>>> DOMINION CHURCH INTERNATIONAL
1311 10TH STREET, ORANGE, TEXAS 77630>>>
What We Believe
Statement of Faith
Section 1: The Godhead
We believe in a Triune Godhead. Though the word “Trinity” does not appear in Scripture, the concept does. In Genesis 1:1; 26, the word used for God is “Elohim”, which is used to express plurality. This term is used throughout the Old Testament. The concept of the Trinity is supported in the New Testament in Matthew 3 and I Corinthians 12:4-6 along with salutations and doxologies that express a Trinitarian belief.
We believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The three have distinct roles but are only one God.
a. God the Father
God the Father is the first Person of the Godhead, the Unoriginate, of Whom the Son is eternally begotten and from Whom the Holy Spirit eternally proceeds through the Son. The Father, Who made all things seen and unseen through the Son, sends the Son for our salvation and gives the Holy Spirit for our regeneration and adoption as children of God. John 1:1, 14, 18; Romans 15:6; Colossians 1:15-16: John 3:16; 14:26; 15:26; Romans 8:14-17; Acts 17:28
b. God the Son
We believe that Jesus Christ is the preexistent, eternal Son of God. He existed before the creation of time (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2). Jesus was truly God (Philippians 2:6, John 10:30, 17:5, Colossians 2:9).
We believe in the incarnation of Christ. According to John 1:14, the Word became flesh (I John 4:2, II John 7, Romans 8:3).
We believe that Christ was fully God and fully man.
We believe in the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23).
We believe in the sinless life, death, burial, and bodily resurrection of Christ for the salvation of humanity (Matthew 27:45-56, I Corinthians 15:1-19).
We believe in the priesthood of Christ. He intercedes for the Church (Hebrews 5).
We believe that healing is available in Christ for the body (Isaiah 53:3-5).
c. God the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is God, the third Person of the Trinity (Acts 16:7, 1 Corinthians 6:11, John 14:6).
We believe in the pre-existence of the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:26).
We believe that the Holy Spirit worked in the Old Testament as mentioned in Scripture.
We believe that the Holy Spirit plays a part in the salvation of humanity (I Corinthians 12:3).
We believe that the Holy Spirit is ultimately responsible for the writing of Scripture (2 Peter 1:21).
We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as a subsequent act after salvation for personal empowerment and a devotional gift (Acts 2:38, 8:14-17, 10: 44-48).
We believe that the Holy Spirit empowers the Church with gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Romans 12:6-8).
We believe that we are to have communion with the Spirit (II Corinthians
13:14).
Section 1: The Godhead
We believe in a Triune Godhead. Though the word “Trinity” does not appear in Scripture, the concept does. In Genesis 1:1; 26, the word used for God is “Elohim”, which is used to express plurality. This term is used throughout the Old Testament. The concept of the Trinity is supported in the New Testament in Matthew 3 and I Corinthians 12:4-6 along with salutations and doxologies that express a Trinitarian belief.
We believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The three have distinct roles but are only one God.
a. God the Father
God the Father is the first Person of the Godhead, the Unoriginate, of Whom the Son is eternally begotten and from Whom the Holy Spirit eternally proceeds through the Son. The Father, Who made all things seen and unseen through the Son, sends the Son for our salvation and gives the Holy Spirit for our regeneration and adoption as children of God. John 1:1, 14, 18; Romans 15:6; Colossians 1:15-16: John 3:16; 14:26; 15:26; Romans 8:14-17; Acts 17:28
b. God the Son
We believe that Jesus Christ is the preexistent, eternal Son of God. He existed before the creation of time (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2). Jesus was truly God (Philippians 2:6, John 10:30, 17:5, Colossians 2:9).
We believe in the incarnation of Christ. According to John 1:14, the Word became flesh (I John 4:2, II John 7, Romans 8:3).
We believe that Christ was fully God and fully man.
We believe in the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23).
We believe in the sinless life, death, burial, and bodily resurrection of Christ for the salvation of humanity (Matthew 27:45-56, I Corinthians 15:1-19).
We believe in the priesthood of Christ. He intercedes for the Church (Hebrews 5).
We believe that healing is available in Christ for the body (Isaiah 53:3-5).
c. God the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is God, the third Person of the Trinity (Acts 16:7, 1 Corinthians 6:11, John 14:6).
