About Us
Who we are, where we come from, and where we're headed as a church family.
Who We Are
The Way Church cares about one thing more than anything else, Jesus Christ. The Way Church is a family of individuals that have found freedom in the Gospel, and simply want as many people as possible to experience that exact same freedom.
WHERE WE COME FROM
As the Washington metropolitan area continues its rapid expansion, mission-minded Christians in Northern Virginia have faithfully asked, “Where can we share the Gospel next?” In 2016, Trinity Lutheran Church in Woodbridge, VA, partnered with our national church body to plant a new church in Fredericksburg, VA.
This church’s Launch Team—made up of 16 families—met for the first time on September 11, 2016. The Way Church was born.
On September 10, 2017, we officially launched public worship services here in Fredericksburg.
WHAT WE ARE A PART OF
The Way is are a proud member of an international church body called the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). The WELS has been around since 1850 and, while headquartered in Wisconsin, serves hundreds of thousands of Christians in North America and around the world. To be Lutheran means that we accept the scriptural truths that ignited the reformation of the Christian church in the 16th century and led to a renewed focus on the gospel.
WHERE WE ARE HEADED
The Way Church is committed to building a faith community that has its foundation built on Jesus Christ. We are committed to the bold vision of building that which church should be - a place for you to find rest, wisdom, and life in Christ Jesus!
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
What does this mean for you? Most importantly, you're always welcome at The Way Church. We're saving a seat for you. Wherever you're at in your faith journey, you'll always be welcome to join The Way Church family!
Our Beliefs
No matter your religious beliefs or your spiritual background, we would love to study the Bible with you! The Way Church offers a free class called “Foundations of the Christian Faith” in which we take an honest look at the foundational teachings of Christianity in a relaxed, non-judgmental setting. You’ll hear and learn what the Bible says about God’s love for you and God’s purpose for your life. Until then, we invite you to explore our beliefs and join us in our mission of connecting people to Christ and Community!
The Trinity
The Bible teaches and we believe that there is only one true God. This God is invisible, holy, eternal, and has all power and wisdom. In the Bible God reveals himself as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is why he is called “Triune.” These three persons in one God are all God. They are equal in power, glory, and in every other quality. It is the Triune God, or Trinity, who created, redeemed, and sanctified us.
Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 5:23; Genesis 1:1; 1 John 2:2; Romans 15:13
The Bible
The Bible teaches and we believe that the Bible is the true word of God. It is inspired by the Holy Spirit. This means that God breathed into the writers the exact thoughts and words they were to write. As a result every statement in the Bible is the truth. It is the only guideline for the faith and life of Christians. It clearly teaches all we need to know in order to obtain our eternal salvation.
2 Peter 1:21; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:15; Luke 11:28; John 5:39; John 17:13-17
God the Father
The Bible teaches and we believe that God the Father is one of the three persons who are the Triune God. He is called Father because he is the Father of Jesus Christ and of all who believe in Jesus. He has created all things. He is holy, loving, and just. He continues to take care of all creation and all human beings.
Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; John 20:17; Leviticus 19:2; Malachi 2:10; Exodus 34:6,7; Romans 8:32
Jesus Christ
The Bible teaches and we believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of everyone. He is the eternal Son of God, equal to the Father and the Holy Spirit. He is also the son of the Virgin Mary. He became man to redeem all people. Taking our place, he lived a perfect life keeping the law of God for us. He also died as our innocent substitute on the cross to pay a price sufficient for everyone’s sin. After rising from the dead, Jesus ascended into heaven. On the Last Day he will judge all the people who are still living and those whom he will raise from the dead.
1 John 5:20; Matthew 1:23; Ephesians 1:7; Galatians 3:13; Hebrews 4:15; Romans 1:4; Acts 10:42
Holy Spirit
The Bible teaches and we believe that the Holy Spirit is true God equal to God the Father and God the Son. He has names and characteristics which belong only to God. The Holy Spirit creates faith in our hearts through the gospel. He also keeps us in the faith and motivates us to do good works.
Acts 5:3,4; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Psalm 139:7,8; Job 33:4; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 3:16; Galatians 5:24,25
People & Sin
The Bible teaches and we believe that humans were created in God’s image, but the first man and woman lost the image of God when they gave in to the temptation of Satan and disobeyed God’s command. This brought on them the judgment of God. Since that time all people are conceived and born in sin and are, therefore, dead spiritually.
