Disciples seek to increase respect, understanding, and co-operation among believers of all denominations. Attempting to hold true to the teachings of Jesus and the practices of the early church, we strive for a faith which is socially relevant to the era in which we live, intellectually sound, emotionally satisfying, and spiritually disciplined.
No attempt is made to impose a creed or formal doctrines or traditional interpretations upon members. There is no attempt to force religious ideas or theological concepts into a mold to which Disciples must assent. In doctrinal matters, members are accorded the freedom of private interpretation and the right to individual judgment, guided by the Spirit.
Disciples are united and yoked by essential belief in the central theme of the New Testament: Jesus Christ is the son of the Savior of humankind. On all other matters, Disciples recognize the right of members to complete freedom of opinion. "In essential - unity; In non essentials - Liberty; In all things - charity."
There does seem to be a common denominator of understanding which is accepted by most members of the Christian church. The following list includes some of our core teachings:
WE BELIEVE:
- There is one God, creator and Sustainer of the universe, who loves us and saves us through Jesus Christ, His Son.
- In the dignity of humankind, and our divine calling to be children of God.
- God, through Christ, is able to save all who turn to Him in faith and fully obey His Gospel.
- Salvation is a process of growth in knowledge and grace. Conversion is the voluntary turning of mind and heart, through faith, repentance, confession and baptism, to the way of Jesus Christ, and in no way depends upon visions, voices, or special experiences.
- No official creed or theology except the confession: "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God." (Matt 16:16)