We believe in the pre-existence of the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:26).
We believe that the Holy Spirit worked in the Old Testament as mentioned in Scripture.
We believe that the Holy Spirit plays a part in the salvation of humanity (I Corinthians 12:3).
We believe that the Holy Spirit is ultimately responsible for the writing of Scripture (2 Peter 1:21).
We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as a subsequent act after salvation for personal empowerment and a devotional gift (Acts 2:38, 8:14-17, 10: 44-48).
We believe that the Holy Spirit empowers the Church with gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Romans 12:6-8).
We believe that we are to have communion with the Spirit (II Corinthians
13:14).
Section 2: The State of Humanity
We believe that God has a purpose for all of humanity (Romans 8:32-37).
We believe that God has uniquely gifted everyone for ministry (Romans 11:29). We believe that prayer is a key component to spiritual perpetuation.
We believe that man was created to praise God with singing, dancing and on instruments (Psalm 150).
We believe that man is created with the abilities to choose for himself, a concept that is demonstrated throughout Scripture. This is called free moral agency.
We believe Adam was the first man and from him all others have come. He was created pure without sin but chose to sin, hence sin entered all of humanity (Genesis 3, Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:23).
He represented humanity as the federal and seminal head. We believe in marriage as an institution planned by God for human fulfillment, reproduction, and to serve as a type of the Church and Christ (Genesis 1:28, Genesis 3, Hebrews 13:4).
We believe that God has made humans either male or female and that homosexuality is not a genetic issue but a moral one (Genesis 1:27, Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:18-32).
We believe that marriage is intended to be a lifetime commitment honored by all (Matthew 19:1-7). Divorce is not to be sought after; however, God does grant forgiveness for divorcées.
Section 3: The Salvation of Humanity
We believe that all men are born sinners under the judgment of death (Romans 6:23).
God has made a way of escape from the judgment of sin through His Son, Jesus Christ. We believe that each person, in order to be saved, must undergo the following: regeneration, justification, and glorification. We believe people must have a spiritual rebirth (John 3:3, II Corinthians 5:17).
This conversion experience is predicated upon the acquittal of wrongdoings, a concept known as justification (Romans 5:21, II Corinthians 5:21).
Though we are declared positionally cleansed, conditionally we are the same. For this reason, we must undergo a process of cleansing that 4 conforms us to the image of Christ by the Holy Spirit. This process is known as sanctification (I Thessalonians 4:3).
The act of cleansing takes place when we are restored into a right relationship with God.
The final state of humanity is to disrobe from mortality and to be robed with immortality (I Corinthians 15:54).
We believe that all men are born sinners under the judgment of death (Romans 6:23).
God has made a way of escape from the judgment of sin through His Son, Jesus Christ. We believe that each person, in order to be saved, must undergo the following: regeneration, justification, and glorification. We believe people must have a spiritual rebirth (John 3:3, II Corinthians 5:17).
This conversion experience is predicated upon the acquittal of wrongdoings, a concept known as justification (Romans 5:21, II Corinthians 5:21).
Though we are declared positionally cleansed, conditionally we are the same. For this reason, we must undergo a process of cleansing that 4 conforms us to the image of Christ by the Holy Spirit. This process is known as sanctification (I Thessalonians 4:3).
The act of cleansing takes place when we are restored into a right relationship with God.
The final state of humanity is to disrobe from mortality and to be robed with immortality (I Corinthians 15:54).
Section 4: The Holy Scriptures
We believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, revelation of God given to man by the work of the Holy Spirit (II Timothy 3:16, II Peter 3:16, II Peter 1:21).
We believe that the Bible contains the Word of God in its entirety – it is the “logos” of God (general revelation) and the “rhema” of God (specific revelation) is a “right now” Word for the believer.
Section 5: The Spirit World
We believe there is a real devil and demons, sometimes referred to as fallen angels. The chief of demons or fallen angels is Satan (Job 1, Isaiah 14:12-14, II Corinthians 11:3).
We believe that every believer is in a personal combat, consciously or not, with the forces of evil - Satan, demons, and fallen angels.
We believe that Christ defeated the forces of evil on the cross of Calvary, hence, the believer must stand against Satan in light of this victory (Colossians 2:15).
We believe that ultimately the believer will triumph over the devil and his forces (Revelation 12:11, Romans 8:35-37, Luke 10:17).
