WHAT DO THE DISCIPLES BELIEVE?

1. THE BIBLE

• a guide for Christian living and faith
• truly reveals God's purpose in the world: to free us from sin through Christ.

Disciples have always stressed

-- OPENNESS to Christ and the Gospel (no dogma)

-- REBIRTH of the values found in the New Testament accounts of the early church.

Each person is free to explore and interpret the Scriptures according to his or her experience.

2. GOD -- revealed in many ways,mainly through Jesus. No set beliefs about God -- all experience the deity differently.

3. CHRIST -- the Child of God, part of God's own divinity; the Child of Man and Woman, living on earth as human; our Savior, with us always.

4. PUBLIC CONFESSION of belief in Christ and repenting of sins; acceptance of Jesus into out lives.

5. UNITY of all Christians in love of Christ. Doctrines and human differences should not be allowed to divide believers from each other.

6. INCLUSIVE MINISTRY in the life and work of the church. ALL members are "ministers" -- entitled to interpret the Scriptures and perform church functions.

7. The ORDINANCES of the gospel:

BAPTISM -- an act by which believer enters into the church universal and is:

• FOR MATURE INDIVIDUALS who are old enough to make their own decisions.
• BY IMMERSION in water -- the accepted New Testament practice.
• A PUBLIC CONFESSION of faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to discipleship.
• SYMBOLIC of Christ's death, burial and resurrection, and of faith in life to come.

"We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that... we too might walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:4

THE LORD'S SUPPER (Communion) -- the heart of worship. Celebrated in

• remembrance of Christ and Christ's life on earth
• fellowship -- drawing the congregation closer together
• thanksgiving for forgiveness of sins and renewal of life
• dedication to Christ's way

The Lord's Supper is celebrated on Sundays and special occasions. It is administered by lay people. All Christians, of any denomination, are welcome to participate.

"...This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." - I Corinthians 11:24