Statement of Faith

            I believe that there is only one triune God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Each of the persons has specific functions; theses functions complement each other even when at times they overlap.  This model of unity serves as an example of how the church should function.  I also believe that God is all-knowing, ever-present, wise, loving, forgiving and just.

            I believe that God the Father is the creator of everything.  Among God’s good creation is humanity.  God has created all of humanity in his image; an image tarnished by the effects of human rebellion and sin; but still God’s image remains in all of us and with that comes our value.

            I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the eternal One, who in his majesty and in his frailty lived, walked, and taught among us.  He was executed brutally on the cross for my sin and for all of our sin, and was physically resurrected from the dead, providing a victory over death and bringing eternal life in which all believers share.  This work of Christ is a gift from God and the heart of the message of reconciliation that I am called to boldly proclaim.

            I also believe in the Holy Spirit who is actively working in the world today.  The Holy Spirit points to the rebellion and sin in my life, and drives me to that reconciliation with God that is found only in the great news of Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit prods me to live a godly and thankful life and equips me with earthly and supernatural gifts for service, mission, and ministry.

            I believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the inspired Word of God and the determining authority for life, faith and practice.  This inspiration continues whenever I call upon the Holy Spirit to help in my interaction with and understanding of Scripture.

            I believe that God calls all believers in Christ to lives in which our God-granted talents, gifts, and possessions are to be used in His service.  Along with proclaiming the gospel boldly in word, I am called into compassionate action in my church, community, and throughout the world as a response to the compassionate action of Christ in my life.

            I believe in the Church, both the local Church where we gather as a family to worship, grow and serve, and in the universal church that, through a common faith, through one baptism, and in sharing of the Lord’s Supper, is drawn beyond distinctions in human circumstances and denominational boundaries. I believe God has given the Church the two Sacraments as very visible yet mystical signs of his assurance of forgiveness, love and eternal life.

            I ultimately trust not in my own worthiness, but in the unwavering faithfulness of God, knowing and trusting that in life and in death God claims me for his own.  This claim is not based on any merit I may think I have earned, but is based solely on God’s conventional love; so that I, with an indescribable confidence can conclude as the Brief Statement of Faith joyfully concludes, “With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or death can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  Amen.”

-Chris Enoch