Section 6: The Church
We believe in the Local Church as the vehicle of expression of the Kingdom, or government, of God. Jesus is the founder and the head of the Church (Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 1:22, Colossians 1:18).
We believe that every believer should be a part of a Local Church, which is governed by the structure God provides in Scripture (Hebrews 10:25).
We believe that the Church is comprised of believers (Colossians 1:24).
We believe that God takes care of the Church (Ephesians 5:29).
We believe that Christ is coming back for his Church (Ephesians 5:27).
We believe that the Local Church has a hierarchical structure: Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Evangelists, and Teachers. These five offices govern the church with the assistance of the ministry of Elders and Deacons (Ephesians 4:11, Acts 6, Hebrews 13:17).
We believe that the Local Church should demonstrate and participate in the justice of God in its community (Luke 4:18, Isaiah 58:6-14).
We believe that the Local Church is the storehouse for the tithes and offerings of God (Malachi 3:6-8).
We believe that the Local Church should be involved in evangelism and world missions (Acts 1:8).
We believe that a healthy church is a multiplying church that trains and launches
church planters (Acts 13:2).
Section 7: The End of Days
We believe in the rapture of the Church (I Thessalonians 4:16, Revelations 4, I Corinthians 15.
We believe in the tribulation period based upon the book of Daniel (Daniel’s 70th week) and the Book of Revelation.
We believe in the judgment of believers, not for eternity but for rewards, called the Bema (I Corinthians 3:5-17, II Corinthians 5:10).
We believe in the millennial reign of Christ (Revelation 19).
We believe in the Great White Throne of Judgment for unbelievers (Revelation 20).
We believe in Heaven as the eternal destination of the believer and Hell and the Lake of Fire for the unbeliever (Matthew 5:3, Revelation 21:1, Luke 16:19-31, Revelation 20:14-15).
Section 8: Ordinances
We believe in Water Baptism, which signifies a believer's repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is a participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Dominion Church International baptizes by immersion. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4-5; Luke 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Matthew 3:16)
We observe Holy Communion, also known as The Lord’s Supper, as commanded by Scripture. The evening before Jesus was crucified, He took bread and the cup, saying, "This is my body, which is for you… This cup is the new covenant in my blood." Whenever we celebrate the Lord's Supper, we partake of bread and the cup in remembrance of our Savior, proclaiming his death until he comes. The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the death and resurrection of our Lord, who gave his body and shed his blood so that we might be forgiven. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 10:16; Matthew 26:26-28)
Section 9: Divine Healing
We believe that God Who made the body is also willing and able to heal those who are sick and afflicted. We believe in the laying on of hands for the sick.
We further believe that Divine Healing is a gift of God to the Church and that the power of faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will raise them up. (Matthew 9:21, 22; Mark 10:51; James 5:15, 16; Acts 10:38)
Section 2: The State of Humanity
We believe that God has a purpose for all of humanity (Romans 8:32-37).
We believe that God has uniquely gifted everyone for ministry (Romans 11:29). We believe that prayer is a key component to spiritual perpetuation.
We believe that man was created to praise God with singing, dancing and on instruments (Psalm 150).
We believe that man is created with the abilities to choose for himself, a concept that is demonstrated throughout Scripture. This is called free moral agency.
We believe Adam was the first man and from him all others have come. He was created pure without sin but chose to sin, hence sin entered all of humanity (Genesis 3, Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:23).
He represented humanity as the federal and seminal head. We believe in marriage as an institution planned by God for human fulfillment, reproduction, and to serve as a type of the Church and Christ (Genesis 1:28, Genesis 3, Hebrews 13:4).
We believe that God has made humans either male or female and that homosexuality is not a genetic issue but a moral one (Genesis 1:27, Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:18-32).
We believe that marriage is intended to be a lifetime commitment honored by all (Matthew 19:1-7). Divorce is not to be sought after; however, God does grant forgiveness for divorcées.
Section 3: The Salvation of Humanity
We believe that all men are born sinners under the judgment of death (Romans 6:23).
God has made a way of escape from the judgment of sin through His Son, Jesus Christ. We believe that each person, in order to be saved, must undergo the following: regeneration, justification, and glorification. We believe people must have a spiritual rebirth (John 3:3, II Corinthians 5:17).
