about us > what we believe

Beliefs can be a scary thing to talk about because so many people have experienced “believing the right thing” as a weapon of exclusion in their experience of church in the past. At LaSalle we believe in the power of doubt and questions as much as the power of beliefs. We see belief as a dynamic thing and ultimately between the individual and God. So, at LaSalle no one is going to check your beliefs at the door. We hope you’ll join us as you are, where you are right now.

That said, here are some basic beliefs that we hold out to you with open hands.

LaSalle is focused on the Grace & Work of Jesus Christ.

We recognize that the revolutionary work of God through Our Lord Jesus Christ has not only changed history, but it has also changed our own lives. It is the risen Jesus whom we worship and serve in all realms. It is the risen Jesus who continues to work in our lives by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

We are a Committed to Bridge Building

LaSalle seeks to be both a theological and a sociological bridge. Theologically we are an ecumenical evangelical community. We are committed to a biblical faith and practice but we seek to bridge diverse theological traditions. As a sociological bridge, we commit ourselves to being pluralistic and to demonstrate that reconciliation has taken place in Jesus Christ-that human diversity and division, represented by race, culture, social standing and sex, have been transcended. (Galatians 3:28; Acts 13:1; Ephesians 2:1 ff) .

We are a Servant Church

LaSalle seeks to encourage its individual-members to be servants and, as an institution to be a servant as modeled by the life and ministry of Jesus.

We are Committed to Lay Ministry

LaSalle affirms the importance of lay Christians as God's primary means for accomplishing His will in the world. We understand that pastors are "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the.body of Christ may be built up..." (Ephesians 4: 12). The New Testament teaches that every member of the Church has his or her part to play in the service of God. All, without exception, have a ministry.

We are on an Inward and Outward Journey

The Inward Journey calls us to prayer, adoration, inner healing and listening, to self understanding and growth. The outward journey calls us to be kingdom people, serving in God's world.

We are Committed to our Turf

We affirm the parish concept, that we have responsibility to the neighborhood surrounding us. We desire to pastor the individuals and institutions within a one mile radius of our church building.

We are Committed to the Poor

LaSalle affirms the biblical mandate that a major focus of our ministry must be with and for the poor. Over 400 passages of scripture direct us to preach the gospel to the poor, work to relieve their suffering, tell others about their misery and seek to change structures that are oppressive and bring about reconciliation. As ambassadors of Christ we accept his call to be mediators between the powerful and the poor in our city, nation and world.

We are Pursuing Wholistic Ministry

We understand our mission is to bring the whole gospel to the whole person--body, spirit, emotions. We affirm the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 19-20); the Great Command (John 13 :34-3 5); and the Cultural Mandate (Genesis 1 :28).

We Recognize Men & Women in Leadership Together

The work of Jesus was revolutionary in its recognition of the human dignity of women. The Book of Acts records the leadership that was provided by both men and women in the spread and advance of the Gospel. The New Testament celebrates the anointing power of the Holy Spirit on all followers of Jesus.

We are a Relational Church

We understand salvation primarily in terms of a new relationship with Christ and His Church that needs to be nourished and grow. We seek to serve people who lead very pluralistic lifestyles, filled with ambiguities, contradictions and conflicts of priorities. This lifestyle sets up a thirst for simplicity, peace, answers, direction. LaSallers need and want to integrate the many sides of their lives--to help make sense of it all. This thirst is not for an authoritarian Bible verse or preacher, but for an inner authority--a relationship with Jesus Christ and a faith they can depend on.

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