Issues
The association has a core system of beliefs and viewpoints on issues that help provide guidance. This section provides a table of those issues and beliefs.
The following are issues and beliefs that guide the association:
Abortion | We affirm the Biblical principle of the sanctity of human life. We also understand the sensitivity of this issue and are filled with Christian love for women who have had abortions. Still, we are unashamedly pro-life. |
Allows for Local Autonomy | All our churches are independent, self-governing but are a part of the One, Holy, Universal Christian Church |
Amount of Hierarchy | Minimal (National Budget Currently Less than $100,000) |
Baptism | One of two Holy Sacraments. We affirm the freedom in baptism including infant baptism, adult baptism and believer immersion. |
Belief in the Infallibility and Authority of Scripture | We believe that all Scripture is 'God-breathed.' Therefore, Scripture is Holy, infallible, and our authority for life and faith. |
Confirmation | Many of our churches practice this beautiful rite and we affirm the historical importance of this tradition while acknowledging that some of our churches have not inherited the history of this practice. |
Cross of Jesus and Blood Atonement of Christ | Highly respected, honored, and taught with reverence, respect, and grateful hearts. |
Doctrinal Identity | Strong evangelical Statement of Faith |
Emphasis on Church Planting | The Scripture is clear that we are to go and make disciples. Planting is encouraged on local and regional levels. |
Emphasis on Missions | Strong encouragement for each local church to be involved locally and globally: Faith missions encouraged: Direct relations with missions/missionaries encouraged: Mission Renewal Network available to assist you. |
Euthanasia and suicide | Viewed as sinful |
Goddess Worship | Abhorred |
Growth | Growing steadily |
Homosexual Behavior | Viewed as sinful |
Homosexual Orientation | Viewed as temptation |
Inclusive Language | Biblical language clearly uses the masculine references to God (Father, Lord, He). Modern documents in language dealing with humans is more inclusive |
Lord's Supper | One of two sacraments: freedom given in local church |
Non-Christian Religions | Christ is the only Savior of the world: other religions respected |
Ordination Difficulty | Not complicated. Local church ordination or recognized denomination. Evangelical seminary education strongly encouraged. |
Ordination Procedure | Candidate applies to local church: Church calls ordination council to review request; local church ordains |
Pastoral Candidates | Evangelical and conservative; numbers are growing weekly |
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Sacraments | Two-Baptism and Lord's Supper; local church freedom |
Seminary Education | No denominational seminaries; evangelical seminaries (i.e. Fuller, Ashland, Gordon-Conwell) encouraged |
Theology | Evangelical, conservative, classical and historic Christianity as affirmed in the Apostle's Creed and other traditional creeds. |
Local Church Polity | Congregational |
Separatistic | No |
Types of Churches | Evangelical, Congregational, Christian, and Reformed in background; also Independent churches |
Women in Leadership | Left to local church |
Year Founded | Organized in 1998 |