Bible:
We believe that the Bible is a guide for Christian living and faith. It reveals God's purpose of
reconciliation through Jesus the Christ.
God:
We believe that God is revealed
specially through Jesus Christ, but experienced in a variety of ways.
Christ:
We confess that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God and we
proclaim him Lord and Savior.
Unity:
Unity is the harmony of all Christians in the love of Christ.
Doctrines and human differences should not
be allowed to divide believers from one another.
Inclusive
Ministry: We believe that all members are part of the priesthood of believers
and share responsibility for the life and work of the church.
Membership:
Membership is in this congregation and the church universal. We baptize persons
old enough to make their own confession of faith. Baptism for us is
by immersion in water. We also accept transfers from members of congregations
of other Christian groups without any requirement for rebaptism.
The Lord's
Supper: The Lord's Supper is celebrated every Sunday and on special occasions.
All Christians are welcome to participate.
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To proclaim the
Gospel: to be and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, loving, witnessing
and serving from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth. God calls us
to be a faithful, growing church that demonstrates true community, deep
Christian spirituality and a passion of justice.
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After careful study,
several years ago, Bethany decided to become a "Shalom congregation"
among the Disciples of Christ. That has made it a unique congregation
of Christians seeking to be a peaceful people devoted to bringing God's
peace and justice whenever possible. Members say that being a Shalom
Congregation influences every aspect of this church.
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In Frontier America,
the desire for freedom that led to the American Revolution was also
felt in religion. American settlers searched for simplicity and unity.
They searched for a new approach that would free them from European church
structures, which didn't meet America's needs. In 1804, Presbyterian
minister Barton W. Stone and several followers broke their denominational
ties to enter into unity with "the body of Christ at large."
They called themselves, simply "Christian." In
1811, Alexander Campbell began public debates which, along with his writing,
propelled him into leadership of the "Disciples of Christ."
In
1832, the "Christians"
and the "Disciples of Christ" joined together with a formal
handshake. They agreed on basic beliefs and aims. An important belief
then and now is that people shouldn't be forced to put their faith in
creeds but only in Jesus Christ. They also believed that Christians
should be in unity rather than divided.
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"Recognizing the unconditional acceptance of
Jesus the Christ, Bethany Christian Church affirms that all people –
regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, age or disability – are welcome to share fully in the
life of our congregation. All members who qualify according to the
requirements of our constitution and bylaws are eligible to hold the
elected offices of elder, deacon, officer and trustee."
Bethany Christian Church is recognized by PFLAG
(Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and by GLAD Alliance (Gay
and Lesbian Affirming Disciples) as an Open and Affirming
congregation.
Our purpose is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and to live in faithful response to the will and purpose of God as
revealed through God’s Son, and as we are empowered by the Holy
Spirit. We are an inclusive congregation, welcoming all and making use
of inclusive language and images in our teaching and worship.
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