Genesis 2:17; Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:1; John 3:6; Psalm 5:4; Romans 5:12; 1 John 3:4; Romans 8:7,8
Redemption
The Bible teaches and we believe that Jesus, who is both God and man, humbled himself by becoming a man and dying on the cross. He did this to redeem all people from the judgment for sin, the fear of death, and the power of the devil. He fulfilled the law perfectly and took on himself the guilt of all our sins. He ransomed us by the sacrifice of his life on the cross. God has looked on Jesus’ death as our death for sin. The resurrection of Jesus is proof that God has accepted what Jesus did as payment for the sins of all people.
Matthew 5:17; Romans 5:19; Isaiah 53:6; Matthew 20:28; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:7; 2 Timothy 1:10
Salvation
The Bible teaches and we believe that God judged all sinners righteous in his sight when Jesus Christ died on the cross for us. God declared everyone free from the guilt and punishment owed for our sins. The sinner receives this free gift of forgiveness, not by doing good deeds, but only by faith. Faith is a repentant sinner’s acceptance of Jesus Christ as his only Savior and full trust in his worthiness for forgiveness of sins and salvation. Salvation is not possible without faith, and such faith is not a personal achievement. The Holy Spirit creates faith. It is a gift from God. Whoever remains in this faith to the end of life will be saved eternally.
Ephesians 2:8,9; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 3:22-24; Romans 3:28; Romans 4:5; Mark 16:16; John 1:12; Acts 10:43; Galatians 2:16; Acts 16:30,31; John 3:36; Matthew 24:13
Law & Gospel
The Bible’s two main teachings are the law and gospel.
The Bible teaches and we believe that God wrote his law in people’s hearts at creation. The human conscience bears witness to that law. The knowledge of the law was blurred in people’s hearts by sin. God repeated his law in the Ten Commandments. God’s law demands obedience in our thoughts, speech, and actions. Therefore no one can be saved by keeping the law. God’s law shows us our sins, warns us of God’s anger against sin, and guides us in our Christian life.
Deuteronomy 10:4; Matthew 5:48; John 1:17; Romans 7:7; Romans 3:22,23; Romans 3:20; James 2:10; Psalm 119:9
The Bible teaches and we believe the gospel. The message of the gospel is the good news that a loving God sent Jesus Christ to take away the sins of all people. This gospel freely offers to all sinners the righteousness that is found in Jesus. God offers and gives eternal life and salvation to all those who believe in the gospel promises.
John 1:17; Romans 1:16; John 3:16; Colossians 2:13; Luke 2:10,11; Ezekiel 33:11
Baptism
The Bible teaches and we believe that baptism is a holy act. It is instituted by God. Using water and God’s Word it offers and gives the forgiveness of sins, spiritual life, and eternal salvation. It is meant for all people, young and old, because all people are sinful and therefore need the spiritual rebirth brought about through baptism.
Matthew 28:19; John 3:5,6; Titus 3:5; Mark 10:14; Acts 22:16; Mark 16:16
Holy Communion
The Bible teaches and we believe that that Holy Communion, or The Lord’s Supper, is a holy act instituted by Christ. Together with bread and wine we receive Jesus’ true body and blood. In this special meal Jesus gives the forgiveness of sins, strengthens our faith, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe.
Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 11:27,28; 1 Corinthians 10:17
Prayer
The Bible teaches and we believe that believers pray. In the name of Jesus, that is, trusting in his salvation, a believer confidently speaks to God. We present to God our needs, praising him, thanking him, or interceding for others. Prayer is not a way to earn salvation. Christians pray because God commands us to pray and promises to answer our prayers. Sometimes his answer is yes, sometimes no. Sometimes God waits until the time is right to answer our prayers.
Psalm 19:14; Psalm 50:15; Matthew 7:7; Matthew 21:22; John 16:23; 1 Timothy 2:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:8
The Church
The Bible teaches and we believe that there is one holy, Christian Church. It is made up of all who believe in Jesus. Since faith is a matter of the heart it is invisible. Only God knows who has faith and therefore is a member of the Holy, Christian Church. This invisible church is found wherever the gospel is proclaimed. We call groups of people who come together to hear God’s Word the visible church.
2 Timothy 2:19; John 18:36; John 8:31,32; Isaiah 55:10,11; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Romans 16:17
Copyright The Way Church 2024