The Bible is completely inspired by God, and serves as our authoritative guide for faith and practice.

2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21

There is only One True God, known as the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and Holy Spirit.

Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19;
2 Corinthians 13:14; John 14:16-17

Jesus is God’s Son, both completely man and completely God.

Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Matthew 28:6; Acts 1:11

Humanity’s sin has separated us from God, and the only way to restore the relationship is forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ, making us right before God and leading us on a life-long path to God.

Romans 5:12-19; Luke 24:47; Titus 3:5-7

There are two ways from the Bible that show our commitment to Christ that we should absolutely follow:  Water Baptism after Salvation, and Participating in Holy Communion.

Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47-48; 1 Corinthians 11:26

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a free gift for all believers that will give them strength to live life as a witness of Jesus Christ.

Acts 1:8, 2:4, 19:1-7

There is one Holy Universal Church that has a mission to evangelize the world, disciple followers of Christ, worship God, and provide Christlike works of compassion to all.

Mark 16:15-16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:11-16; James 1:27

Jesus will return, judge the world, and begin a time of eternal relationship with those who follow Him and eternal separation from those who choose not to follow.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:11-13; 2 Peter 3:13

We believe the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Gen. 2:18-25). We believe that marriage between one man and one woman, for life, uniquely reflects Christ’s relationship with His Church (Eph. 5:21-33). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4). We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, cohabitation, homosexual behavior, rejection of one’s biological sex or use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Matt. 15:18-20; 1 Cor. 6:9-10). We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11).

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31). Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Greenville First.

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary sexes together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen. 1:26-27).

Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.

We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death.

We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Ps. 139.)

The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of Greenville First’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Governing Board is Greenville First’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s application.

All of life flows from God alone. Because of this, we put Him first in all things—our identity, our calling, our leadership, and our daily lives.

Behavioral Mindsets

• We believe the Gospel changes everything. Jesus is our foundation, our future, and our hope. His redeeming, restoring, and renewing power is at work in us and through us. Salvation isn’t the finish line—it’s the beginning of a transformed life.

• We find our identity in Christ alone. Our worth isn’t found in titles, money, or success. We are secure in Jesus—fully loved, fully known, and called to reflect Him in all we do.

• We delight in Jesus, not just serve Him. Our faith is not a checklist—it’s a relationship. We serve from a place of love and joy, not obligation. Our passion for Jesus fuels everything we do.

• We prioritize the presence of the Holy Spirit. If He’s not leading, we’re not moving. We seek His voice, follow His guidance, and trust His power. 

• We can’t give what we don’t have.  We lead, love, and serve from a place of personal connection with Jesus. Like in Acts 3 and John 15, we must abide in Christ to bear fruit.

• We embrace people “as they are.” No one has to clean up before coming to Jesus. We welcome everyone with grace, knowing He alone transforms hearts. No one is beyond the love of God. We are FOR THE ONE.

Practices That Define Us

• We go to God first, not last, in all decisions that we make.

• We worship together regularly.  

• We seek God daily through scripture, prayer, and disciplines.

• We actively invite anyone and everyone to know Jesus.

• We find our identity in Christ - Who we are determines what we do.  

• We look to God’s word for wisdom, truth, guidance and hope.

• We ground our health and wholeness in the work of the Holy Spirit. We cultivate rhythms of rest, growth, and renewal.

We belong to Jesus, with each other, and in the world doing good. 

Radical Belonging: Behavioral Mindsets

• We make room for everyone. Everyone has a seat at the table, and no one is excluded from the love of Christ. (2 Samuel 9)

• We believe hospitality leads to true belonging. Hospitality opens the door to community, community fosters friendship, and friendship builds intimacy—where we are fully known and fully loved.

• We exist to do good for others. Our purpose is not self-serving; we are called to serve, uplift, and care for those around us.

• We bring others along. We have a “Who is coming with me?” mindset, always looking to invite, include, and empower others. We know we are not born as developed disciples, but instead made into them through discipleship together.

• We believe everyone should have Furnace Friends, people who are your first call—those who know you best, love you most, and speak truth even when it’s hard. (Daniel 3:15-18)
  

Radical Belonging: Practices That Define Us

• We set the table for others to join us. We intentionally create spaces for connection, knowing that true belonging happens in community.

