HOW WE OPERATE

We Celebrate Ecumenical Fellowship

We believe that theology can generally be organized into three concentric circles:

  • Center: beliefs that are necessary for a relationship with God that results in salvation (e.g., what is listed in the Apostle’s Creed)

  • Middle Ring: beliefs that affect the way we live our lives, but do not determine salvation (e.g., whether to baptize with a sprinkle or a dunk)

  • Outer Ring: beliefs that are interesting but do not affect how we live our lives (e.g., whether there will be a literal or figurative millennial reign)

We will do all we can to align with each other on the “center beliefs,” as they have eternal significance. But while we will engage in serious conversation about the beliefs of the middle ring, we will not take an official position as a community on them. They do matter, and we welcome honest discussion on them as a part of our effort to live more in line with God’s truth. But we will not break fellowship with each other over disagreement with them. In fact, we celebrate the various differences in our community on these issues as ways to sharpen each other.

Therefore, we are hopeful that our community will reflect the many different legitimate expressions of faith (e.g., various denominations and styles) that have grown around the world. We believe there is only one God and one way to a relationship with him (through Jesus), but there is not only one liturgy or one lifestyle that all must follow as we worship Him.

VALUES

We Submit to Biblical Authority

The foundation of our worldview and life plans--and everything--is the Bible. We recognize and honor that there are passages of the Bible that have disputed interpretations and so we recognize and honor the theological differences of our members. But we do so with the shared standard of the Bible. We do not hold any other book or philosophy to be on par with the inspired Word of God, but we do believe that all truth is God’s truth and are open to ideas, tools, and concepts that are not found in the Scripture, as long as they do not contradict biblical passages.

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the diverse and unified holy Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

- Apostles Creed (modern English version)