An Example of a Statement of Faith

I have a high view of church membership. The book of Romans alludes to devotees of Christ being individuals from a body. I believe it to be a useful way in which we can encourage each other and consider each other accountable.

At my church, we emphasize two key areas with church membership. The first is doctrine. The second is expectations. We ask individuals to move in the direction of fulfilling seven expectations, which is also our church covenant. The seven expectations involve worship, growing, serving, giving, praying, seeking unity, and being sacrificial.

Agreeing on doctrine is the starting point. Doctrine tells individuals forthright what you believe. You can never again assume individuals understand historical denominational differences. Additionally, churches within the same denomination in the same town can be quite different at this point. Try not to surprise individuals. Try not to downplay doctrine. Try not to befuddle individuals. Be clear about what you believe and what your identity is.

A statement of faith reveals the doctrine of the church. Our church asks individuals to be in general agreement with our statement of faith. Understandably, individuals might word things differently. Additionally, as the lead pastor and main teacher in the church, I also realize individuals will not agree with everything I preach. Expecting all individuals to agree with everything is more clique like than Christ-like. In any case, we should have parameters of belief. Otherwise, the church will break under the pressure of disunity.

Our statement of faith includes just the most important non-negotiables. All different doctrines outside this statement of faith are not to be trial of fellowship. For example, our individuals may have differing views on eschatology or a few issues within soteriology and still be considered like-minded individuals.


Readers of this blog likely have widely different views on doctrine. I’m thankful for those of you who are different than me! My goal in providing an example of a statement of faith is not to stir up theological controversy. Rather, my goal is simply to provide a practical starting point for those who might be crafting a statement of faith for their churches.
I’ve provided our statement of faith as an example. You may “borrow” any or all portions if you like.
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament are the inerrant, inspired, and infallible Word of God. God’s Word is the final authority for faith and life.
We believe there is only one God, and He has chosen to reveal Himself as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
We believe man was created in the image of God and the sin of Adam (the first man) marred that image, creating an eternal divide between God and man. Every person is born in sin.
We believe the only way a person can have a true, forgiven relationship with God is through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and conceived by the Holy Spirit. Jesus became man without ceasing to be God. Our right standing with God is made sure because of His literal, physical resurrection.

We believe in the literal, physical return of Jesus to judge the living and the dead. 
We believe God offers eternal life as a free gift and that it must be received by faith alone through God’s grace alone. The life that comes from this gift is a permanent possession of the one receiving it.
We believe the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of believers on mission to enlarge God’s kingdom. The local church is autonomous, free of any external authority of control.
We believe believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two ordinances of the church.