Our Affirmation

We affirm without hesitation that the doctrine of sovereign grace — commonly known as the doctrines of grace or Calvinism — beautifully and faithfully reflects the teaching of Scripture regarding the salvation of sinners. It is not a theological trend, but the historic witness of the church and the clear testimony of God’s Word: that from beginning to end "salvation belongs to the Lord" (Jonah 2:9).

 

As the Apostle Paul declares:

 

“Those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified,

and those whom He justified He also glorified.”

— Romans 8:30

 

Our conviction is that God's salvation of sinners is not ultimately dependent upon human will or effort, but upon the sovereign grace and mercy of God who saves according to His own purpose (John 1:12-13; Rom. 9:16; Eph. 1:3-14; 2 Tim. 1:9). This especially includes the new birth — a work that cannot be initiated or manufactured by man, but is rather a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit who gives spiritual life to the spiritually dead, grants repentance, and effectually draws the sinner to saving faith in Christ. From predestination to glorification, salvation is of the Lord — to the praise of His glory!

 

The doctrine of sovereign grace stands in stark contrast to Arminianism (and its various theological frameworks), which places the decisive role of salvation in man’s hands and allows for the possibility of true believers falling away. We reject such notions and hold firmly to the biblical truth that those whom God calls, He also preserves. Those whom the Scriptures call the elect are kept, not by their own power, but by the power of God who works within them (Phil. 2:13).

 

A Sad Departure

Sadly, many churches across West Virginia have drifted from this foundation. Over time, man-centered theology such as decisional regeneration (rather than divine regeneration) and emotional manipulation have replaced the clear preaching of the gospel. The use of modern evangelistic means such as altar calls and The Sinner's Prayer have resulted in the weakening of the church’s witness, a diminishing of reverence for God, the false message that it is "easy" to become a Christian, and that man can simply "choose" his way into heaven. And ultimately, where this message is preached and these means are used, there is an inevitable spread of a false assurance of salvation. Where the sovereignty of God is forgotten, the glory of Christ and the power of the Spirit are obscured.

 

We are convinced that the recovery of the doctrine of sovereign grace is not optional — it is essential. We labor to uphold and restore a Christ-exalting, Scripture-saturated understanding of salvation to the Mountain State church: one that magnifies the sovereignty of God, places man's salvation solely at the mercy of God, grounds the believer in true assurance, and fuels bold and faithful evangelism. This is not about theological preference — it is about the vital health of Christ’s church and the power of the gospel in our generation.

 

Our Hope for Revival

Our hope is not in methods, personalities, or trends, but in the sovereignty of God. We believe He is able to do far more than we ask or imagine. We believe He has sheep in these mountains yet to be gathered, and we believe that wherever Christ is truly preached, the Spirit of God is at work. Though West Virginia is often overlooked by the world, we are persuaded that God is not finished with these mountains. We have seen Him raise up faithful pastors, renew weary congregations, and save sinners by the definite mission and power of Calvary.

 

And we pray that He would do it again.

 

We long for revival — not a manufactured event or emotional wave of which we have been so accustomed, but a true and sovereign outpouring of the Spirit of God. We do not speak of revival lightly. True revival is not the result of promotional campaigns or pragmatic strategies. It is, as history and Scripture reveal, a sovereign and extraordinary work of God, wrought in His perfect and appointed season, wholly independent of man-made endeavors and methods, wherein He pours out His Spirit to revive and quicken His people, bringing forth lasting fruit of faith and repentance, for the sanctification of His church, and to the glory of His name.

 

Our Prayer for the Mountain State​

O Lord of Hosts,

Bow the heavens and come down.

Let the mountains of our unbelief quake at Thy presence.

Rend the veil that lies heavy upon this land and visit us in power once more.

 

Revive Thy church in these rugged hills.

Where once the gospel burst forth like thunder, let it sound again — unashamed, undiluted, unrelenting.

Let it thunder from pulpit to pew,

from elder to child,

from mouth to mouth,

until every ear is made to tremble and every heart is brought low before Thee.

 

Exalt Thy Son, O God.

Let sinners be awakened as from the sleep of death, and let Thy saints be stirred to a fresh pursuit of holiness.

Grant us a hatred of sin and a hunger for righteousness.

Let the fear of the Lord fall upon us — not as dread, but as awe, trembling before Thy majesty and mercy.

 

Make Thy churches restless until Thou send rain from heaven.

Teach us to pray as watchmen on the walls, who give Thee no rest till Thou establishest Thy praise in our midst.

Let not our prayers be few, nor our intercessions faint, but let them rise like incense before Thee, day and night.

 

Hallow Thy name in West Virginia.

From city to holler,

from ridge to river,

let Thy kingdom come and Thy will be done.

We plead not for noise without substance, nor for signs without truth — but for true revival wrought by Thy Spirit, marked by repentance, reformation, and holy fire from above.

 

Come down, O Lord!

Make bare Thine arm in the sight of this generation.

May Christ be all, and in all.

 

Amen.