Biblical and Theological Roots

1.  We affirm the historic Christian faith as expressed in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds and believe that the Good News of Jesus Christ is the power of God for salvation for all peoples (Romans 1:16).

2.  We believe that the ultimate goal of Jesus’ ministry is a multitude from every “tribe, language, people and nation” redeemed by His blood and gathered in heaven to give glory to God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Revelation 5:9). 

3.  We hold the Bible to be our ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice and, thus, the primary resource for discipleship and training (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

4.  We believe that mission flows out of the character of God and is at the heart of the identity of His people; from the call of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), to the call of Israel (Exodus 19:1-6; Psalm 96:1-3; Isaiah 49:5,6), and the commissioning of Jesus’ disciples (Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:8).

5.  We affirm the Church as Christ’s body, a community “being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit,” “the fullness of him who fills all in all” (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 1:23; 2:22).  We recognize that the Church expresses itself simultaneously as:

a. The Universal Church, consisting of all believers in all places and at all times (see, for example, Ephesians 3:21; Colossians 3:18).  This aspect of the Church finds expression (albeit imperfect expression) through global denominations and networks.

b. The Regional Church, consisting of all believers in one place at one time – for example, “the church of God that is in Corinth” (1 Corinthians 1:2); “the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:1).  This aspect of the Church expresses itself in cross-denominational, multi-congregational, cooperative ministry.

c. The Congregation, consisting of believers in one place that gather weekly for worship (see, for example, 1 Corinthians 14:23).  The healthiest congregations are gatherings of small groups.

d. The Small Group/House Church, consisting of a small number of people who gather regularly for teaching, prayer, worship, etc. (see, for example, Romans 16:5).

Each of these expressions of the Church should express God’s heart for mission in the world.

6.  We acknowledge Jesus as the supreme model of mission and, therefore, embrace his incarnation (John 1:14) and servant ministry (Mark 10:45) as key elements in Christian mission.  We believe that the Gospel must find unique expression in every culture of the world (Revelation 5:9; 7:9).  We are, therefore, committed to encouraging highly contextual ministries (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).