Some context: This is article four of a confession on the nature of the church drafted by pastors and laity in our local community.
In this article it may seem strange to reject diversity, pluralism and inclusivity, considering that this is the latest wave of church language. But the article does not out right reject this language only the idea the the church "is best defined by diversity, pluralism, and/or inclusivity." To be sure the church is diverse and inclusive but not at the expense of God's ability to transform lives. This simple means that the church does its best work, not when it flings its doors wide open, but when it seeks the transformation of humanity into the children of God. Christianity is demanding and includes discipline. This demanding discipline transforms the church into the people of God called to be in the world but not of the world. The article is trying to start a conversation that includes both God's love and justice.
IV. Marks of the Church
"We believe in the one holy catholic and apostolic church." (The Nicene Creed)
We believe the essential marks of the Church are: unity (see John 17:20-23), holiness (set apart
for God's purposes), catholicity (universality in faith, practice, and outreach), and apostolicity (message and mission traceable to the apostles). These marks, given by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-3), evidence the Church's faithful, attentive response to the gracious Headship of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:4-7).
We reject the assumption that the church is best defined by diversity, pluralism, and/or inclusivity. The radical hospitality of the church is not to be promoted by limiting or eliminating the transformative power of the Gospel that unifies and enculturates the church, and blesses the world.
In this article it may seem strange to reject diversity, pluralism and inclusivity, considering that this is the latest wave of church language. But the article does not out right reject this language only the idea the the church "is best defined by diversity, pluralism, and/or inclusivity." To be sure the church is diverse and inclusive but not at the expense of God's ability to transform lives. This simple means that the church does its best work, not when it flings its doors wide open, but when it seeks the transformation of humanity into the children of God. Christianity is demanding and includes discipline. This demanding discipline transforms the church into the people of God called to be in the world but not of the world. The article is trying to start a conversation that includes both God's love and justice.
IV. Marks of the Church
"We believe in the one holy catholic and apostolic church." (The Nicene Creed)
We believe the essential marks of the Church are: unity (see John 17:20-23), holiness (set apart
for God's purposes), catholicity (universality in faith, practice, and outreach), and apostolicity (message and mission traceable to the apostles). These marks, given by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-3), evidence the Church's faithful, attentive response to the gracious Headship of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:4-7).
We reject the assumption that the church is best defined by diversity, pluralism, and/or inclusivity. The radical hospitality of the church is not to be promoted by limiting or eliminating the transformative power of the Gospel that unifies and enculturates the church, and blesses the world.
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