Our Doctrinal Statement
The Gospel Furthering Fellowship is firmly committed to the authority of God's Word and the historic doctrines of the Christian faith. The following Statement of Faith summarizes the biblical convictions that guide our ministry, our missionaries, and our partnerships. Every doctrine we teach and every ministry we undertake is founded upon the Scriptures.
The Scriptures
We believe the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are the verbally and plenarily inspired Word of God. They were given by divine inspiration, are without error in their original writings, and are the supreme authority for faith, doctrine, and daily living.
We believe the Scriptures should be interpreted using a literal, historical, and grammatical method of interpretation. This approach leads us to a dispensational understanding of God's redemptive plan throughout history. Therefore, we reject Reformed Theology, Covenant Theology, and Progressive Dispensationalism.
Scripture References: Psalm 19:7; Psalm 119:9; Matthew 5:18; John 16:12–13; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Corinthians 10:32.
We believe the Scriptures should be interpreted using a literal, historical, and grammatical method of interpretation. This approach leads us to a dispensational understanding of God's redemptive plan throughout history. Therefore, we reject Reformed Theology, Covenant Theology, and Progressive Dispensationalism.
Scripture References: Psalm 19:7; Psalm 119:9; Matthew 5:18; John 16:12–13; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Corinthians 10:32.
The Godhead
We believe there is one true and living God, eternally existing in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These three Persons are coequal in power, glory, and perfection, sharing the same divine nature while fulfilling distinct roles within the Godhead.
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; John 10:30; John 17:1–3; Acts 5:3–4; 2 Corinthians 13:14.
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; John 10:30; John 17:1–3; Acts 5:3–4; 2 Corinthians 13:14.
God the Father
We believe God the Father is eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, and unchanging. As the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things, He faithfully accomplishes His perfect will according to His divine purpose.
Scripture References: John 4:24; Romans 1:20; Psalm 139; Malachi 3:6.
Scripture References: John 4:24; Romans 1:20; Psalm 139; Malachi 3:6.
Jesus Christ
We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He is fully God and fully man, possessing both divine and human natures without compromise.
We believe that Christ died on the cross as the perfect and substitutionary sacrifice for our sins. He was buried and rose bodily from the grave on the third day according to the Scriptures. His resurrection guarantees the believer's justification and the promise of eternal life.
We believe that Jesus Christ ascended bodily into heaven, where He now serves as our High Priest and Advocate before the Father. One day He will return in power and glory to fulfill every promise of God's Word.
Scripture References: John 1:1–18; Luke 1:26–35; Romans 3:24–25; Romans 8:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18–21; Acts 1:9–10; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1–2.
We believe that Christ died on the cross as the perfect and substitutionary sacrifice for our sins. He was buried and rose bodily from the grave on the third day according to the Scriptures. His resurrection guarantees the believer's justification and the promise of eternal life.
We believe that Jesus Christ ascended bodily into heaven, where He now serves as our High Priest and Advocate before the Father. One day He will return in power and glory to fulfill every promise of God's Word.
Scripture References: John 1:1–18; Luke 1:26–35; Romans 3:24–25; Romans 8:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18–21; Acts 1:9–10; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1–2.
The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Godhead and is fully God. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, regenerates those who trust in Christ, baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ, and permanently indwells and seals every believer until the day of redemption.
We believe the Holy Spirit guides believers into truth, empowers them for holy living and Christian service, and equips each believer with spiritual gifts for the edification of the Church.
We believe that while God remains sovereign in the distribution of spiritual gifts, the miraculous sign gifts—including prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, miracles, and gifts of healing—were temporary in nature and are not operative today as they were during the apostolic era. Therefore, we do not cooperate with ministries that promote these practices.
Scripture References: John 3:5–7; John 16:7–13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 12:12–14; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 1:13–14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 John 2:20, 27; Romans 12:3–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:7–12.
We believe the Holy Spirit guides believers into truth, empowers them for holy living and Christian service, and equips each believer with spiritual gifts for the edification of the Church.
We believe that while God remains sovereign in the distribution of spiritual gifts, the miraculous sign gifts—including prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, miracles, and gifts of healing—were temporary in nature and are not operative today as they were during the apostolic era. Therefore, we do not cooperate with ministries that promote these practices.
Scripture References: John 3:5–7; John 16:7–13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 12:12–14; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 1:13–14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 John 2:20, 27; Romans 12:3–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:7–12.
Man
We believe that God created the heavens, the earth, and all living things in six literal twenty-four-hour days. Man was uniquely created in the image of God and designed to live in fellowship with Him.
