What we believe

Our symbol may be simple, but its meaning runs deep. Early Christians used the anchor as a symbol of hope and encouragement in the midst of persecution. Archaeologists have found anchors carved into catacombs, prison walls, and the tombs of martyrs—a quiet but powerful reminder that no matter how fierce the storm, our hope is anchored in Jesus Christ. He is our refuge, our steady ground, and the promise that one day, all things will be made new.

At The Anchor, we want to be a place where you can find that same hope and peace—where you're met with acceptance, love, help, forgiveness, and truth. No matter what life brings, we’re here to point you to Jesus, the true  Anchor.

We do this by teaching the whole Word of God, lifting up His name through worship, and living out our faith together in a loving, authentic community.

We believe the whole Bible points to One.  Jesus! The way, the truth and the life.  And, so we teach through the whole Bible, chapter by chapter, verse by verse...pointing to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus...because it is there we find hope for all of us. It is through the darkness of the cross that we find light and life as we discover who God is and the life that He alone can give. The Gospel is the center of Christianity and the cross is the center of the Gospel.

Discipleship happens when we are intentional in teaching and living out the teachings of Jesus in our community together.  When we make intentional efforts to look past our differences and submit to the command of scripture to love one another, we are able to heal, grow, and reflect Christ to the community God has placed us in. 

While much of life is complicated and difficult, we believe church should be simple. Buildings, programs and methods do not define a "good" church. We believe that growth as a church is the result of knowing Jesus through immersion in His word, prayer, communion, fellowship and song. We want to see lives changed and transformed by the Gospel. The less we complicate the process the more we are able to “build one another other up to love and good deeds.”

Gilroy is where we were born, but our Church represents a lot of neighboring cities.  We believe God had strategically placed Christians in these places.  It's where we live and where we have the most opportunity to show others the love of Christ. We do not believe the Gospel can change our cities unless those who believe in the Gospel actually invest their time and energy in their cities for the glory of Jesus. Our desire is that our neighbors would know we are Christians by our love for each other and our service to everyone and that, through our example and the drawing of the Holy Spirit, all would come to know and love the God we serve.

We believe in one true and living God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—equal in power and glory. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19)

Jesus is the eternal Son of God. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. He will return again in power and glory. (John 1:1–14; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4)

We believe the Holy Spirit indwells and empowers every believer, guiding us in truth, giving spiritual gifts, and helping us grow in Christ.
(John 14:16–17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11)

The Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It is the final guide for what we believe and how we live. (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21)

We believe salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It cannot be earned—only received by trusting in His finished work.
(Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:9–10)

We believe the Church is the body of Christ, made up of all true believers. We gather to worship, grow through God’s Word, share in fellowship, and serve the world in love.
(Ephesians 1:22–23; Acts 2:42–47)

We believe water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are outward expressions of an inward faith. These ordinances are acts of obedience and remembrance.
(Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26)

We believe believers are called to live lives of holiness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, growing in grace, and becoming more like Jesus every day.
(Romans 12:1–2; Galatians 5:22–25)