This conversion experience is predicated upon the acquittal of wrongdoings, a concept known as justification (Romans 5:21, II Corinthians 5:21).
Though we are declared positionally cleansed, conditionally we are the same. For this reason, we must undergo a process of cleansing that 4 conforms us to the image of Christ by the Holy Spirit. This process is known as sanctification (I Thessalonians 4:3).
The act of cleansing takes place when we are restored into a right relationship with God.
The final state of humanity is to disrobe from mortality and to be robed with immortality (I Corinthians 15:54).
We believe that all men are born sinners under the judgment of death (Romans 6:23).
God has made a way of escape from the judgment of sin through His Son, Jesus Christ. We believe that each person, in order to be saved, must undergo the following: regeneration, justification, and glorification. We believe people must have a spiritual rebirth (John 3:3, II Corinthians 5:17).
This conversion experience is predicated upon the acquittal of wrongdoings, a concept known as justification (Romans 5:21, II Corinthians 5:21).
Though we are declared positionally cleansed, conditionally we are the same. For this reason, we must undergo a process of cleansing that 4 conforms us to the image of Christ by the Holy Spirit. This process is known as sanctification (I Thessalonians 4:3).
The act of cleansing takes place when we are restored into a right relationship with God.
The final state of humanity is to disrobe from mortality and to be robed with immortality (I Corinthians 15:54).
Section 4: The Holy Scriptures
We believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, revelation of God given to man by the work of the Holy Spirit (II Timothy 3:16, II Peter 3:16, II Peter 1:21).
We believe that the Bible contains the Word of God in its entirety – it is the “logos” of God (general revelation) and the “rhema” of God (specific revelation) is a “right now” Word for the believer.
Section 5: The Spirit World
We believe there is a real devil and demons, sometimes referred to as fallen angels. The chief of demons or fallen angels is Satan (Job 1, Isaiah 14:12-14, II Corinthians 11:3).
We believe that every believer is in a personal combat, consciously or not, with the forces of evil - Satan, demons, and fallen angels.
We believe that Christ defeated the forces of evil on the cross of Calvary, hence, the believer must stand against Satan in light of this victory (Colossians 2:15).
We believe that ultimately the believer will triumph over the devil and his forces (Revelation 12:11, Romans 8:35-37, Luke 10:17).
Section 6: The Church
We believe in the Local Church as the vehicle of expression of the Kingdom, or government, of God. Jesus is the founder and the head of the Church (Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 1:22, Colossians 1:18).
We believe that every believer should be a part of a Local Church, which is governed by the structure God provides in Scripture (Hebrews 10:25).
We believe that the Church is comprised of believers (Colossians 1:24).
We believe that God takes care of the Church (Ephesians 5:29).
We believe that Christ is coming back for his Church (Ephesians 5:27).
We believe that the Local Church has a hierarchical structure: Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Evangelists, and Teachers. These five offices govern the church with the assistance of the ministry of Elders and Deacons (Ephesians 4:11, Acts 6, Hebrews 13:17).
We believe that the Local Church should demonstrate and participate in the justice of God in its community (Luke 4:18, Isaiah 58:6-14).
We believe that the Local Church is the storehouse for the tithes and offerings of God (Malachi 3:6-8).
We believe that the Local Church should be involved in evangelism and world missions (Acts 1:8).
We believe that a healthy church is a multiplying church that trains and launches
church planters (Acts 13:2).
Section 7: The End of Days
We believe in the rapture of the Church (I Thessalonians 4:16, Revelations 4, I Corinthians 15.
We believe in the tribulation period based upon the book of Daniel (Daniel’s 70th week) and the Book of Revelation.
We believe in the judgment of believers, not for eternity but for rewards, called the Bema (I Corinthians 3:5-17, II Corinthians 5:10).
We believe in the millennial reign of Christ (Revelation 19).
We believe in the Great White Throne of Judgment for unbelievers (Revelation 20).
We believe in Heaven as the eternal destination of the believer and Hell and the Lake of Fire for the unbeliever (Matthew 5:3, Revelation 21:1, Luke 16:19-31, Revelation 20:14-15).