Through Adam's sin, mankind fell from its original state, bringing both physical and spiritual death into the world. As a result, every person is born with a sinful nature, separated from God, and unable to save themselves. Because of man's total depravity, salvation is possible only through the new birth in Jesus Christ.
Scripture References: John 3:1–21; Romans 3:9–23; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1–3, 12.
Through Adam's sin, mankind fell from its original state, bringing both physical and spiritual death into the world. As a result, every person is born with a sinful nature, separated from God, and unable to save themselves. Because of man's total depravity, salvation is possible only through the new birth in Jesus Christ.
Scripture References: John 3:1–21; Romans 3:9–23; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1–3, 12.
Salvation
We believe salvation is entirely the gift of God's grace and is received through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. His shed blood provides the only payment for sin, and there is no other way to be reconciled to God.
Everyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ becomes a child of God and is eternally secure in Him. Believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit and kept by God's power forever.
Although every believer receives a new nature at salvation, the old sinful nature remains throughout this earthly life. Through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are called to walk in obedience and experience victory over sin. We reject the teaching that the sinful nature can be completely eradicated before glorification.
We believe sanctification begins at the moment of salvation and continues throughout the believer's life. As Christians yield themselves to Christ, study His Word, and depend upon the Holy Spirit, they are progressively conformed to the image of Christ. A growing believer will demonstrate this work of grace through faithful participation in a local church, Christian service, stewardship, and holy living.
Scripture References: John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8–10; 1 Peter 1:17–19; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Ephesians 1:13–14; 4:30; Romans 6:13; 8:12–13; Galatians 5:16–25; Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:14–16; 1 John 3:3–9.
Everyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ becomes a child of God and is eternally secure in Him. Believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit and kept by God's power forever.
Although every believer receives a new nature at salvation, the old sinful nature remains throughout this earthly life. Through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are called to walk in obedience and experience victory over sin. We reject the teaching that the sinful nature can be completely eradicated before glorification.
We believe sanctification begins at the moment of salvation and continues throughout the believer's life. As Christians yield themselves to Christ, study His Word, and depend upon the Holy Spirit, they are progressively conformed to the image of Christ. A growing believer will demonstrate this work of grace through faithful participation in a local church, Christian service, stewardship, and holy living.
Scripture References: John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8–10; 1 Peter 1:17–19; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Ephesians 1:13–14; 4:30; Romans 6:13; 8:12–13; Galatians 5:16–25; Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:14–16; 1 John 3:3–9.
The Church
We believe the Church, the Body of Christ, began on the Day of Pentecost and is composed exclusively of all who have been born again during this present age. The Church is the Body and Bride of Christ and is distinct from the nation of Israel.
We believe the New Testament clearly teaches the establishment, organization, and continuation of autonomous local churches. Each local church exists to worship God, proclaim the Gospel, disciple believers, and carry out the Great Commission.
Scripture References: Acts 2:1–4; 1 Corinthians 12:12–14; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22–23; 4:11–13; 5:23–32; Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28–32; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–11.
We believe the New Testament clearly teaches the establishment, organization, and continuation of autonomous local churches. Each local church exists to worship God, proclaim the Gospel, disciple believers, and carry out the Great Commission.
Scripture References: Acts 2:1–4; 1 Corinthians 12:12–14; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22–23; 4:11–13; 5:23–32; Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28–32; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–11.
Marriage and Family
We believe marriage was established by God as part of His perfect design for mankind. Marriage is the lifelong union between one man and one woman, both created by God as male and female from birth.
God's design for marriage is a covenant relationship intended to last a lifetime, and the marriage bond is only dissolved through death. We believe Scripture teaches against divorce and remarriage outside of biblical allowance and that a divorced individual is not qualified for pastoral or missionary service.
Because God's Word clearly defines marriage, we reject all attempts to redefine marriage in ways that contradict God's design and authority.
Scripture References: Genesis 2:18–25; Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:16; Mark 10:7–12; 1 Corinthians 7:39; 1 Timothy 3; Romans 1:18–32.
God's design for marriage is a covenant relationship intended to last a lifetime, and the marriage bond is only dissolved through death. We believe Scripture teaches against divorce and remarriage outside of biblical allowance and that a divorced individual is not qualified for pastoral or missionary service.
Because God's Word clearly defines marriage, we reject all attempts to redefine marriage in ways that contradict God's design and authority.
Scripture References: Genesis 2:18–25; Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:16; Mark 10:7–12; 1 Corinthians 7:39; 1 Timothy 3; Romans 1:18–32.
Missions
We believe every believer has been given the responsibility and privilege to share the truth of God's Word and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people.
The mission of the Church is to fulfill the Great Commission by faithfully witnessing through both our lives and our words. We believe the Gospel is the only hope for a lost world, and we are committed to reaching people everywhere with the message of salvation through Christ.
