The Universal Church - We believe that upon receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, every believer is united to Him and becomes part of His body—the Church. This one, universal Church is composed of all those throughout the world who confess Christ as Lord, joined together by the Spirit in faith and fellowship. It is Christ’s redeemed people, called to live for His glory and proclaim His name. (Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 5:23)

The Local Church - Scripture commands believers to gather regularly for worship, prayer, the teaching of the Word, observance of the ordinances (baptism and communion), fellowship, and service. Wherever God’s people meet in obedience to this call, there exists a local expression of the Church, under the oversight of elders and other supportive leadership. The local church is a spiritual family, working together in love and unity with the ultimate aim of glorifying Christ. (Acts 2:42-46; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Galatians 6:2;2 Timothy 2:2; Hebrews 13:17)

The Work of the Church - We believe that every disciple of Jesus Christ is called to serve and minister within the local church, exercising spiritual gifts for the building up of the body. The responsibility for caring for the congregation does not rest solely on one pastor or a small group of staff, but on the whole body of believers, under the leadership and oversight of the elders. We are committed to multiplying the godly character and wisdom of faithful leaders into others, that the church may grow in spiritual maturity and further the gospel mission. (Romans 12:1–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–27; Ephesians 4:11–16)

Baptism - We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water following conversion, in obedience to the command of Christ. It is a public declaration of faith, identifying the believer with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism symbolizes the new life that comes through union with Christ and serves as a visible testimony of inward transformation. While it is not a means of salvation, baptism is a vital act of obedience, commanded for all who believe and reserved for believers alone. (Matthew 28:19–20;Acts 2:38, 41; 18:8; Romans 6:1–4; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 2:12)

Communion - We believe that communion is a sacred remembrance of Christ’s death, observed by believers through the symbols of bread and cup. It is a time of self-examination, confession, and reverent reflection on the Savior’s broken body and shed blood. Communion invites the church to remember the cost of redemption, rejoice in the grace that secures our salvation, and renew our devotion to Christ. It is both solemn and celebratory—a proclamation of the Lord’s death until He comes. (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:20-30)

Elders - We are committed to upholding the Bible’s teaching that qualified men are called to serve as elders, overseeing the spiritual life and ministry of the local church. Though Scripture uses various terms—elder, overseer, and pastor—these refer to the same office, highlighting different aspects of the elder’s role in shepherding God’s people. A man who aspires to this office undergoes a season of training and personal examination by the Elder Board, with input from the congregation. If found biblically qualified, he may be appointed to serve.
Scripture presents a consistent pattern of leadership through a plurality of elders, each exercising his unique gifts for the good of the body.

This model reflects the wisdom of shared counsel and mutual accountability, rather than the concentration of authority in a single individual. All elders share equal authority, though not always equal influence. Among them, the Preaching Pastor carries primary responsibility for preaching and teaching, provides oversight to the church staff, and—together with the other elders—leads and shepherds the congregation in key areas of ministry. (Proverbs 11:14; 12:15; 15:22; Acts 14:23; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-7)

> Doctrine: Elders are called to guard the doctrinal integrity of the church. All matters of teaching and belief are to be examined and settled by the Board of Elders, who are committed to upholding the truth of Scripture and ensuring that the church’s teaching remains faithful to the Word of God. Their role is not merely administrative but deeply theological, protecting the flock from error and guiding it in truth.  (Titus 1:5-9; Acts 20:28)

> Direction: Elders are responsible for discerning and guiding the direction of the church, ensuring that its ministries, priorities, and practices align with Scripture and reflect the mission and core values of Hickory Bible Church. This oversight is exercised with humility, prayerfulness, and a desire to glorify Christ in all things. Their leadership shapes the church’s witness, its culture, and its long-term faithfulness.  (Proverbs 19:20; 24:6)

> Discipleship: Elders are also charged with fostering spiritual growth among the congregation. The church is called to make disciples—encouraging every member to grow in Christlikeness and follow Him more faithfully each day.