• We have a place where we belong. Everyone has a seat at the table, a community to call home, and people who truly know and love them.

• We take responsibility for those entrusted to us. We each have a group of people we personally care for and investing in relationships that matter. (Who are your 10 people that would be heartbroken if you left their life right now?)

• We are slow to anger and quick to forgive. Grace leads our relationships, and we choose reconciliation over resentment.

• We assume the best in others and speak the truth in love. We communicate with honesty, kindness, and a heart for unity.

• We embody the heart of the early church. We prioritize teaching, fellowship, breaking bread together, radical generosity, and shared prayer. (Acts 2:42-45)

In Christ, we belong. In community, we thrive. In love, we invite others in.

We serve at the speed of love, serving with kindness, generosity, and purpose.

Behavioral Mindsets

• We cultivate a community believing that His kindness leads to repentance. Our love for others reflects God’s grace and draws people closer to Him.
  

• We are most like Jesus when we serve others. Love is more than words—it’s action. We follow Christ’s example by humbly serving those around us.
  

• We believe every breath is a calling. If there’s breath in our lungs, there’s purpose in our lives. We live each day with intentionality, seeking ways to love and impact others.
  

• We are quick to respond to those in need. We don’t wait for someone else to step in—we take action, offering help with compassion and urgency.
  

• We serve both corporately and privately. Whether in a group or behind the scenes, our service is not for recognition but for the glory of God.
  

• We are a steady, loving presence in our community. We are committed for the long haul, consistently showing up and demonstrating Christ’s love where we live, work, and serve.

Practices That Define Us

• We seek opportunities to serve daily. Every day presents a chance to love others through acts of kindness, generosity, and service.

• We serve faithfully on a Dream Team. We commit to using our gifts to serve the church and our community every week.

• We show up for Reach Days. We serve monthly in outreach efforts, making a tangible impact beyond the walls of our church.

• We respond quickly to those in crisis. When needs arise, we act with urgency, compassion, and a willingness to help.

• We treat everyone with kindness and respect. Every person is made in the image of God, and we honor them with love, dignity, and grace.

We live on mission—ready, willing, and committed to making an eternal impact.

Behavioral Mindsets

• We model the way with commitment and engagement. Our words and actions set the tone for how we lead, serve, and disciple others.

• We take full ownership. We own our outcomes, behavior, attitudes, and the influence we carry—leading with responsibility and accountability.

• We are quick to reach out and slow to give up. We step in when others are in need, walking alongside them with patience, grace, and perseverance.

• We bring our best every day. We commit to personal growth, wholeness, and spiritual vibrancy, knowing that who we are impacts how we lead.

• We speak truth with honesty and grace. We are honest to the last 10%, choosing courageous conversations that bring clarity, growth, and unity.
  

Practices That Define Us

• We give, serve, attend, and thrive. We are fully engaged in the life of the church, contributing with our time, resources, and presence.
  

• We assume the best and seek clarity. When conflict arises, we approach it with grace, address issues quickly, and work toward resolution with humility and understanding.
  

• We speak life and correction with purpose. We offer encouragement and accountability with a heart to build up, not tear down—always seeking growth for ourselves and others.
  

• We lead with honesty, clarity, and integrity. We speak truth with love and grace, ensuring that our words and actions align with our faith and values.
  

• We invest in our well-being. We prioritize spiritual, emotional, physical, financial, and relational health, knowing that a strong foundation allows us to lead and serve effectively.
  

  We are All IN—fully committed to honoring God, growing in faith, and building a culture of excellence and integrity.

We collaborate, mentor, and empower.  Working together with unity in leadership and vision is the secret sauce.

• We are One Church with multiple locations linked together as One Team serving the upstate of South Carolina.

• We connect people to create Gospel-centered communities. We don’t just gather—we intentionally build spaces where relationships are rooted in Christ and life is shared together.

• We collaborate. Lone rangers divide, but collaborators build the Kingdom. We work with leaders above, beside, and behind us—raising up leaders, creating opportunities, and empowering others to serve and grow.

• We pursue a church that looks like heaven. We celebrate diversity as a reflection of God's Kingdom, embracing people of all backgrounds, cultures, and stories.

• We love because we are loved. Being loved by God compels us to love others with the same radical grace, kindness, and acceptance that He has shown us.