Core Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of Destiny City Church based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
God
There is one eternally existing God who has three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is the creator of all that exists, both visible and invisible, and is therefore worthy of all glory and praise. God is perfect in love, power, holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, justice, and mercy. He is unchangeable and therefore is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
The Bible
The Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth and morality.
Revelation
God has revealed himself to us through his son, Jesus Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God, the holy scriptures, and through all of creation itself.
Mankind
Humans, both male and female, were created in God's image for His glory. The first humans, Adam and Eve, were created without sin and appointed as caretakers of the rest of God's creations.
The Fall
When Adam and Eve chose not to obey God, they ceased to be what they were made to be and became distorted images of God. This caused them to fall out of fellowship with God, and fractured all of creation ever since that time.
Salvation
Jesus Christ came to reconcile us with God. He lived a life without sin and willingly died on the cross to pay the penalty for our transgressions. God raised him from the dead and now, by grace, offers as a free gift eternal life to all who follow Christ, by faith, as their Lord and Savior. That is why salvation can only be found in Christ alone.
The Church
The Church is meant to be the visible body of Christ, sent into the world to glorify God and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Water Baptism
Obedience to Christ’s command for Water Baptism as a biblical picture of the old life being put away and a new life emerging. In water baptism we publicly display that we identify with what Jesus did through his death and resurrection and with the power of the cross and resurrection to deliver us completely from the power and authority of sin and death.
The Ministry of The Holy Spirit
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. We also believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit and in the exercise of spiritual gifts.
Communion
In the observance of and partaking in holy communion as instructed by our Lord Jesus Christ and in the spiritual unity of believers by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.
Resurrection
Jesus Christ is returning one day to judge both the living and the dead and to usher in the fullness of God's kingdom on earth.
Historical Church Creeds
The following Creeds express the essential biblical doctrines that have been articulated, defended, and embraced for nearly two thousand years of church history. Many evangelical Christians throughout history have used the Apostles’ Creed as a personal proclamation of their own faith. In short, they are a summary of the biblical story of God's redemption that have helped preserve the Christian faith through the ages and guard against heresy.
Nicene Creed (AD325)
We believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father.
Through Him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
He came down from heaven;
He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,
and was made truly human.
For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day He rose again,
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and His kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the Giver of Life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father.
Through Him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
He came down from heaven;
He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,
and was made truly human.
For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day He rose again,
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and His kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the Giver of Life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Apostles Creed (AD451)
We believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
We believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day, He rose again.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Creator of heaven and earth.
We believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day, He rose again.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Chalcedon Creed (AD451):
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ—
God’s only Son,
truly God and truly human.
He is one with the Father in His divinity,
and one with us in His humanity.
Born of the Virgin Mary,
He lived a sinless life,
fully human in body, mind, and soul.
In Him, the divine and human natures are perfectly united—
not mixed or changed,
not divided or separated.
He is one Person,
the eternal Son of God,
who became flesh to save us.
Just as the prophets foretold,
just as Jesus taught,
just as the Church has always believed,
we confess with one heart:
Jesus Christ is Lord—
to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
God’s only Son,
truly God and truly human.
He is one with the Father in His divinity,
and one with us in His humanity.
Born of the Virgin Mary,
He lived a sinless life,
fully human in body, mind, and soul.
In Him, the divine and human natures are perfectly united—
not mixed or changed,
not divided or separated.
He is one Person,
the eternal Son of God,
who became flesh to save us.
Just as the prophets foretold,
just as Jesus taught,
just as the Church has always believed,
we confess with one heart:
Jesus Christ is Lord—
to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Addendum
The Role of Women in Leadership at Destiny City Church
At Destiny City Church, we affirm that both men and women are created in the image of God and are equally called, equipped, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve within the body of Christ. We believe that spiritual gifts and leadership callings are not distributed on the basis of gender, but according to God’s sovereign purpose and grace (Galatians 3:28; Acts 2:17–18; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11).
While certain biblical passages, such as 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34–35, have been historically interpreted as restricting women from teaching or leading men, we understand these texts within their original cultural and situational contexts. The Apostle Paul’s instructions addressed specific concerns related to order, false teaching, and authority abuses in the early church—not universal or timeless prohibitions against women’s participation in leadership.
Throughout Scripture, we find consistent evidence of women exercising vital roles in ministry and governance. Priscilla instructed Apollos in the way of the Lord (Acts 18:26), Phoebe was commended as a deacon and trusted servant leader in the church at Cenchreae (Romans 16:1–2), and Junia was recognized by Paul as “outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7). The prophetic and teaching roles of women in both the Old and New Testaments demonstrate God’s affirmation of their voices and leadership within His redemptive plan.
