Some Other Key Beliefs Are:
Open Communion The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is celebrated weekly in worship and is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ and to those who are seeking to know more about Jesus. Everyone is Welcomed at Christ’s table.
Biblical Faith…Thinking Faith We love the Bible and take it seriously using both our minds and our hearts in a life long journey of understanding the ways it calls us to live out our faith on a daily basis.
The Oneness of the Church All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service. Thus we work with other churches to lift up Christ’s church and its work in the world.
Freedom of Belief Beyond our central belief that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, there is no creed or doctrine. Each person is free to follow their conscience guided by Bible study, the Holy Spirit and prayer. We are expected to extend that freedom to others. Those with doubts and questions are respected.
Believers Baptism by Immersion Baptism is into the whole Body of Christ, thus, although Disciples baptize by immersion, other baptism traditions are always honored and re-baptism is not necessary or encouraged. However, for those who have not been baptized previously, we believe that making a confession of faith requires a certain amount of maturity. Thus we believe that as individuals learn about Jesus and God’s work in the world, that they should decide when to be baptized. In baptism, the old self-centered life is set aside and a new, ever growing life of trust in God begins.
Priesthood of All Believers Disciples believe in the ministry of all believers, both ordained and lay persons. You will see men, women and youth serving in all phases of church life.
God Calls Us to Mission All of creation is a gift from God. Our voices of justice, mercy and peace must be boldly spoken to those powers that would stand in the way of God’s resources being shared equally. We commit our time, talent and money to such mission.
Covenantal Relationships Each congregation is autonomous but we choose to be related as a distinctive denomination in a covenant of passion and compassion to carry the Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ to the entire world.
Biblical Faith…Thinking Faith We love the Bible and take it seriously using both our minds and our hearts in a life long journey of understanding the ways it calls us to live out our faith on a daily basis.
The Oneness of the Church All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service. Thus we work with other churches to lift up Christ’s church and its work in the world.
Freedom of Belief Beyond our central belief that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, there is no creed or doctrine. Each person is free to follow their conscience guided by Bible study, the Holy Spirit and prayer. We are expected to extend that freedom to others. Those with doubts and questions are respected.
Believers Baptism by Immersion Baptism is into the whole Body of Christ, thus, although Disciples baptize by immersion, other baptism traditions are always honored and re-baptism is not necessary or encouraged. However, for those who have not been baptized previously, we believe that making a confession of faith requires a certain amount of maturity. Thus we believe that as individuals learn about Jesus and God’s work in the world, that they should decide when to be baptized. In baptism, the old self-centered life is set aside and a new, ever growing life of trust in God begins.
Priesthood of All Believers Disciples believe in the ministry of all believers, both ordained and lay persons. You will see men, women and youth serving in all phases of church life.
God Calls Us to Mission All of creation is a gift from God. Our voices of justice, mercy and peace must be boldly spoken to those powers that would stand in the way of God’s resources being shared equally. We commit our time, talent and money to such mission.
Covenantal Relationships Each congregation is autonomous but we choose to be related as a distinctive denomination in a covenant of passion and compassion to carry the Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ to the entire world.
