About Us
Our Core Beliefs
Salvation
The doctrine of Salvation forms the core of our Christian faith by proclaiming God’s victory over sin in our lives. God's love and provision for redemption is available to all, who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This truth results in deliverances, healings and restored lives.
Divine Healing
Wherever Jesus went, He ministered compassionately and healed the sick. His example showed salvation’s interconnection, as many believed after their healing. Christ continues to heal today, so the church must preach, teach, and practice this biblical truth. Scriptures command believers to pray faithfully and trust God.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The doctrine of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit explains the passion and power of our witness. Jesus promised His followers they would receive power from on high so that they would be His witnesses. We believe this truth is just as relevant today as our Fellowship continues to take the gospel message around the globe.
Christ's Return
With the world experiencing natural disasters, economic downturns and increasing uncertainties on many fronts, the doctrine of Christ’s Second Coming is more relevant than ever. Believers must rest in the certainty of the imminent return of our Lord and share this hope with others.
16 Fundamental Truths
Detailed Statement of Faith
- We believe the Scriptures are inspired by God.
- We believe there is One True God revealed in three persons.
- We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- We believe man willingly fell into sin – ushering in evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world.
- We believe every person can be restored to fellowship with God through accepting Christ's offer of forgiveness and salvation.
- We believe in Water Baptism by immersion after salvation, and Holy Communion as a symbolic remembrance of Christ's suffering and death for our salvation.
- We believe the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a special experience following salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service.
- We believe the initial evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues as experienced on the Day of Pentecost.
- We believe sanctification initially occurs at Salvation, but is also a progressive lifelong process.
- We believe the church has a mission to seek and save all who are lost in sin.
- We believe a divinely called and biblically ordained leadership ministry serves the church.
- We believe divine healing of the sick is a privilege for Christians today and is provided for in Christ's atonement.
- We believe in the Blessed Hope - when Jesus raptures his church prior to his return to Earth.
- We believe in the millennial reign of Christ when Jesus returns with his saints at his second coming and begins his rule over earth for 1,000 years.
- We believe in a final judgment for those who have rejected Christ.
- We believe in a new heavens and a new earth that Christ is preparing for all people who have accepted Him.
Meet Our CLA Team
J Bruce Ritter Jr
Lead Pastor
bruce@clagibsonville.com
Mary Ritter
Spiritual Community Pastor
mary@clagibsonville.com
Rebekah Kivett
Worship Pastor
rebekah@clagibsonville.com
Our Structure
Some information about the structure and governance of our spiritual community.
Christ is Our Head
In the Assemblies of God Christ is recognized as the head of the Church. He is supreme; and His life is the pattern for all ministry and conduct of the church (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18).
Elected Leadership
The pastor is elected by the local congregation. He leads through exhortation of the Word and example. The pastor is responsible for much of the public ministry and day-to-day operation of the local church. A board of deacons is elected to assist the pastor and help conduct the business operation of the church (Ephesians 4:11, 12; 1 Timothy 3:8-13).
The Local Church
CLA is a General Council-affiliated church. Within the fellowship of the Assemblies of God there are two classifications of churches - General Council affiliated churches and district affiliated churches. General Council affiliated churches enjoy full autonomy, having developed to the point of where they are self-governing and self-supporting. These fundamental principles have been catalysts for growth in the Fellowship. District affiliated churches are those which have not yet developed to the point where they qualify for full autonomy. All assemblies are required to adhere to the Statement of Fundamental Truths and a biblical pattern of conduct.
Leadership and Accountability
CLA is a sovereign body, a General Council church that is part of the North Carolina District Council. The NCDC oversees the ministries in their areas, such as camps and outreaches, as well as provide ministry opportunities and avenues of fellowship for ministers and constituents. Districts also recommend ministers for national credentialing. They are authorized to lead, solving matters of leadership and direction for local assemblies. They operate as a type of regional leadership between the local church and the national Fellowship.
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