Discovery is a diverse, mission-driven, nondenominational* community that creates space for questions, doubts, and conversation. We affirm the centrality of Jesus, the authority of Scripture, and the practices of Communion and Baptism.
About the Bible
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, living and active, and to be interpreted through the lens of Christ — the original Word — as a community in dialogue with context and Tradition. We seek to be formed by Scripture as the story of God putting his family back together (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4).
About God
We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing as three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 1:2; Matthew 28:19; Colossians 1).
About Jesus
We believe that Jesus is both fully God and fully human. Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, physically rose from the grave and ascended to heaven where he is a representative to God on our behalf (1 Corinthians 15:1-8 & John 3:16). The forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life are available to those who trust Jesus as Savior and King (John 3:16). Those accepting Jesus as King should seek to live under his rule through following his ways, confessing their faith, being baptized (Romans 10:9 & Acts 2:38), and living as part of his Body, the Church.
About the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts, challenges, resides in, guides, instructs and empowers every Jesus-follower to live out God’s vision for creation (John 16:7-11; John 3:3-5; Romans 8:9; John 14:26; Galatians 5:16-22).
About Us
We believe that people were created in the image of God and called very good (Genesis 1:26-27), but have broken right relationships with God and each other, which is what we call "sin.” Faith in Jesus, based on his death and resurrection, reconciles us back to God. By God's grace, eternal life is available to everyone through Jesus (Romans 8:10-11, Daniel 12:2, John 6:47, Acts 4:12, Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:7).
About Baptism and Communion
We believe that baptism and communion are symbols of faith in Jesus and that they are to be practiced by the church (Acts 2:38; Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32).
About the Church
We believe that the Church is composed of all kinds of people who are following Jesus. It is the mission of the Church to participate in the Kingdom of God by sharing the good news of Jesus with everyone in word and deed (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Acts 6:1-7; Acts 15:23). The Church is empowered by the Holy Spirit to be an authentic community of faith, hope, and love (Ephesians 4:1-16).
Additional Clarity
In our context we have found it important to be clear and up front about three critical social issues: At Discovery we are inclusive of women, people of color, and people who identify with the queer community at every level of leadership and participation in the church. We are not an “anything goes” community. Our leadership seeks to exemplify the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-25) and a deep alignment and commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Discovery. Our aim is not to be “relevant” to culture, but we believe the removal of these societal barriers is central to our mission of discovering and rediscovering the good news of Jesus together (see Ephesians 2:11-22). It is difficult to accomplish this mission together, if we are not actually together!
Questions? Email ELDERS@discoverydavis.org.
* Our roots go back to the Restoration Movement, which sought to unify Christians who were divided by denominational identities.