Statement of Faith
Theology We affirm without reservation the National Association of Evangelicals' doctrinal statement, which can be found at: http://nae.net/index.cfm?FUSEACTION=nae.statement_of_faith.
We specifically affirm: the authority and complete trustworthiness of Scripture, salvation and sanctification by faith and divine grace through the atoning work of Christ mediated by the Holy Spirit. We believe that all humans are made in God's image, loved by their Creator, and invested with innate worth and dignity. We also embrace the cross of Christ as the center piece of redemptive history and Christian ministry, the reality of human depravity which is reflected in universal human sin as well as systemic oppression and evil which creates global suffering. Thus, Christian ministry needs to include both the proclamation of salvation through faith in Christ as well as works of mercy to fellow brothers and sisters who suffer (“good news and good works” Matt 9:35).
While the above reflects our humble theological understanding, and our ministry is expressly done in the name of Christ, we often partner with those of differing convictions and spiritual traditions. It is our belief that we must partner with other value-focused leaders in our local communities and abroad who share a commitment to the marginalized in our midst. We must work together to alleviate human suffering, fight against gender violence, and other forms of human oppression.
It is our conviction that as we choose to focus on those things we have in common and not on the things that divide us, together we can work towards this end. Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke. Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh. If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Those from among you shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; You shall be called the REPAIRER OF THE BREACH, THE RESTORER OF STREETS TO DWELL IN. Isaiah 58:6-7, 10-12
