What We Believe

VISION STATEMENT

Within our community we are called…

to proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ;

to commit ourselves to the church;

to seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ;

and to seek to act on behalf of the will of God.

From its earliest beginnings the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has sought to define faith from a New Testament perspective. While recognizing the importance of biblical study and theological reflection, we believe, nonetheless, that on many issues good Christians will differ on matters of interpretation. Therefore, where scripture speaks we speak, and where scripture is silent we are silent.

What is most important, though, is that individuals have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord. Within our church we believe that there is “no creed but Christ,” remembering Peter’s words, “there is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) There is not doctrinal statement or creed that members must accept in order to become members of our church.

Upon profession of faith, our members are baptized by immersion. While this is our understanding of the early practice of baptism, we are open in regard to accepting baptism. We believe that “there is one baptism for the remission of sins.” Therefore, if you have previously been baptized in another fellowship, whether by immersion or as an infant, you are welcome into our church. More than the mode or means, we accept as true that it is how you live out your baptism that reveals its consequence in your life.

Each week we celebrate our faith by coming to the table. In the Lord’s Supper we have an opportunity to reflect upon and reaffirm our faith in a risen Jesus. While the minister and elders preside at the table we believe that the invitation to communion is given by our Lord, and it all those whom He has invited that are welcome to share in the feast Jesus has prepared.

Recognizing the diversity, which exists within the body of Christ, encourages us to work together with other churches in our community. While we adhere to our tradition of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we also respect the traditions of others. More important, though, than our individual denominations is a committed belief that Jesus Christ alone is Lord and head of the church, and that we are individually members of the body.