundation for doctrine, moral conduct, and the life of the church.
Authority
We believe that authority over the Church originates with our Lord Jesus Christ and is exercised through His written Word, the Holy Bible. The Scriptures are the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith, doctrine, and practice.
Because differences in interpretation or understanding may arise, such matters should be addressed by the local pastor through careful study of Scripture, prayer, and spiritual discernment. When necessary, final authority for interpretation and application rests with Reverend Virgil Ministries.
Works
We believe that good works do not contribute to salvation but are the natural evidence of a genuine and living faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is received by grace alone through faith alone, yet the faith that saves results in a transformed life marked by obedience to Christ and submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Good works are the fruit of regeneration and demonstrate the believer’s abiding relationship with Christ, bringing glory to God and confirming the reality of salvation. While works do not secure or maintain salvation, they serve as a testimony of spiritual growth and a life being conformed to the will of the Father.
The most basic expressions of such works include:
Taking the Gospel to all nations and peoples.
Caring for widows and orphans within the church.
Assisting our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Serving the poor and needy of the world with compassion.
Communion
We believe that Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is an ordinance of the church instituted by Jesus Christ to be observed by believers in remembrance of His sacrificial death. The elements of bread and the fruit of the vine symbolize the body and blood of Christ, given for the redemption of sinners. Communion does not convey saving grace but serves as a solemn act of worship, reflection, and proclamation of the Lord’s death until He returns. Participation is an expression of fellowship with Christ and with His church, and believers are encouraged to partake in a reverent and self-examining manner, asking forgiveness of sins, while recognizing the significance of Christ’s atoning work.
Only unleavened (no yeast) bread is to be used in the observance of Communion. Acceptable elements may vary based on availability and may include Communion wafers, small crackers, non‑rising bread recipes, or Jewish unleavened bread, provided they remain free from leaven.
Permitted elements for the cup include wines made from grapes, including kosher wines and fortified wines such as port or sherry. Distilled spirits from grapes such as brandy or cognac are not to be used. Those who choose not to consume alcohol may use grape juice as a suitable substitute.
Under no circumstances is it permissible to drink enough of the cup to be inebriated.
Modesty
We believe in modesty of action, dress, and speech. In matters of modesty, the following three principles serve as guiding tests:
Does the teaching of Scripture, particularly the writings of the apostles, specifically forbid the action, dress, or speech?
Do the action, dress, or speech cause others to stumble due to human weakness or temptation?
Would one be comfortable engaging in this action, dress, or speech in the presence of our Lord?
When these principles are satisfied, believers are encouraged to forbear judgment and to extend grace toward one another.
If these principles do not bring resolution and further judgment or guidance is required, such matters shall be entrusted to the discernment of the local pastor or to Reverend Virgil Ministries. Please see the section on Authority.
Marriage
We believe that marriage is a sacred covenant ordained by God and affirmed in Scripture as the lifelong, exclusive union between one man and one woman. Marriage was established by God at creation and is intended to reflect His design for companionship, mutual support, and the orderly foundation of the family. It serves as a visible picture of the covenant relationship between Christ and His Church.
Marriage is entered into voluntarily by one man and one woman through a public covenant before God and witnesses, and it is to be honored and upheld with faithfulness, love, and commitment. Within marriage, husbands and wives are called to love, serve, honor, and submit to one another in accordance with biblical instruction, reflecting Christlike humility, sacrificial love, and mutual respect.
We believe that marriage before God is not defined by a state‑issued license. While marriage is a covenant made before the Lord, we currently encourage our members to make use of a state marriage license so long as doing so remains reasonable and does not conflict with faith or conscience. Those who choose not to obtain a state license are still held to the same biblical standards and expectations as those who do, recognizing that faithfulness to God’s design for marriage, not civil documentation, is what ultimately matters.
We believe that marriage provides the proper context for sexual intimacy, which is a gift from God to be expressed exclusively within the marriage covenant. Marriage also provides the primary setting for the nurturing, instruction, and discipleship of children in the ways of the Lord.
Because marriage is instituted by God, it is not merely a social or legal contract but a spiritual union under His authority. Therefore, believers are called to uphold the sanctity of marriage through purity, fidelity, reconciliation, forgiveness, and perseverance. In matters of marital difficulty, believers are encouraged to seek guidance through prayer, Scripture, and pastoral counsel, trusting God to bring healing and restoration according to His will.
The Vine will perform wedding ceremonies for active members of the church. Family members or close friends of active members may be considered for marriage by The Vine, provided they complete a questionnaire regarding their faith and affirm the accuracy of their responses. Upon review and confirmation, the wedding may be performed by the Pastorate of The Vine.