As part of this commitment, we practice biblical church discipline with love and care. When a member persists in unrepentant sin, we pursue restoration gently and patiently. The end goal is repentance from sin and restoration of fellowship within the body.

While Matthew 18 outlines the basic framework for this process, it leaves many practical and pastoral details unstated. In such moments, biblically qualified elders are essential to guide the church with wisdom, confidentiality, and biblical authority—protecting the congregation from division and faithfully shepherding both the offender and the body.

If an individual persists in unrepentant sin after private admonition and correction in the presence of witnesses, the matter shall be brought before the elders and then the congregation. The church will be instructed to pursue the individual in love, urging repentance and seeking restoration. If, after a reasonable period of congregational appeal, the individual remains unrepentant, the church shall proceed to the final step of discipline, publicly removing the individual from membership and no longer affirming his or her profession of faith. This action is taken in obedience to Scripture and with the ongoing hope of eventual repentance and restoration. (Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; Galatians 6:1-2)

Deacons / Deaconesses - We believe that deacons and deaconesses are called to lead by serving, while elders serve by leading. These men and women play a vital role in facilitating ministry within the church, enabling the elders to remain devoted to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Serving under the authority of the elders, deacons and deaconesses strengthen and unify the body of Christ by meeting practical needs and supporting the church’s mission.

Though their roles differ from those of elders, the character qualifications for deacons and deaconesses are the same—emphasizing integrity, humility, and a proven commitment to peacemaking. Individuals are appointed to this office following a process of congregational input and careful evaluation. Deacons are not a separate governing body, but trusted servants who carry out the ministry vision set by the elders. Their work preserves unity, relieves burdens, and promotes health in the church by handling many responsibilities with wisdom and grace. In all they do, deacons and deaconesses reflect the heart of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. (Matthew 20:28; Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13)

Hickory Bible Church affirms the God-ordained and significant role that women play in establishing and strengthening the local church. We believe that men and women are created in the image of God, possessing equal dignity, value, and spiritual standing before Him. Their equality is not diminished by the distinct roles God has assigned to each, which are woven into the fabric of creation and revealed in Scripture.

In the church, we uphold the biblical teaching that the office of elder is reserved for qualified men. While women are encouraged to serve in a wide range of leadership and ministry roles, they are not to exercise spiritual authority over men or teach doctrine to the gathered church. These boundaries are not matters of cultural preference or personal gifting, but of faithful obedience to God’s design. We celebrate the contributions of godly women and affirm their vital place in the life and mission of the church, even as we honor the biblical pattern for leadership. (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:1-2; Titus 1:5-9)

Hickory Bible Church affirms that men and women are created in the image of God—equal in dignity, value, and personhood—and distinct in their manhood and womanhood. These differences are not the result of cultural tradition or personal preference but are part of God’s beautiful and intentional design. We believe that male and female are equal bearers of the divine image, equal partakers in the grace of life, and equal partners in the creation mandate. Their differences—biological, relational, and ecclesiastical—are not contradictions but complements, woven by God into the fabric of creation for His glory and our good. Embracing these distinctions is not a burden but a pathway to lasting joy, as we live into the roles God has lovingly assigned. The man is no more an image bearer than the woman, and the woman no more than the man. God assigns this dignity to both, irrespective of sexual difference or marital status. (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:18-24; 1 Corinthians 11:7-9; 1 Timothy 2:12-14)

Hickory Bible Church, therefore, believes in and practices Complementarianism, and rejects the unbiblical view of Egalitarianism. Hickory Bible Church affirms The Danvers Statement on Complementarianism found at: https://cbmw.org/about/danvers-statement

Hickory Bible Church affirms the Nashville Statement regarding human sexuality. This can be found at: https://cbmw.org/nashville-statement

Marriage - Hickory Bible Church affirms that marriage is a covenantal, sexual, procreative, lifelong union between one man and one woman, designed by God to reflect the covenant love between Christ and His Church. This sacred bond is not a human contract but a divine institution, established for His glory and our joy. Marriage should be honored and protected—not only by guarding our own unions from infidelity and neglect, but also by respecting the marriages of others through our counsel and conduct.

