What We Believe

Being Reformed means we trace our theological heritage back to the Protestant Reformation. We hold to the "Five Solas" (Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone, and Glory to God Alone) and emphasize the "Doctrines of Grace," which highlight God’s absolute sovereignty in the salvation of man.

While the Bible is our only infallible rule of faith and practice, we recognize the value of historic confessions that have guarded the church for centuries. At Ekklesia Iwakuni, we hold to the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faithand the Westminster Confession of Faith. These documents serve as faithful summaries of the "faith once delivered to the saints" and provide the doctrinal boundaries for our teaching and leadership.

Ekklesia Iwakuni is a Reformed church plant that welcomes believers from both the Reformed Baptist and Presbyterian traditions. We are united by the "Doctrines of Grace," a high view of Scripture, and a desire to see Christ’s Lordship acknowledged in every area of life. Whether you hold to Credobaptism or Paedobaptism, if you are Reformed in your soteriology and desire to live under the authority of the Word, you will find a theological home here.

At Ekklesia Iwakuni, we believe that every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and sovereignly gifted for the service of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11). However, we hold to a Cessationist position regarding the "extraordinary" or "sign" gifts.

1. The Purpose of Sign Gifts We believe that gifts such as tongues, prophecy, and apostolic healing were "signs of a true apostle" (2 Corinthians 12:12). These extraordinary manifestations served a specific, temporary purpose: to authenticate the messengers of the New Covenant and to lay the foundation of the Church during the time of the Apostles (Ephesians 2:20).

2. The Sufficiency of Scripture Now that the New Testament canon is complete, we believe the Scriptures are fully sufficient for "teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16–17). We no longer look for new, "extra-biblical" revelations or prophecies, as God has spoken definitively to us through His Son and His written Word (Hebrews 1:1–2).

3. The Vitality of the Spirit Today Holding a Cessationist view does not mean we believe the Holy Spirit is inactive. On the contrary, we believe the Spirit is vibrantly at work today through:

• Ordinary Gifts: We prioritize and celebrate the "ordinary" but supernatural gifts of teaching, administration, exhortation, service, and acts of mercy (Romans 12:6–8).

• The Power of Prayer: We believe God still performs miracles and heals the sick in response to the faithful prayers of His people, according to His sovereign will (James 5:14–15).

• Sanctification: The Spirit’s primary work today is conforming believers into the image of Christ and empowering the preaching of the Word.

4. Our Practice In our corporate worship, you will find an orderly service focused on the preaching of the Word, the singing of Psalms, and the administration of the sacraments. We seek to follow the Pauline command that "all things should be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40), ensuring that the focus remains on the clear proclamation of the Gospel rather than subjective experiences.

Because we value the unity of the body and respect the depth of both the Baptist and Presbyterian traditions, we handle these differences with pastoral wisdom and charity. While our elders teach from a settled conviction, we do not make a specific view of the mode or subject of baptism a requirement for church membership. We believe that a shared commitment to the Gospel and the historic Reformed faith is a sufficient foundation for fellowship and mission.

We believe the Sabbath was made for man and that the Lord’s Day is a gift for the church to rest from worldly labors and gather for corporate worship. Our service is the highlight of our week, where we meet with God through the "Ordinary Means of Grace"—the preaching of the Word, prayer, and the administration of the Sacraments.

At Ekklesia Iwakuni, we view the Lord’s Supper as a means of grace and a covenant meal for the baptized body of Christ. We welcome all to the table who meet the following biblical criteria:

• A Credible Profession of Faith: You have repented of your sins and trust in the substitutionary death and resurrection of Jesus Christ alone for your salvation (Romans 10:9–10).

• Public Identification through Baptism: You have been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

• A Life of Repentance: You are not currently living in a state of unrepentant, public sin, but are striving by the Spirit to walk in holiness (1 John 1:6–9).

• Ecclesiastical Alignment: You are a member in good standing of a Gospel-preaching church.