Scripture References: Ezekiel 3:18–19; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:19–20; John 10:21.
The mission of the Church is to fulfill the Great Commission by faithfully witnessing through both our lives and our words. We believe the Gospel is the only hope for a lost world, and we are committed to reaching people everywhere with the message of salvation through Christ.
Scripture References: Ezekiel 3:18–19; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:19–20; John 10:21.
The Eternal State
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all mankind. Those who have trusted in Jesus Christ will be raised to eternal life and will dwell forever in the presence of the Lord. Those who have rejected Christ will be raised to face judgment and everlasting punishment.
At death, the souls of believers immediately enter into the presence of the Lord while awaiting the resurrection and glorification of their bodies. At the first resurrection, believers will be united with their glorified bodies and will forever enjoy fellowship with Christ.
The souls of unbelievers remain in conscious separation and suffering after death while awaiting the final resurrection. At the Great White Throne Judgment, they will be judged according to their works and cast into the Lake of Fire to experience everlasting conscious punishment.
Scripture References: Matthew 25:46; John 5:28–29; 11:25–26; Revelation 20:5–6, 12–13; Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Revelation 20:4–6; Matthew 25:41–46; Mark 9:43–48; Luke 16:19–26; 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9; Jude 6–7; Revelation 20:11–15.
At death, the souls of believers immediately enter into the presence of the Lord while awaiting the resurrection and glorification of their bodies. At the first resurrection, believers will be united with their glorified bodies and will forever enjoy fellowship with Christ.
The souls of unbelievers remain in conscious separation and suffering after death while awaiting the final resurrection. At the Great White Throne Judgment, they will be judged according to their works and cast into the Lake of Fire to experience everlasting conscious punishment.
Scripture References: Matthew 25:46; John 5:28–29; 11:25–26; Revelation 20:5–6, 12–13; Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Revelation 20:4–6; Matthew 25:41–46; Mark 9:43–48; Luke 16:19–26; 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9; Jude 6–7; Revelation 20:11–15.
The Second Coming of Christ
We believe in the Blessed Hope of the personal, imminent, pre-tribulational, and premillennial return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones. We believe that Christ will first return in the air to receive His Church unto Himself, and that He will later return physically to the earth with His saints to establish His millennial kingdom.
We look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises and the glorious return of our Savior, knowing that His coming is certain and that believers are called to live faithfully in anticipation of that day.
Scripture References: Zechariah 14:4–11; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13–18; 5:9; Revelation 3:10; 19:11–16; 20:1–6.
We look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises and the glorious return of our Savior, knowing that His coming is certain and that believers are called to live faithfully in anticipation of that day.
Scripture References: Zechariah 14:4–11; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13–18; 5:9; Revelation 3:10; 19:11–16; 20:1–6.
Satan
We believe Satan is a real and personal being—a fallen angel who opposes God, deceives mankind, and seeks to hinder the work of Christ and His Church. Though he is active in the world today, his defeat has been secured through Jesus Christ, and his final destiny is eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire.
Scripture References: Job 1:6–7; Isaiah 14:12–17; Matthew 4:2–11; Matthew 25:41; 2 Corinthians 4:3–4; 11:14; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 20:10; John 8:44.
Scripture References: Job 1:6–7; Isaiah 14:12–17; Matthew 4:2–11; Matthew 25:41; 2 Corinthians 4:3–4; 11:14; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 20:10; John 8:44.
Biblical Separation
We believe every believer is called to live a life that honors the Lord Jesus Christ. Christians should pursue holiness by separating themselves from sinful practices, worldly influences, and religious apostasy.
We further believe that biblical separation requires discernment in ministry partnerships. We cannot unite with ministries or movements that compromise the truth of Scripture or blur the distinction between biblical Christianity and false doctrine. Our desire is to stand firmly for truth while demonstrating the love and grace of Christ.
Scripture References: Romans 12:1–2; Romans 14:13; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; 2 Timothy 3:1–5; 1 John 2:15–17; 2 John 9–11; Amos 3:3; Ephesians 5:11; Colossians 3:16; 1 John 5:2–3; Jude 3–4.
We further believe that biblical separation requires discernment in ministry partnerships. We cannot unite with ministries or movements that compromise the truth of Scripture or blur the distinction between biblical Christianity and false doctrine. Our desire is to stand firmly for truth while demonstrating the love and grace of Christ.
Scripture References: Romans 12:1–2; Romans 14:13; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; 2 Timothy 3:1–5; 1 John 2:15–17; 2 John 9–11; Amos 3:3; Ephesians 5:11; Colossians 3:16; 1 John 5:2–3; Jude 3–4.
