Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is The Church Gathered’s STATEMENT OF FAITH?
The Nicene Creed serves as our statement of faith. The Nicene Creed was originally written in Greek. There are many versions that essentially say the same, just like there are many translations of the Bible. Here is one version found on Wikipedia: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit, he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (some versions add: and the Son). With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. What does one have to believe to be a part of the efforts of The Church Gathered? One must consider themselves a Christian in that they recognize that Jesus (also called the Christ) was crucified and resurrected from the dead. Jesus was made Lord and head of the Church (made up of those who are Christians) by God the Father. No one can consider themselves a Christian unless they desire to have and believe they have a relationship with God through Jesus. No one is perfect, and some have a long way to go as we are transformed into the likeness of Christ. Nevertheless, if someone works directly with us in this effort, their life should reflect their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If you or your group believe the statements in the Nicene Creed, then your beliefs will not hinder acceptance and welcome if you desire to help with the efforts of The Church Gathered. How long do you think it will take to achieve a world gathering of Christian leaders to seek God’s direction regarding the unity of the Church? I would like to see such a world gathering sometime by 2031, eight years from the first gatherings in Orlando. What is the difference between this, the Ecumenical Movement, and other unity-focused ministries? The Ecumenical movement sought a solution through negotiation between different denominations. It had a large support base initially among many denominations. As the movement aged, it lost support. Many saw the movement as an attempt to combine denominations under a common order—an administrative or political union. This project aims to seek a solution that man has not organized. It seeks a solution by seeking God to intervene. There is no discussion of agreement on theology beyond the Nicene Creed and what is needed to pray together. The only unity sought is the unity God desires under the Lordship of Jesus Christ in whatever form that may take. Confession and petition in prayer will be a huge step forward. |