What We Believe
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, without error in the original manuscripts and is our guide for daily living.
We believe that the one living and true God exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, and that He died on the cross for our sins and rose on the third day.
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and that He empowers us for daily living.
We believe that humanity was created by God in His image, but we have separated ourselves from God and need His saving grace.
We believe that salvation is a gift of God's grace and we receive this gift of eternal life when we trust Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin.
We believe that the church is the body of Christ and that God has called believers to gather together in local church communities.
We believe that Jesus Christ will come again and reign eternally.
Where does 220 stand on various controversial issues?
On many of these issues, Bible-believing Christians see things differently. In our estimation, some of these issues are more clear than others. We have a set of core beliefs that represent our non-negotiables. We call these the “essentials” and desire unity in these. However, on the non essentials, we claim liberty. But in all things, we desire to live out love. Here are twotwenty’s core essentials…
Spiritual Gifts We believe all the spiritual gifts are valid for today. (See especially 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4; Romans 12.) All gifts should be exercised within Biblical guidelines, with order, and under the leadership of the church and ministry involved.
Eschatology We believe that Jesus Christ is coming again. We do not specify, in our core beliefs, the nature of the millennium or rapture. our teaching will be premillennial but it is not considered one of our core beliefs. (See Matthew 24; Revelation 6-20; 1 Thessalonians 4.)
Eternal Security We believe in eternal security. Any person who, in simple faith, places their trust in Jesus Christ receives the gift of eternal life. Eternal life never ends. All of their sins are forgiven. They are given right standing with God. Every child of God is sealed by the Holy Spirit and safe and secure for all eternity. A Christian can lose their fellowship, joy, power and rewards but their relationship with God is eternal. (See such passages as John 5:24, 6:47 and 10:27-30; Romans 3:21-31 and 8:28-39; Ephesians 2:1-10.)
Grace Salvation We become Christians by trusting Jesus Christ as Savior. We believe in Jesus for eternal life. The way to God is by grace, through faith or trust. The Bible teaches this continually, especially the Gospel of John which includes 98 uses of the Greek word for “believe” and the Book of Romans. We do not become Christians by committing our lives to Christ, i.e. by promising to obey Him. We should do that. Every Christian should fully commit their entire lives and all that they are to Jesus. But, we are saved by trusting a Savior who died for our sin and rose again. We transfer our trust from self (being good enough/works) to Jesus. Simply believe in Jesus. We do not believe in salvation through works or morality or baptism or promises to obey. We believe in salvation by grace and through trust in Jesus. (See such passages as John 1:12, 3:15-16 and 5:24; Romans 3:21-31; Ephesians 2:8-9.)
Predestination The Bible teaches predestination and the unconditional election of God. God is sovereign in salvation. The Bible also tells us to believe in Jesus, assuming free will. We hold to both predestination and free will. We do not logically try and reconcile them but accept them both as true and wait on understanding more in heaven. We challenge people to believe in Jesus. But we pray to God to open their eyes and give them faith, and we give Him all the credit if they do turn to Jesus. (See Romans 8:28-29 and 9-11; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 6:44.)
Abortion The Bible teaches that human life begins at conception and therefore abortion is a grave wrong. We also realize that many people, both inside and outside the church, have been scarred by the guilt and shame of abortion and we offer the liberating, healing grace of Jesus. (See passages such as Psalm 139; Psalm 51; Luke 1-2.)
Homosexuality The Bible teaches clearly that homosexual behavior is wrong. We distinguish between homosexual tendencies or orientation and homosexual behavior. We believe that the primary message of Christians to the homosexual community must not be one of condemnation and judgment, but the love and grace of Jesus Christ and the freedom He brings us. We are faithful to God’s Word because we are followers of Jesus, but we hold our views with no sense of condescension or self-righteousness. We all need grace. (See Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.)
Role of Women in Ministry We hold a moderate position on this issue, avoiding an extreme traditional view and an extreme egalitarian view. There are difficult passages for each position and there is a need for great humility and sensitivity. At this point, women at 220 are free to serve in any capacity except for camp pastor. If we simply rely on our reasoning, then women would, of course, be allowed to do anything a man could do. Women are equally capable, equally gifted. However, for the Jesus follower the Bible is our authority and we are wrestling with the passages that address the issue. The leadership team and board of directors at 220 continue to study and dialogue over this difficult issue, but we do not feel we have closure. (See such passages as 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 and 14:34-35; Acts 2:17-21 and 21:9; Romans 16:1-2; Galatians 3:28; Judges 4 - Deborah.)
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
We believe that every Christian is baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ at the time of conversion.
There can also be a different, non-technical use of the word “baptize.” One might pray “Lord baptize me afresh with Your Spirit” and simply be asking that the Spirit fill and empower him afresh. (See 1 Corinthians 12:13.)
Baptism
We believe that the preponderance of biblical evidence favors believers baptism and not infant baptism. At the same time, we are aware that so many Bible-believing Christians see it differently. We respect their view and see this issue as one that Christians can disagree with each other on and not part ways.
Our practice is believers baptism. We encourage our people to be baptized this way. However, if believers in our church choose not to be baptized this way because of biblical conviction (not just convenience or tradition) then we respect their views.
Also, we practice baptism by immersion, not sprinkling or pouring. We see the significant value in the picture of immersion… being buried with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life. This is the scripture come to life of 220—Galatians 2:20 bringing us into 2 Cor 5:17.
We do not see the mode of baptism as a major issue.
Even though we realize that Christians can and do disagree on many aspects of baptism, we still recognize that baptism is an important step of obedience to Jesus Christ, to symbolize that He has saved us and we are His.
We also believe that baptism is not a necessary work for salvation; for it is by grace alone through faith we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9).
220 is not the typical camp/conference ministry.
We are not all about crossing the t’s and dotting all the I’s for people.
We ask more questions sometimes than give answers.
We desire to be an equipping ministry that causes thought, dialogue, discussion, community, etc. We hold fast to the idea that if the sermon can leave the room all figured out, then it wasn’t really a great sermon to begin with. In Jesus’ day, there was constant discussion, they lived in community where it was okay to present big ideas… where it was good to think.
We desire to be that community with people.
We do not claim to have God all figured out, we know that is impossible. We do however desire truth and personal belief only gained through personal conviction. We want to create an atmosphere where people can come, be challenged, and begin to work out their own salvation and faith with fear and trembling.
Today it is expected for our future generations to go to school and learn to think,… to go to college and pursue higher education, and do well,… but when it comes to personal theology… it seems we demand them to check thier brain at the door and think only what they are told.
That is not 220.
220 desires to be completely Biblical, relevant, and authentic, This will become evident by sitting in one of our many planning and prayer meetings. 220 is committed to starving the flesh and feeding the Spirit to show people just how good His love and presence really is. Our main focus throughout the course of our ministry is to provide powerful moments in the presence of God,
because we know that only He can draw people to Himself, and only He, through his Spirit, will show Himself to be real and true.