Therefore, Destiny City Church recognizes and commissions women to serve as teachers, elders, and spiritual leaders within the congregation. We believe this practice reflects the inclusive heart of the gospel and the New Testament pattern of mutual service and shared authority among all believers. In doing so, we seek to honor both the truth of Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit, ensuring that every member of the body of Christ may fully exercise the gifts and calling God has entrusted to them.
⸻
Theological and Scriptural Rationale
1. The Image of God and Equality in Creation
Genesis 1:27 affirms that both male and female were created in the image of God and commissioned together to rule and steward creation. This original design establishes mutual partnership and equal dignity before the Fall, forming the foundation for gender equality within the redemptive community of Christ.
2. The Fulfillment of Joel’s Prophecy and Pentecostal Outpouring
Acts 2:17–18 declares the fulfillment of Joel 2:28–29, where God promises that His Spirit will be poured out on both sons and daughters, empowering them to prophesy and proclaim His Word. The New Testament Church was birthed through this inclusive empowerment, demonstrating that the authority to speak and teach by the Spirit transcends gender distinction.
3. The Ministry of Women in the Early Church
Scripture records numerous women serving in roles of leadership and teaching:
•Priscilla, who with her husband Aquila, taught the learned preacher Apollos (Acts 18:26).
•Phoebe, commended by Paul as a deacon (Greek: diakonos) and benefactor of the church (Romans 16:1–2).
•Junia, acknowledged as “outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7).
•Mary Magdalene, the first witness and herald of Christ’s resurrection (John 20:17–18).
These examples affirm the precedent of women exercising spiritual authority and leadership within the apostolic community.
4. The Contextual Understanding of Restrictive Passages
Texts such as 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 must be interpreted within their historical and cultural framework. In Ephesus and Corinth, false teachings and social disorder were undermining the credibility of the early church. Paul’s corrective instruction addressed specific issues—not the permanent exclusion of women from leadership. The broader scriptural witness reveals Paul’s consistent partnership with women in ministry and his recognition of their vital contributions to the mission of Christ.
5. The Priesthood of All Believers
According to 1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 1:6, every believer—male and female—is part of a royal priesthood, called to minister, proclaim truth, and represent Christ to the world. This doctrine establishes the shared spiritual authority of all believers to serve and lead as the Spirit directs.
6. The Witness of the Early and Modern Church
Historical and contemporary movements of revival have consistently demonstrated God’s anointing upon women who teach, preach, and lead with spiritual authority. From biblical figures like Deborah and Huldah to modern leaders such as Catherine Booth, Corrie Ten Boom, and Aimee Semple McPherson, the Church’s history testifies that the Holy Spirit calls and equips women to serve in all areas of ministry.
⸻
Conclusion
Destiny City Church affirms that leadership in the body of Christ is determined by spiritual maturity, calling, and gifting—not gender. We hold that both men and women may serve as elders, teachers, and pastors under the authority of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we seek to reflect the heart of Christ’s kingdom, where every believer is free to serve according to the measure of grace God has given them (Romans 12:6).
While certain biblical passages, such as 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34–35, have been historically interpreted as restricting women from teaching or leading men, we understand these texts within their original cultural and situational contexts. The Apostle Paul’s instructions addressed specific concerns related to order, false teaching, and authority abuses in the early church—not universal or timeless prohibitions against women’s participation in leadership.
Throughout Scripture, we find consistent evidence of women exercising vital roles in ministry and governance. Priscilla instructed Apollos in the way of the Lord (Acts 18:26), Phoebe was commended as a deacon and trusted servant leader in the church at Cenchreae (Romans 16:1–2), and Junia was recognized by Paul as “outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7). The prophetic and teaching roles of women in both the Old and New Testaments demonstrate God’s affirmation of their voices and leadership within His redemptive plan.
Therefore, Destiny City Church recognizes and commissions women to serve as teachers, elders, and spiritual leaders within the congregation. We believe this practice reflects the inclusive heart of the gospel and the New Testament pattern of mutual service and shared authority among all believers. In doing so, we seek to honor both the truth of Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit, ensuring that every member of the body of Christ may fully exercise the gifts and calling God has entrusted to them.
⸻
Theological and Scriptural Rationale
1. The Image of God and Equality in Creation
Genesis 1:27 affirms that both male and female were created in the image of God and commissioned together to rule and steward creation. This original design establishes mutual partnership and equal dignity before the Fall, forming the foundation for gender equality within the redemptive community of Christ.