Section 8: Ordinances
We believe in Water Baptism, which signifies a believer's repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is a participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Dominion Church International baptizes by immersion. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4-5; Luke 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Matthew 3:16)
We observe Holy Communion, also known as The Lord’s Supper, as commanded by Scripture. The evening before Jesus was crucified, He took bread and the cup, saying, "This is my body, which is for you… This cup is the new covenant in my blood." Whenever we celebrate the Lord's Supper, we partake of bread and the cup in remembrance of our Savior, proclaiming his death until he comes. The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the death and resurrection of our Lord, who gave his body and shed his blood so that we might be forgiven. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 10:16; Matthew 26:26-28)
Section 9: Divine Healing
We believe that God Who made the body is also willing and able to heal those who are sick and afflicted. We believe in the laying on of hands for the sick.
We further believe that Divine Healing is a gift of God to the Church and that the power of faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will raise them up. (Matthew 9:21, 22; Mark 10:51; James 5:15, 16; Acts 10:38)
THE TEAM
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP & STAFF
Bishop Paul A. Hardin
Senior Pastor
Bishop Hardin is our Founder and Senior Pastor and he is passionate about connecting people with Jesus and the Church and helping them discover
their purpose. He is a capable preacher and teacher who takes a practical, Bible-based approach toward inspiring people to LOVE. LEARN. LIVE.
Pastor Claudia Hardin
Co-Pastor & Pastor to Children, Youth & Young Adults
Pastor Claudia is our co-pastor and wife of our Bishop. Anything that gets done around here, you can be sure that Co-Pastor was the mastermind behind it. She works behind the scenes to make everything tick and she is also an inspiring teacher of the Word. She also leads the Well Woman Ministry, an ongoing experience bringing healing and wholeness to women.
Pastor Sharell McDowell
Connections Pastor
Pastor Sharell is our Connections Pastor.
Always ready with a smile and a word of encouragement, Pastor Sharell exemplies the heart of Jesus and works to help visitors and new members feel welcome and take their next step with the What's Next Class, Growth Track, Small Groups, and Dream Team.
Elder Jason Lockhart
Pastor of Worship Arts
Elder J is our youth and young adult ministry leader. His heart for young people is truly amazing, and he wants to see the gospel of Jesus Christ preached in schools and campuses across this city.
He works each week to create exciting and powerful experiences to help our youth know and love Jesus and live victorious lives.
Pastor Evelyn Morris
Senior Living Pastor
Full of life and joy, Pastor Evelyn Morris leads our Senior Living Ministry, a vibrant community of "seasoned saints" who, each week share a meal over a lunch-based Bible study.
She helps Seniors connect with the family of God and discover their purpose in this exciting season of life.
Jessica Lockhart
Children's Ministry Director
Jessica is our Children's Ministry Director. Her heart for the kids of our church is truly astounding, and she has taken our children's ministry to all new heights. She is passionate about helping children know and love Jesus.
Evangelist Carolyn Harvey
Director of Outreach & Evangelism
A true evangelist with a heart for reaching the lost and connecting people to God's family, Evangelist Harvney brings a lifetime of church work and leadership to her role as Director of Outreach & Evangelism.She employs traditional methods of neighborhood canvassing alongside an impressive array of social media outreach tools to reach significant number of new families that connect with DCI each month.
Melba
France
BIG Events Coordinator
A life-long church girl, Melba brings charisma and enthusiam to the planning and execution of BIG events at DCI. From Easter Sunday to Fall Fest to Christmas celebration (and tons of events in between), Melba and her team create phenomenal experiences to introduce DCI to the Humble & Greater Houston communities.
Stephanie E. Wilson
Accounting Director
Stephanie combines her love of the church and the world of finance to bring excellence in accounting and financial empowerment opportunities to the family members of DCI.
She and her team help the church to be good stewards over its resources.
Bishop Rodrick L. Austin
Transportation Director
Bishop Austin is everybody's PawPaw and for years has served in multiple, key capacities at DCI.
He is currently using his many years of experience as a Metropolitan Transit Authority Operator to help establish the DCI Transportation Ministry to serve the community in a greater way.
Jason Ward
Audio Technician
With years of experience and technical training in the field of sound, Jason always goes the extra mile to make sure that the audio experience of our worship services is top notch.
He goes above and beyond to ensure that our technical needs are met.
Paul A. Hardin II
Video & Lighting Assistant
A natural-born electronics whiz, Paul brings his love for all things technical to his role in providing a stimulating visual experience to attendees of our corporate worship services.
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