The Ordinances
We believe the Lord Jesus Christ established two ordinances for the local church.
Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water following salvation. It publicly identifies the believer with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection and serves as an outward testimony of an inward transformation.
The Lord's Supper is a memorial observed by believers in remembrance of Christ's sacrificial death until He returns.
We believe neither baptism nor the Lord's Supper imparts saving grace. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ.
Scripture References: Mark 1:8; Romans 6:3–4; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:11–13; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26.
Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water following salvation. It publicly identifies the believer with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection and serves as an outward testimony of an inward transformation.
The Lord's Supper is a memorial observed by believers in remembrance of Christ's sacrificial death until He returns.
We believe neither baptism nor the Lord's Supper imparts saving grace. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ.
Scripture References: Mark 1:8; Romans 6:3–4; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:11–13; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26.
Our Position
Gospel Furthering Fellowship is a fundamental, independent Baptist mission firmly committed to the authority of Scripture and the central role of the local church in fulfilling the Great Commission. We exist to serve as an extension of like-minded Baptist churches by assisting them in sending, supporting, and caring for missionaries who faithfully proclaim the Gospel, plant independent indigenous churches, and train biblical leaders around the world.
We believe that missions is the responsibility of the local church, and it is our privilege to come alongside churches by providing biblical guidance, administrative support, missionary care, and practical resources that strengthen their worldwide outreach. Every aspect of our ministry is designed to help local churches fulfill Christ's command to make disciples of all nations.
Our fellowship with churches, missionaries, and ministry partners is founded upon a shared commitment to sound biblical doctrine, the authority of God's Word, and a common desire to glorify Jesus Christ by advancing the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth.
We believe that missions is the responsibility of the local church, and it is our privilege to come alongside churches by providing biblical guidance, administrative support, missionary care, and practical resources that strengthen their worldwide outreach. Every aspect of our ministry is designed to help local churches fulfill Christ's command to make disciples of all nations.
Our fellowship with churches, missionaries, and ministry partners is founded upon a shared commitment to sound biblical doctrine, the authority of God's Word, and a common desire to glorify Jesus Christ by advancing the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth.
Our Purpose
The purpose of Gospel Furthering Fellowship is to serve as an extension of the local church by assisting churches in sending missionaries with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a spiritually lost world. We believe God has given GFF the responsibility of assisting in the planting and development of churches that glorify Him, reach the lost, disciple believers, and reproduce themselves around the world.
Our ministry priorities are:
Our ministry priorities are:
1. Exalting God
Our highest priority is to bring glory to God by worshiping Him, honoring Him, and making Him central in all that we do.
Scripture References: Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Scripture References: Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31.
2. Evangelizing the Lost
We believe missionaries are called to proclaim the Gospel faithfully and seek opportunities to reach those who do not know Christ. Through biblical methods of evangelism, missionaries seek to make disciples and lead people to salvation through Jesus Christ.
Scripture References: 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Corinthians 9:19–23, 27.
Scripture References: 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Corinthians 9:19–23, 27.
3. Establishing Local Churches
A primary goal of GFF is the establishment of independent, fundamental churches as the Lord leads. Since Christ has promised to build His Church, we believe local churches hold a vital role in God's plan for reaching the world.
Following the example of the Apostle Paul and the early believers, we seek to assist in establishing churches that faithfully preach God's Word and carry out the Great Commission.
Scripture References: Matthew 16:18; Acts 14:21–23.
Following the example of the Apostle Paul and the early believers, we seek to assist in establishing churches that faithfully preach God's Word and carry out the Great Commission.
Scripture References: Matthew 16:18; Acts 14:21–23.
5. Extending Ministries
We believe established churches should be equipped not only to care for their own ministries but also to reach beyond themselves through evangelism, church planting, and missions.
Our desire is to see churches reproduce themselves and continue spreading the Gospel throughout the world.
Scripture References: Acts 1:8.
Our desire is to see churches reproduce themselves and continue spreading the Gospel throughout the world.
Scripture References: Acts 1:8.
4. Edifying Believers
Those who come to faith in Christ must be discipled and strengthened through the consistent teaching and application of God's Word. We desire to help believers grow spiritually and become mature followers of Christ.
Scripture References: Romans 10:17; Ephesians 4:12, 16.
Scripture References: Romans 10:17; Ephesians 4:12, 16.
6. Educating Church Leadership
We believe strong churches require trained, biblical leadership. GFF seeks to assist local churches in developing and equipping faithful believers who can serve as pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders.
Scripture References: 2 Timothy 2:2.
Scripture References: 2 Timothy 2:2.