2. The Fulfillment of Joel’s Prophecy and Pentecostal Outpouring
Acts 2:17–18 declares the fulfillment of Joel 2:28–29, where God promises that His Spirit will be poured out on both sons and daughters, empowering them to prophesy and proclaim His Word. The New Testament Church was birthed through this inclusive empowerment, demonstrating that the authority to speak and teach by the Spirit transcends gender distinction.
3. The Ministry of Women in the Early Church
Scripture records numerous women serving in roles of leadership and teaching:
•Priscilla, who with her husband Aquila, taught the learned preacher Apollos (Acts 18:26).
•Phoebe, commended by Paul as a deacon (Greek: diakonos) and benefactor of the church (Romans 16:1–2).
•Junia, acknowledged as “outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7).
•Mary Magdalene, the first witness and herald of Christ’s resurrection (John 20:17–18).
These examples affirm the precedent of women exercising spiritual authority and leadership within the apostolic community.
4. The Contextual Understanding of Restrictive Passages
Texts such as 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 must be interpreted within their historical and cultural framework. In Ephesus and Corinth, false teachings and social disorder were undermining the credibility of the early church. Paul’s corrective instruction addressed specific issues—not the permanent exclusion of women from leadership. The broader scriptural witness reveals Paul’s consistent partnership with women in ministry and his recognition of their vital contributions to the mission of Christ.
5. The Priesthood of All Believers
According to 1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 1:6, every believer—male and female—is part of a royal priesthood, called to minister, proclaim truth, and represent Christ to the world. This doctrine establishes the shared spiritual authority of all believers to serve and lead as the Spirit directs.
6. The Witness of the Early and Modern Church
Historical and contemporary movements of revival have consistently demonstrated God’s anointing upon women who teach, preach, and lead with spiritual authority. From biblical figures like Deborah and Huldah to modern leaders such as Catherine Booth, Corrie Ten Boom, and Aimee Semple McPherson, the Church’s history testifies that the Holy Spirit calls and equips women to serve in all areas of ministry.
⸻
Conclusion
Destiny City Church affirms that leadership in the body of Christ is determined by spiritual maturity, calling, and gifting—not gender. We hold that both men and women may serve as elders, teachers, and pastors under the authority of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we seek to reflect the heart of Christ’s kingdom, where every believer is free to serve according to the measure of grace God has given them (Romans 12:6).
The Church’s Biblical Position on Sexual Morality
At Destiny City Church, we affirm the authority of Scripture as the final standard for faith, life, and conduct. We believe that God’s design for human sexuality is clearly revealed in His Word, established in the creation order, and reaffirmed by Jesus Christ and the Apostles. Scripture teaches that sexual intimacy is a sacred gift from God, reserved exclusively for the covenant relationship between one man and one woman in marriage (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; Hebrews 13:4).
We recognize that the Bible identifies all forms of sexual immorality—whether homosexual behavior, adultery, fornication, pornography, or any sexual activity outside of biblical marriage—as contrary to God’s will and destructive to human flourishing (Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; Galatians 5:19–21; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5). Therefore, Destiny City Church does not affirm or support homosexual behavior or any lifestyle of sexual immorality among its members or leaders. Those serving in positions of spiritual authority must live in alignment with biblical holiness, maintaining purity in thought, word, and deed as representatives of Christ and His Church (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9).
⸻
Theological and Scriptural Rationale
1. God’s Design in Creation
From the beginning, God created humanity as male and female, instituting marriage as a covenantal union between one man and one woman (Genesis 1:27; 2:24). This design reveals both the complementarity of the sexes and the divine pattern for family, reproduction, and covenant love. Any sexual relationship outside this covenant distorts God’s purpose and falls short of His glory (Romans 3:23).
2. The Teaching of Jesus Christ
Jesus affirmed and upheld the Genesis model of marriage, declaring, “From the beginning, the Creator made them male and female… and the two shall become one flesh” (Matthew 19:4–6). He emphasized both the sanctity of marriage and the call to personal holiness, teaching that purity is not merely external but begins in the heart (Matthew 5:27–28).
3. The Apostolic Witness
The Apostle Paul consistently instructed believers to flee sexual immorality, warning that unrepentant participation in it separates one from fellowship with God (1 Corinthians 6:18–20; Ephesians 5:3–5). However, he also proclaimed the transforming power of grace: “Such were some of you, but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:11). The message of the gospel calls every person—regardless of background—to repentance, renewal, and restoration through Christ.
