At NorthHaven, freedom is central to our faith—not just as a civic value, but as a spiritual necessity. We stand in a long Baptist tradition that believes faith must be chosen, not forced; that conscience, scripture, and community each play a role in how we live our beliefs. These are the Four Fragile Freedoms we uphold:

Soul Freedom: Faith is personal. Every individual has the right and responsibility to seek God directly, guided by conscience and the Holy Spirit. We call this the "priesthood of all believers."

Bible Freedom: Scripture is our foundation, not man-made creeds. We encourage everyone to read, wrestle with, and interpret the Bible for themselves, trusting God to meet each person in the process.

Church Freedom: Each local church should govern itself. We believe decisions about leadership, worship, and missions should be made by the congregation, not imposed by an outside bureaucracy.

Religious Freedom: Church and state must remain separate for both to thrive. We affirm every person’s right to worship, or not, as they feel led to do so, free from political pressure or religious coercion.

These freedoms are not just abstract ideas—they’re how Jesus lived. He never forced belief, never demanded conformity. Instead, he invited people to follow him, and gave space for questions, growth, and personal transformation.

At NorthHaven, we continue that invitation. No dogma required. No spiritual shortcuts. Just the freedom to follow Christ wholeheartedly, in community, at your own pace.

At NorthHaven, we take Jesus at his word: everyone is invited to follow him. That includes every ethnicity, political background, economic situation, and life story. We welcome you fully—without judgment, without exception.

We are an affirming congregation. LGBTQ+ individuals are welcomed into every part of church life, including leadership, ministry, and membership, with the same rights and responsibilities as anyone else.

We practice open communion—if you are a believer in Jesus, you are welcome at the table. We also honor all Christian baptism traditions. Whether you were sprinkled, poured, or dunked, you won’t be asked to do it again. For new believers, we offer baptism by immersion.

NorthHaven exists not only for those seeking a deeper faith, but also for those who’ve felt pushed out by religion. If you’ve ever been told you don’t belong in church because of who you are or what you’ve been through, we’re here to say: You Belong.

We are an affirming congregation: God calls and equips all people for ministry, and we joyfully ordain both men and women as pastors and deacons. Gender is never a barrier to answering God’s call. LGBTQ+ individuals are likewise welcomed into every part of church life, including leadership, ministry, and membership, with the same rights and responsibilities as anyone else.

Bring your questions, your doubts, your past—we welcome you, scars and all. But while our doors and hearts are open wide, they are not without purpose and direction. This is a space of safety and grace, not harm or hate. If you're here to love and learn, you're one of us. But if your intent is to bully, belittle, or harm others, this may not be the community for you.

At NorthHaven, inclusion isn’t a policy—it’s our way of being the Church.

At NorthHaven, we believe that spiritual growth isn’t a solo journey, it’s something we do side by side with people in all stages of their faith journey.

Through thoughtful worship, open-hearted Bible study, book groups that challenge and inspire, small gatherings filled with real conversation, and service that puts love into action, our church is a sanctuary for each person who seeks to deepen their connection with God. Where children are cherished, new believers are welcomed with open arms, and even long-time members are free to wonder, wrestle, and grow.

We honor the whole person - mind, body, and spirit - and we know that faith is formed not just in quiet reflection, but also in shared experiences and relationships. Whether you’re seeking, rooted, questioning, or just curious, this is a place where you don’t have to have all the answers. You won’t be judged for your doubts, your background, or your story. We don’t argue people into belief—we walk alongside each other in grace, trusting that the Holy Spirit is always at work.

Here, you are safe to explore faith at your own pace, in the company of people who care more about loving well than being right. And together, we grow in grace and walk in the way of Jesus.

At NorthHaven, we believe faith should be free, not forced, politicized, or prescribed.

Too often, churches become platforms for political agendas instead of places of spiritual growth. Church should be a refuge, not a battleground. That’s why we hold firmly to the historic Baptist principle of separation between church and state.

This isn’t just an opinion—it’s our heritage. Baptists like Obadiah Holmes, John Leland, and Isaac Backus stood for religious freedom long before it was law. Their courage helped shape the First Amendment and ensured every person’s right to worship, or not, as they feel led.

We trust you to read Scripture, follow your conscience, and walk your own path with God—guided by the love, justice, and compassion that Jesus taught and lived.

At NorthHaven, we believe faith comes alive when it’s put into action. Our church is deeply committed to serving both our local community and the wider world with compassion, creativity, and humility.

We look for places where love is needed most and do what we can, as best we can, partnering with others to care for the sick, support the poor, and uplift the vulnerable. As Jesus said, “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do it for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Some of the ways we’ve answered that call include:

• Feeding the homeless in Norman through our own little food pantry.
• Supporting other local non-profits like the Regional Food Bank, Food & Shelter for Friends and the Mutual Aid Fair.
• Collecting food and toys to take to the Native American churches in Caton and Watonga.
  
• Sending food and toys to those in need.

Whether you’re a long-time member or just visiting, come be part of what we’re building at NorthHaven: a church that doesn’t just talk about love—we live it!