What if my current church does not have formal membership? We recognize that some faithful believers attend churches that do not practice formal membership, or perhaps you are in a season of transition due to military relocation. If you are a baptized believer who is "under authority"—meaning you are known by and accountable to the leadership of a local body of believers—you are welcome to join us. If you are unsure, we invite you to speak with one of our elders before the service.

A Note on "Fencing the Table" We provide this guidance because the Apostle Paul warns that anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body "eats and drinks judgment on himself" (1 Corinthians 11:27–29). We fence the table not to be exclusionary, but out of love for your soul and reverence for the Lord’s command. If you are not a believer, or if you are not yet baptized, we ask that you let the elements pass you by. We would love for you to use that time to pray and consider the claims of Christ, and we invite you to speak with us after the service about how you can be prepared to join us at the table in the future.

We believe that children of believers are members of the covenant community. Therefore, we practice "family-integrated worship," meaning we encourage children of all ages to remain in the service with their parents. We believe it is vital for children to see their parents worshiping and to hear the Word of God preached from a young age.

We believe Christ is Lord of all, not just the "religious" spheres of life. We encourage our members to be excellent in their vocations, faithful in their civic duties, and intentional about building a culture that reflects God’s truth, goodness, and beauty. We seek to be a "city on a hill" within the Iwakuni community.

Taken from Ephesians 6:4, Paideia refers to the total enculturation of a child. It is more than just "schooling" or academic instruction; it is the deliberate shaping of a child’s worldviews, habits, and affections. At Ekklesia Iwakuni, we believe that the Paideia of the Lord is a full-time, comprehensive responsibility given to parents to ensure their children see every area of life—history, science, art, and work—through the lens of Christ’s Lordship.

We often use this phrase to describe the church because we believe the local congregation is not just a collection of individuals, but a community made up of households. This is why we prioritize family-integrated worship and encourage fathers to take the lead in the spiritual life of their homes. When we strengthen the individual household, we strengthen the entire "Household of God."

We are an independent Reformed church. While we value the "communion of saints" and maintain informal fellowship and accountability with like-minded churches, we are not currently a member of a formal denominational body. Our government is local, led by a plurality of elders who are directly accountable to the Word of God and the congregation.

Yes. In an age of increasing doctrinal confusion, we believe it is helpful to clearly align ourselves with specific statements that defend biblical truth against modern errors. We heartily affirm the following:

• The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy: A defense of the Bible as the inerrant, infallible, and total Word of God, authoritative in all that it affirms.

• The Nashville Statement: A clear biblical confession regarding human sexuality, affirming God’s design for marriage as the union of one man and one woman and the distinction between the two sexes.

• The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel: A clarification on the nature of the Gospel, guarding it against being redefined by secular ideologies or modern social theories that undermine the sufficiency of Christ and the local church.

A plurality of elders means that the church is not led by a "lone ranger" pastor. Following the New Testament pattern, we are governed by a team of co-equal men who share the burden of leadership, teaching, and pastoral care. While one elder may be more gifted in public preaching, all elders share equal authority and accountability. This structure provides a "safety in a multitude of counselors," protecting the church from the whims of a single individual and ensuring the elders themselves are held to a high standard of holiness.

While both terms affirm that men and women have distinct roles, we believe "Patriarchy" (literally, father-rule) is the more comprehensive biblical term.

• Complementarianism often focuses narrowly on what happens in the church and the home—specifically that men lead and women don't.

• Patriarchy recognizes that God has built the world such that men are the "covenant heads" and protectors of society. It is the belief that God’s design for male leadership isn't just a "church rule," but a fundamental reality of how he made the world to flourish. We believe that biblical patriarchy is not about the "oppression" of women, but about the responsibility of men to sacrifice themselves for the protection, provision, and flourishing of their wives, children, and the broader community.

No. While our Elders must heartily subscribe to our full Confessions and Statements of Faith, we do not require the same of every member. To join Ekklesia Iwakuni, you must provide a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ, have been baptized, and be willing to submit to the leadership of the church. We expect members to be "teachable"—meaning you aren't required to be a seasoned theologian on day one, but you should be willing to grow, learn, and not be divisive regarding the church’s established doctrines.

