Below is the twelve-point Statement of Faith of the Evangelical Free Church of America. It was framed to promote "unity in essentials and liberty in non-essentials" -- that is, to affirm the Bible's core doctrines while allowing freedom of conscience on important but secondary doctrines. We have footnoted some of the statements to give further clarity to our understanding of that particular statement.

1. We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for Christian faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)

2. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (1 John 5:7; 2 Cor. 13:14; Matt. 28:19-20; Heb. 4:14; 1 John 2:1)

3. We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Furthermore, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is our High Priest and Advocate. (John 1:1, 14; Is. 7:14; Luke 1:35; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Matt 28:5,6; Heb. 4:14; 1 John 2:1)

4. We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner*, and indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly living and service. (John 13:14, 16:7-8,17; Titus 3:5; Eph. 1:13; 1 Cor. 12:1-31; Eph. 4:11-14; Rom. 12:4-8)
* This is not to be taken as addressing the question of the order in which saving faith and regeneration occur.

5. We believe that man was created in the image of God, but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained. (Gen. 1:26-27, 3:6; Rom. 5:12, 6:23)

6. We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and such as receive Jesus are born of the Holy Spirit*, and thus become children of God. (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Col. 1:20; 1 Cor. 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:25; John 14:6; Eph. 2:8-9; John 3:3)
*This is not to be taken as addressing the question of the order in which saving faith and regeneration occur.

7. We believe that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age. They are not, however, to be regarded as means of salvation.*
*This statement allows individual freedom of conscience to be baptized in our public services by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling. It also allows individual freedom of conscience to adhere either to "believer’s baptism" or to "covenant infant baptism." Accordingly, in the public services of our church we will provide for both practices.

8. We believe that the true Church is composed of all persons who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit* and are united together in the body of Christ, of which He is the head. (Eph. 1:22-23, 2:20-22; Col. 1:18)
*This is not to be taken as addressing the question of the order in which saving faith and regeneration occur.

9. We believe that only those who are members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership in the local church.* (Acts 6:1-5; Rev. 20:11-15)
*This is not to be taken as assuming that a church can infallibly determine the spiritual state of an applicant for membership. Rather, acceptance into membership is based upon a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and a lifestyle that does not blatantly contradict that profession.

10. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church, and that every local church has the right under Christ to decide and govern its own affairs. (Eph. 1:22-23)

11. We believe in the personal, premillenial and imminent* coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that this "Blessed Hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. (Acts 1:11; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:16-18; Titus 2:13; Matt. 24:44)
*While strongly affirming our Savior's bodily return, we do not require adherence to a "premillenial" or "imminent" (that is, possible at any moment) return. Community Evangelical Free Church's historical practice as far back as its founding fathers has been to allow freedom on this point for both members and leaders.

12. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment. (Rev. 20:6; Luke 4:14; John 5:28-29)

Although such is not the case for the general membership, we require that all pastors and elders be able to affirm either the Westminster Confession of Faith or the Philadelphia Confession of Faith.