Divorce
While divorce is contrary to God’s design for marriage and is therefore considered sin, it is not beyond forgiveness. As with any sin, divorce may be forgiven when one is truly repentant and seeks to walk in obedience to Christ, demonstrating a sincere desire not to repeat the same error.
In some circumstances, divorce may occur without moral fault on the part of the believer. Situations such as abandonment by a spouse who rejects the faith, marital unfaithfulness, or other actions that break the marriage covenant may leave the faithful spouse with no meaningful alternative. In such cases, the member who did not cause the dissolution of the marriage is considered without blame, even if legal action is required to formalize the separation.
The Greek phrase used by the Apostle Paul in his instruction to Timothy—mias gunaikos andra, meaning “a one‑woman man”—does not speak to divorce itself, but rather to faithfulness and moral integrity. This qualification emphasizes a life marked by covenantal commitment, excluding adultery, polygamy, and other forms of relational unfaithfulness, and reflects the character required of those in spiritual leadership.
Sin
We believe that every Christian is called to repent of sin promptly, seeking forgiveness through confession and a sincere commitment to turn away from that sin. While all believers continue to struggle with sin in this fallen world, it is the immediate confession of sin and a genuine desire to walk in obedience that brings forgiveness and keeps the believer prepared to stand before our Lord at any moment.
Members who persist in unrepentant sin—such as fornication, adultery, homosexuality, pedophilia, a life of criminal behavior, or other sinful practices they are unwilling to forsake—shall be approached privately by one or two men of the Church for correction and restoration. If repentance does not occur, the matter shall be brought before the assembly for further guidance and accountability.
Continued refusal to repent and turn from sin will result in excommunication from The Vine, for the purpose of preserving the holiness of the church and calling the individual to repentance.
Buildings & Meetings
We do not believe that the use of members’ funds for buildings and the trapping of traditional organized religion is a biblical necessity. We believe that the resources given to the members are better directed toward the care of the poor, the needy, and the work of the Gospel, trusting that faithful stewardship of such resources results in fewer who are hungry, unclothed, or without shelter.
In instances where a local congregation desires to meet and worship in a venue that requires a fee, one of the following approaches should be followed:
Each attendee pays his or her own expenses, even if a group discount has been arranged; or
One member collects the required fees and submits payment on behalf of the group.
Meetings may be held wherever the members deem appropriate, provided the location is consistent with biblical principles of modesty and conduct. Acceptable meeting places may include homes, restaurants, parks, beaches, or other public venues.
Financial Practices
We believe that the church should not collect offerings or maintain a financial account, in accordance with our bylaws. The Vine does not receive or hold monies for church purposes.
We believe that members may freely give gifts or resources to others as they feel led by God. While acts of generosity are encouraged among the membership, The Vine does not collect, manage, or distribute financial contributions. If a need arises within the church, it shall be brought before the membership for prayerful discussion and voluntary response.
In certain circumstances, the church may ask members to assist in addressing a financial need; however, any such assistance remains voluntary and is given directly, as The Vine itself does not receive or handle funds.
Pastors serve without compensation unless individual members, moved by generosity, choose to provide personal gifts to them.
Many desire to give, and we recommend the following charities for those members:
We will add to this list as we identify other reputable ministries to support.
Day of Worship
We believe that the body of every believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and that wherever a believer goes, they are “at church.” For this reason, we do not maintain a dedicated church building. Because believers themselves are the temple, and because Jesus promised to be present wherever two or more are gathered in His name, we do not observe the Old Testament Jewish Sabbath as a required day of rest. Rather, every day is the Lord’s day when the Holy Spirit dwells within us.
We choose to gather for worship on Sunday because it is the first day of the week and the day on which Pentecost occurred, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles. Over time, this became widely recognized as the customary day of Christian worship, and society came to associate Sunday with “going to church.” While every day belongs to the Lord, meeting on Sunday allows our fellowship to gather more easily within the rhythms of modern work and family life.
Holidays and Celebrations
We believe that the only holidays the Church formally observes are Christmas and Easter. We hold that it is beneficial for our congregation to preserve the remembrance of Christ’s birth and resurrection. While these events may be celebrated at any time, joining with Christians around the world to honor our Lord and Savior is an act worthy of reverence.
While the Church observes these remembrances, we do not require attendance, recognizing that some believers may feel led by conscience not to esteem one day above another. We also believe that additional days of celebration may be observed at the discretion of the local fellowship and attended by those who desire to participate.
Other Beliefs
There will always be additional beliefs or matters that require discernment and resolution. Such matters shall be addressed through prayerful consideration of Scripture, with final determination resting with the local pastor or Reverend Virgil Ministries. Reading the Bylaws of The Vine provides further insight into how our beliefs are discerned and decided.
Ongoing Clarification of Beliefs
We recognize that our Statement of Beliefs may grow over time, and we remain open to adding clarity when a belief requires inclusion or further definition.