4. The Call to Holiness and Love
As followers of Jesus, we are called to love all people without exception, extending compassion, dignity, and respect to every individual created in the image of God. Yet love does not equate to affirmation of sin. True love calls people to repentance and new life through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:9; John 8:11). Destiny City Church seeks to embody this balance of grace and truth—welcoming all who come while upholding the moral and spiritual standards of Scripture.
5. Standards for Leadership and Ministry
Those who serve in leadership, teaching, worship, or pastoral roles within Destiny City Church are held to the biblical qualifications of integrity, purity, and godly character. Leaders must live lives that reflect repentance from sin and faithfulness to the moral teachings of Scripture (1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:21–22). A lifestyle of sexual immorality—whether heterosexual or homosexual—disqualifies one from serving in positions of spiritual oversight until genuine repentance and restoration have occurred.
⸻
Conclusion
Destiny City Church stands firm upon the unchanging truth of God’s Word in matters of sexuality, marriage, and holiness. While we extend open arms of grace to every person, regardless of their past or present struggles, we do not affirm, celebrate, or condone any practice that Scripture defines as sin. Our mission is to love as Christ loved—to invite all people into repentance, freedom, and transformation through the gospel—while holding ourselves and our leaders accountable to the clear moral standard revealed in the Word of God.
We are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), to walk in holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7), and to stand firm in faith amid the shifting values of culture (Romans 12:2). In all things, we strive to glorify Christ by aligning our beliefs and conduct with His eternal truth.
We recognize that the Bible identifies all forms of sexual immorality—whether homosexual behavior, adultery, fornication, pornography, or any sexual activity outside of biblical marriage—as contrary to God’s will and destructive to human flourishing (Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; Galatians 5:19–21; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5). Therefore, Destiny City Church does not affirm or support homosexual behavior or any lifestyle of sexual immorality among its members or leaders. Those serving in positions of spiritual authority must live in alignment with biblical holiness, maintaining purity in thought, word, and deed as representatives of Christ and His Church (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9).
⸻
Theological and Scriptural Rationale
1. God’s Design in Creation
From the beginning, God created humanity as male and female, instituting marriage as a covenantal union between one man and one woman (Genesis 1:27; 2:24). This design reveals both the complementarity of the sexes and the divine pattern for family, reproduction, and covenant love. Any sexual relationship outside this covenant distorts God’s purpose and falls short of His glory (Romans 3:23).
2. The Teaching of Jesus Christ
Jesus affirmed and upheld the Genesis model of marriage, declaring, “From the beginning, the Creator made them male and female… and the two shall become one flesh” (Matthew 19:4–6). He emphasized both the sanctity of marriage and the call to personal holiness, teaching that purity is not merely external but begins in the heart (Matthew 5:27–28).
3. The Apostolic Witness
The Apostle Paul consistently instructed believers to flee sexual immorality, warning that unrepentant participation in it separates one from fellowship with God (1 Corinthians 6:18–20; Ephesians 5:3–5). However, he also proclaimed the transforming power of grace: “Such were some of you, but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:11). The message of the gospel calls every person—regardless of background—to repentance, renewal, and restoration through Christ.
4. The Call to Holiness and Love
As followers of Jesus, we are called to love all people without exception, extending compassion, dignity, and respect to every individual created in the image of God. Yet love does not equate to affirmation of sin. True love calls people to repentance and new life through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:9; John 8:11). Destiny City Church seeks to embody this balance of grace and truth—welcoming all who come while upholding the moral and spiritual standards of Scripture.
5. Standards for Leadership and Ministry
Those who serve in leadership, teaching, worship, or pastoral roles within Destiny City Church are held to the biblical qualifications of integrity, purity, and godly character. Leaders must live lives that reflect repentance from sin and faithfulness to the moral teachings of Scripture (1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:21–22). A lifestyle of sexual immorality—whether heterosexual or homosexual—disqualifies one from serving in positions of spiritual oversight until genuine repentance and restoration have occurred.
⸻
Conclusion
Destiny City Church stands firm upon the unchanging truth of God’s Word in matters of sexuality, marriage, and holiness. While we extend open arms of grace to every person, regardless of their past or present struggles, we do not affirm, celebrate, or condone any practice that Scripture defines as sin. Our mission is to love as Christ loved—to invite all people into repentance, freedom, and transformation through the gospel—while holding ourselves and our leaders accountable to the clear moral standard revealed in the Word of God.
We are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), to walk in holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7), and to stand firm in faith amid the shifting values of culture (Romans 12:2). In all things, we strive to glorify Christ by aligning our beliefs and conduct with His eternal truth.