Association of Hill Country Churches (AHCC) Doctrinal Statement
A three-tier framework for theological clarity and gospel-centered partnership across diverse local churches
The AHCC is a relational network of gospel-centered, Spirit-empowered, mission-driven churches committed to planting, strengthening, and multiplying healthy congregations across Greater Austin and beyond. We believe a shared theological foundation is essential for unity in mission, while also recognizing that faithful churches may differ in their convictions and practices in non-essential areas. This doctrinal framework identifies what unites us, acknowledges our differences, and outlines how we pursue gospel-centered collaboration.
We organize our doctrinal convictions into three levels:
Level 1: Primary Doctrines
Essential for Fellowship and Gospel Partnership in the AHCC
These doctrines define the heart of biblical Christianity and the theological unity of our network. All AHCC churches and leaders fully affirm these truths. These convictions are rooted in historic Christian orthodoxy and form the bedrock for our partnership in church planting, leadership development, and mission. These doctrines are non-negotiable for participation in AHCC and form the basis for collaboration across our network.
1. The Authority and Inerrancy of Scripture
We believe the Bible, as revealed in the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God, sufficient for all matters of faith and life.
Key Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 5:17–18; Psalm 119:105
2. The Nature of God: Trinity
We believe in one God who eternally exists in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—equal in divine essence, distinct in role.
Key Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:13
3. The Full Deity and Humanity of Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus is fully God and fully man, born of the virgin Mary, sinless in life, crucified for our sins, bodily resurrected, and ascended to the Father’s right hand.
Key Scriptures: John 1:1–14; Colossians 1:15–20; Hebrews 1:1–4; Hebrews 4:15
4. The Dignity and Depravity of Humanity
We believe all people are created in God’s image and have inherent dignity, but are sinful by nature and choice, alienated from God, and unable to save themselves.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 1:26–27; Romans 3:9–23; Psalm 14:2–3
5. The Substitutionary Death and Resurrection of Christ
We believe Jesus died as our substitute for sin, was buried, and rose again bodily, securing our salvation: justification, sanctification, and eternal glorification.
Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21
6. Salvation by Grace Alone through Faith Alone in Christ Alone
We believe salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone, and not based on human merit.
Key Scriptures: Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5–7; John 3:16
7. The Indwelling and Empowering Work of the Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit indwells all believers, transforming and empowering them for godly living and ministry.
Key Scriptures: Romans 8:9–11; Galatians 5:16–25; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
8. The Personal Return of Christ and Eternal Destiny
We believe in the visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ, the final judgment, the eternal joy of believers in God’s presence, and eternal punishment in hell for those without Christ.
Key Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10; Revelation 20:11–15
9. Biblical Marriage, Sexuality, and Gender
We believe that God created two biological sexes—male and female. Biblical marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman, and it is the only God-ordained context for sexual intimacy.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–9; Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11
10. Elder-Led Church Government
We believe in a plurality of male elders (in our association, the lead pastor is an elder) providing spiritual oversight, doctrinal protection, and directional leadership in the local church.
Key Scriptures: Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; 1 Peter 5:1–4
Level 2: Secondary Doctrines
Important for Local Church Practice and Network Unity
These doctrines reflect our network convictions about how best to interpret and apply Scripture in the life of the local church. While all AHCC churches are encouraged to consider these positions carefully, we recognize that there may be variation in belief and application at the local level. The AHCC believes these are the best interpretations of Scripture, but allows each elder board to prayerfully discern how to hold and apply these truths within their local congregation. Churches that differ in how they practice these convictions are asked to work hard to maintain unity within the network for the sake of pursuing our mission together.
1. Gender Roles in the Church
We affirm the equal value, dignity, and gifting of men and women. We believe the Bible restricts the pastor/elder office and the authoritative preaching of God’s Word on behalf of the elders to qualified men. Women are gifted and called to lead, teach, and disciple under the authority of male elders.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 1:27; 1 Timothy 2:12; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 2:3–5
2. Spiritual Gifts
We believe all the spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament continue today and should be pursued and practiced under the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. The gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the body.
Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12–14; Romans 12:3–8; Ephesians 4:11–16
3. Sacraments (Ordinances)
We practice believer’s baptism by immersion following conversion. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper as a memorial act, recognizing the spiritual presence of Christ and renewing our covenant with Him.
Key Scriptures: Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38–41; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
4. Eschatology
We affirm the future, personal, and physical return of Jesus Christ and the bodily resurrection of the dead. As a network, we hold a premillennial position, believing that Christ will return before a future millennial reign described in Revelation 20. While we affirm this as the best biblical interpretation, we acknowledge diversity among member churches regarding details of the second coming.
Key Scriptures: Revelation 20:1–6; Matthew 24:29–31; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Level 3: Tertiary Issues
Areas of Liberty, Conscience, and Local Context
These issues are not central to the gospel or the unity of our association. Churches and network leaders may hold different convictions in these areas without disrupting fellowship or mission. We do not have official AHCC positions on tertiary issues. We encourage all believers to approach tertiary matters with humility, grace, and a commitment to the unity of the body of Christ.
Tertiary issues typically involve matters of personal conviction, cultural context, or ministry philosophy. While churches may take official positions, AHCC does not require agreement in these areas.
Examples include:
- Views on the age of the Earth and creation timelines
- Political engagement and party alignment
- Bible translation preferences
- Philosophy of worship and music style
- Philosophy of education (public, private, homeschool)
- Alcohol use in moderation
- Observance of holidays or the church calendar
Guiding Scriptures: Romans 14:1–23; 1 Corinthians 8:1–13; Philippians 2:1–4
Relational Commitments of Member Churches
As churches in the AHCC, we commit to:
- Uphold gospel-centered doctrine and mission
- Protect moral and spiritual integrity in leadership
- Practice mutual respect in secondary and tertiary matters
- Collaborate in disciple-making and church planting
- Support one another in prayer, encouragement, and accountability