Divorce - While God’s ideal is that marriage endure until death, Scripture permits divorce in cases of sexual immorality and abandonment. These exceptions do not diminish the seriousness of covenant-breaking but acknowledge the reality of human sin in a fallen world. In such cases, the faithful spouse may be free to divorce and remarry in the Lord. However, we reject all distortions of marriage—including homosexual, polygamous, or polyamorous unions—and affirm that divorce without biblical grounds is sinfully adulterous. We believe that divorce should often be the last resort. Some believers are called to endure difficult marriages that, by God’s grace applied in the gospel, may be transformed. In our therapeutic age, where definitions of abuse and neglect are often stretched, we must be careful not to encourage unbiblical divorces. Church discipline is necessary when a member pursues divorce without biblical grounds, beginning with loving confrontation and, if unrepentant, potentially leading to excommunication. If the unrepentant spouse is treated as an unbeliever, the faithful partner may be considered free to divorce. Sexual sin and abandonment are serious violations of the marriage covenant, and wisdom is required to discern their extent—especially in cases involving pornography, emotional affairs, or neglect of marital responsibilities.

Remarriage - Divorce, when permitted biblically and pursued wisely, offers protection for the innocent and opens the door to restoration or godly remarriage. We honor marriage as a gift from God and uphold His design as the pathway to lasting joy. (Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:16; Matthew 5:32; 1 Corinthians 7:12-15; Ephesians 5:22-33)

Hickory Bible Church affirms that the Devil and his world system stand in fierce opposition to the work of God in and through His people. Alongside this external hostility, our own sinful flesh remains weak and prone to failure, often yielding to temptation and drifting from obedience. In this spiritual battle, we are not left without help.

God transforms lives through the reading and application of His Word, through meditation on its truths, and through prayer. The Scriptures are fully sufficient for life and godliness, and true change comes not through human ideologies but through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us as we obey God’s Word.

We reject the notion that psychology or secular wisdom can resolve the root issues of the heart. While such tools may offer temporary relief or surface-level insight, they cannot expose the true nature of sin or lead to lasting spiritual fruit. Only God, through His Word, reveals the causes of brokenness and the path to restoration. The Bible is not merely helpful—it is wholly sufficient. In every season of life, and in every struggle of the soul, Scripture provides the wisdom, correction, and hope we need to walk in joyful obedience and bear fruit for the glory of God. (Matthew 26:41; Romans 7:18–20; Ephesians. 6:11–12; Colossians 2:8–10; 1 Timothy 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 1:3)

Hickory Bible Church affirms that God created the universe and everything in it to reveal His glory, divine nature, eternal power, infinite wisdom, and supreme authority. We believe that God created all things in six literal, 24-hour days approximately 6,000 years ago, and that before creation, nothing existed except God Himself. This was a miraculous act of divine intervention—God spoke, and all things came into being instantly, not through natural processes over vast ages. The original creation was complete and perfect, without death or suffering prior to the Fall. God created plants and animals to reproduce after their “kinds,” establishing clear boundaries in variation and rejecting the idea of common ancestry found in evolutionary theory.

We affirm that humans were specially created by God—not as products of chance or evolutionary development, but as historically real individuals, Adam and Eve, made in His image. All people are their descendants, bearing the dignity and responsibility of divine image-bearers. Adherence to a literal interpretation of Genesis is vital for maintaining the authority and historicity of Scripture, including the foundational events of the Gospel. God continues to rule over His creation, sustaining it by His power and engaging personally in the lives of individuals. The world exists by His will and for His glory, and every person reflects His intentional design. (Genesis 1; Genesis 2:7; 21-22; Exodus 31:17; Job 12:10; Psalm 19:1-2; Psalm 33:6-9; Isaiah 43:7; Jeremiah 10:12; Acts 17:24-25; 25:28; Romans 1:20; 1 Corinthians 11:8-9; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 4:11)

God, in His sovereign grace, has endowed every believer with spiritual gifts for the edification of the Church and the advancement of His mission in the world. These gifts are to be exercised in love, humility, and mutual service, that the body of Christ might grow in unity, maturity, and effectiveness. Each member is indispensable, and when each part functions according to its divine design, the Church flourishes in holiness and witness.

