Confessing a Faith

I asked the question: What is a Christian? It's a question that has raised questions and has led to some denunciations not just of Barack Obama, but me as a well. As I think about my faith and what that means for me, I should share that I am a pastor of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). We are a non-creedal church, limiting our confession of faith to the simple statement that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and my Lord and Savior." This simple confession is based on Peter's own confession (Mt. 16). It's simple and a bit open ended -- though it does place some parameters on who we are. Indeed, to be a Christian seems to imply (if nothing else) that Jesus makes a difference in one's life.

We're non-creedal (no official tests of fellowship), but we have created a variety of instruments to help confess faith -- even if no confession can be considered a test of fellowship. Here is the Preamble to the Design -- the official constitution that guides the church in it's daily life.

As you read this, I'm curious how you find it. Is it freeing or restrictive? Is it inviting or not?

As members of the Christian Church,

We confess that Jesus is the Christ,

the Son of the living God,

and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world. In Christ's name

and by his grace we accept our mission of witness and service to all people.

We rejoice in God, maker of heaven and earth,

and in God’s covenant of love which binds us to God and to one another.

Through baptism into Christ we enter into newness of life

and are made one with the whole people of God.

In the communion of the Holy Spirit

we are joined together in discipleship and in obedience to Christ.

At the Table of the Lord we celebrate with thanksgiving

the saving acts and presence of Christ.

Within the universal church we receive

the gift of ministry and the light of scripture.

In the bonds of Christian faith

we yield ourselves to God

that we may serve the One whose kingdom has no end.

Blessing, glory, and honor be to God forever. Amen.