Our faith and distinctives
What We Believe
At New Hope Community Church, we stand on a rich and Spirit-filled theological foundation that embraces the fullness of God’s Word and His work in the world today. Our distinctives are expressed through the acronym PREPBACKS, reflecting a blend of historic, evangelical, Spirit-led, and Kingdom-focused values.
Our doctrinal foundation
Presbyterian Leadership
We are led by a team of elders, following a Presbyterian model of shared leadership. This reflects the New Testament pattern of plural eldership, mutual accountability, and servant leadership in the local church (Titus 1:5, Acts 14:23).
Reformed Theology
We are rooted in Reformed theology, particularly the doctrine of grace. We believe in the sovereignty of God in salvation, that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone — to the glory of God alone (Ephesians 2:8–9, Romans 9:16).
Evangelical Mission
We are evangelical in our commitment to the authority of Scripture and the centrality of the gospel. We believe in preaching the good news of Jesus Christ to all nations in fulfilment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20, Romans 1:16).
Pentecostal Power
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a distinct experience from regeneration. This empowers believers for bold witness, spiritual growth, and ministry (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:4, Acts 19:1–6).
Baptist Practice
We hold to believer’s baptism by immersion, in obedience to Christ’s command, as a public declaration of faith. We also practise an open communion table for all who profess faith in Jesus (Matthew 28:19, Acts 8:36–38, 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).
Apostolic Ministry
We believe in the active role of the fivefold ministries (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) in equipping the Church and building up the body of Christ today (Ephesians 4:11–13).
Charismatic Gifts
We embrace the present-day operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including tongues, prophecy, healing, and deliverance. These gifts are given for the edification of the Church and the advancement of the gospel (1 Corinthians 12:4–11, Romans 12:6–8).
Kingdom Advancement
We are committed to seeing the Kingdom of God advanced on earth — through the Church, in our communities, and across nations. We believe the gospel transforms not only individuals but cultures and systems (Matthew 6:10, Luke 17:21, Isaiah 61:1–4).
Scripture as Supreme Authority
We believe in the verbal plenary inspiration of the Bible — that all Scripture is God-breathed, without error in its original form, and is the final authority for faith, life, and doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16–17, 2 Peter 1:20–21, Psalm 119:105).
Our Distinctives
Proclaiming the authority of God’s Word without apology. 2 Timothy 4:2; Romans 1:16
Believing actively in the power of personal and corporate prayer. Matthew 6:6; Acts 4:31
Holding firmly to the priority of preaching the Full Gospel in fulfilment of the Great Commission. Mark 16:15; 1 Corinthians 1:18,21
Pursuing actively the manifest presence of God in a lifestyle of worship and corporate praise. John 4:24; Psalm 100:4; Romans 12:1-2
Seeking to serve one another in love through fellowship and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:7,25; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 4:10
Actively enforcing the power of the Kingdom in Healing and Deliverance as demonstrated in the Scriptures. Luke 10:9, Luke 10:17-19; Matthew 8:16-17/Isaiah 53:4-6; Acts 10:38
Pursuing God’s provision to live as a revived people so our generation is reached with the full Gospel of Jesus Christ. John 7:38; Acts 2:38-39; Acts 4:29-31; Isaiah 44:3-5;
Discipling the saints to walk in the fullness of their God-given identity as a child of God. 2 Timothy 3:17-17; Colossians 1:24-29 (maturity); 2 Peter 1:2-4; 1 Corinthians 15:10
Intentionality sending out those equipped for multiplication and church planting. Isaiah 61:1-4; Colossians 1:24-29 (maturity), 2 Timothy 2:2; Romans 15:20