We believe in biblical justice—giving every person their due according to the Law of God. However, we reject "Social Justice" when it is defined by secular ideologies like Critical Theory or Marxism, which often emphasize group identity over individual responsibility and promote envy over equity. True justice is found in the application of God’s Word to all of life, including how we care for the poor, the widow, and the fatherless.

Family worship is the simple, daily practice of a household gathering together to seek the Lord. There is no "one-size-fits-all" method; it can look different for a family with toddlers than it does for a household of teenagers. Whether it happens around the breakfast table or before bed, the goal is consistency over intensity—building a daily rhythm where Christ is acknowledged as the Head of the home.

A common and effective framework often includes:

• Read: Reading a passage of Scripture.

• Pray: A simple prayer led by the father for the family, the church, and the world.

• Sing: Singing a Psalm or a historic hymn together.

However, there are many ways to lead your family in the Word, ranging from simple catechism memory to more structured liturgy. If you are looking for specific resources, book recommendations, or practical tips on how to get started in your particular stage of life, please reach out to one of the Elders. We would love to help you build a plan that works for your household.

No, we do not make homeschooling a condition of membership. However, we do believe that the Bible places the primary responsibility for the education and "enculturation" of children squarely on the shoulders of parents (Deuteronomy 6; Ephesians 6:4). Whether a family chooses homeschooling, a private online Christian school, or another path, our elders are committed to helping parents ensure their children are receiving a thoroughly Christian education that does not undermine the faith once delivered to the saints.

We view the church as a resource for the home. We aim to provide "theological heavy lifting" through our preaching and teaching, which parents can then translate to their children at the dinner table. We also encourage a culture of discipleship where more experienced parents can mentor younger ones in the practicalities of homeschooling, curriculum selection, and managing a household focused on the Paideia of God.

This is exactly why the local church exists. Our goal at Ekklesia Iwakuni is to build "strong theological minds" in our men so they feel equipped, not intimidated. You don't need a seminary degree to lead your family; you just need a Bible, a willing heart, and a community of men who are walking the same path. Our elders are always available to provide resources, reading lists, and practical "how-to" advice for leading your household.

Absolutely. In fact, we believe the transient nature of military life makes a solid church home even more vital. We don't view you as a "temporary" member; we view you as a brother or sister in Christ to be equipped. Our goal is that when you move on to your next duty station, you leave Iwakuni more theologically grounded and better prepared to serve the Kingdom than when you arrived.

Because we love our members, we take church membership seriously. We follow the process laid out by Jesus in Matthew 18. Church discipline is never about being "punitive" or "mean-spirited"; it is a restorative process intended to lead a wandering brother or sister back to repentance and fellowship with Christ and His Church.

We do not have a rigid dress code, and you will find a range of styles in our midst—from slacks and button up shirts to jeans and polos. However, we do believe that our outward appearance reflects our inward heart for worship. We encourage our members and visitors to consider two biblical principles when preparing for the Lord's Day:

• Respect: We believe that dressing respectably is a good and right thing when coming into the presence of the King of Kings. Just as we would dress with care for a significant life event, we believe our corporate worship deserves a measure of intentionality and reverence.

• Modesty: In a culture that often uses clothing to draw undue attention to the self, we strive for a standard of modesty that honors Christ and protects the hearts of our brothers and sisters. Our goal is that our clothing would not be a distraction, but rather a reflection of a "quiet and gentle spirit" that seeks to build up the body.

Ultimately, we care far more about the state of your heart than the label on your clothes. Whether you are coming from a flight line shift or a formal setting, you are welcome to worship with us.

We love having children in the service, and we expect a certain amount of "holy noise." If your child becomes particularly restless, please do not feel embarrassed. We encourage parents to take a moment to step out, settle the child, and then return to the service. We are all in this together, and we value the presence of the next generation in our worship more than we value a perfectly silent room.