Effort Baptist Church uses the 1963 edition of "The Baptist Faith and Message" as guide for church practice and daily living.

The Scriptures: We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, and God-breathed. (2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; Isaiah 55:11).

The Godhead: We believe in one triune God, eternally existing in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - co-eternal in being, co-eternal in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfection. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22).

The person and the Work of Christ: We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men and women. (Matthew 1:23; John 1:1,2,14; Luke 1:31-35). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice, and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Romans 3:24; 1 Corinthians 15; 1 Peter 2:24; Ephesians 1:17; 1 Peter 1:3-5). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of the Father, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of representative, intercessor, and advocate. (Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 7:25; 9:24; Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1-2).

The person and work of the Holy Spirit: We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person of the Godhead who convinces the world of its sin, of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment. He is the supernatural agent in the regeneration of people, indwelling and sealing all believers for the day of redemption. (John 16:8-11; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 4:30; John 14:15-17,20).

The fall of humanity: We believe that humanity was created in the image and likeness of God, but through Adam's sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God. Therefore, men and women are of themselves utterly unable to remedy their lost condition. (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3;12).

Salvation: We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to humankind by the grace received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins. (Ephesians 2:8,9; John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19).

The church: We believe that the church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all believers. (Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25-27; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 11:2) The body of Christ exists to worship God (John 4:23-24) to evangelize the world (Matthew 28:19-20), and to be built up toward the unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God (Ephesians 4:11-16).

The ministry and spiritual gifts: We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowing of spiritual gifts. It is, however, the believers responsibility to attempt to develop his or her sovereignly given spiritual gifts. We believe that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to minister according to the gifts and grace of God that has been given to them. (Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12; 13; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Ephesians 4:11-13).

Ordinances: We recognize two ordinances of the Church - baptism in water and Holy Communion. We believe that baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. Everyone who repents and believes in Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4). We believe that the Lord's Supper is a time to remember and give thanks for what Christ has done on our behalf, with the elements of bread and the fruit of the vine symbolizing the salvation and healing which came through His atoning work on the cross. It is also a time to celebrate the unity of the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:17-34)

Resurrection: We believe that both those who are saved by grace and those who are not will exist eternally, either with Christ for those who are saved (2 Corinthians 5:8) or separate from God for those who are not, hence, subject to destruction. (Mark 9:42-48; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:11-15).

The second coming of Christ: We believe in the blessed hope - the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones. We believe that His coming will ultimately put an end to evil and He will inaugurate a new and eternal kingdom. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1:10; 5:10; Revelation 19:11-16, 20-21; 21:1-6)

Baptists in general and Effort Baptist in particular emphasize four important doctrines that have guided Baptists for centuries.

1) Soul competency - each individual is responsible for his or her relationship with God.

2) Priesthood of believers - each individual has access to the triune God and does not need an intermediary.

3) Autonomy of the local church - each church is responsible under the Lordship of Christ to decide His will.

4) Freedom in Religion - each individual is free to choose the expression of his or her relationship with God.