Sign Gifts - While the Christian life is inherently supernatural, the sign gifts of miracles and healings were uniquely given during the Apostolic era to authenticate the gospel message before the canon of Scripture was complete. We affirm that God still works miraculously according to His will, but we do not believe He continues to bestow the power of performing miracles through human hands.

Speaking Gifts - We further affirm that the speaking gifts—particularly prophecy and tongues—must be understood in light of the completed revelation of Scripture. Prophecy, in its foretelling sense, has ceased, but faithful preaching remains a prophetic ministry insofar as it declares and applies the Word already given. The biblical gift of tongues was the Spirit-enabled ability to speak real, foreign languages, accompanied by interpretation and aimed at edification. We reject modern distortions that equate tongues with unintelligible speech, elevate it above other gifts, or treat it as a necessary sign of salvation or Spirit-filling. The true evidence of the Spirit’s work is not ecstatic utterance but a transformed life marked by holiness, love, and the fruit of the Spirit. In all things, the gifts are to serve the glory of Christ and the building up of His Church. (Deuteronomy 18:18-22; Romans 12:4–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:11–16; 2 Timothy 1:9; 3:16-17; Hebrews 1:1–2; 1 Peter 4:10–11; 2 Peter 1:21)

Hickory Bible Church affirms a pretribulational and premillennial understanding of biblical prophecy, recognizing that faithful believers may differ on the details while maintaining unity in the gospel.

Pretribulational Rapture of the Church - We teach that the Church will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air prior to the seven-year Tribulation—a pretribulational rapture that delivers believers from the coming wrath. This rapture is distinct from the Second Coming, in which Christ returns to Earth in judgment. The absence of the Church in Revelation’s Tribulation chapters supports this view, as does the New Testament’s emphasis on watchfulness and hope rather than endurance through divine judgment. We believe Christ’s return is imminent, and that believers are called to live in holiness and anticipation, not fear. This position upholds the promise of deliverance and the comfort of knowing that God has not destined His people for wrath. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15; John 14:1-3).

Premillennial Return of Christ - We also affirm the premillennial return of Christ, in which Jesus will physically descend to this present Earth and inaugurate a literal 1,000-year reign from Jerusalem. This kingdom will fulfill all of God’s uncompleted promises to Israel, vindicating His covenant faithfulness and displaying His glory among the nations. The millennium follows the Tribulation and precedes the final, eternal state of a new heaven and new earth. Christ’s reign will be marked by righteousness, peace, and the full realization of prophetic Scripture. In all our teaching, we aim to cultivate joyful anticipation, sober readiness, and unwavering confidence in the One who will return to judge, to reign, and to restore all things. (Zechariah 9:9-10; Acts 1:6-7; Revelation 20:1-10)

While we strongly encourage every member to participate in a Lifegroup, it is not mandated for membership at HBC.

Many churches offer small group gatherings to build relationships that aren’t possible in larger settings. What makes HBC somewhat distinctive is our intentional focus on going deeper than surface-level connections, helping one another lay aside the sin that so easily entangles.

In our Lifegroups, we typically spend half the time discussing questions related to Sunday’s sermon (or another elder-approved resource) and the other half in men’s and women’s mutual ministry, where open and honest sharing is encouraged to help us grow in Christlikeness. Because of the sensitive nature of these discussions, church membership is required and attendance in a Lifegroups Foundation Class is highly recommended.