WESTCHURCH Statement of Faith
 

As a church we affirm the Apostle’s Creed.
 

In contemporary language we affirm that:

• the One God (present to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is the author and sustainer of everything there is.

• God has communicated with people down the ages through the Word of God, the Bible, and through God the Son, Jesus, who came and lived among us.

•  Jesus taught us about the values of God’s kingdom, about the importance of caring for and respecting the poor and needy, and about loving our enemies.

• Jesus suffered and died as a result of his teaching and his claim that he was God’s Messiah, but it was a death for us and on our behalf.

• Jesus was raised from the dead.

• Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus continues to empower the church to spread the news of the kingdom and community of God, and to model Jesus’ life in the world until Jesus returns

 

Caveat
We do not use that or any other statement of faith as a test of faith, nor to exclude people from fellowship. We openly discuss, and hold a spectrum of opinions and understanding on issues that are topical for the Christian church worldwide.
We aim to provide solid Biblical teaching and seek to encourage everyone to develop in their own particular journeys with God, without prejudice.

 

Fellowship style that Westchurch seeks to follow

1. Openness and welcome to people of all stripes. Discernment without prejudice.

2. A strong Biblical base, but a willingness to wrestle with the Scripture.

3. Openness to expressing and hearing question and doubt, while holding to faith in God.

4. The equal status of men and women including leadership and teaching.

5. That what the fellowship does together is a way of supporting that ministry.

6. An emphasis that everyone is salt and light; in work, home and elsewhere.

7. Accountability and rotation of elders, minimizing power differences.

8. Seeking of unanimity in change, taking the whole church together.

9. The decision-making body is the whole church, although the elders may propose actions.

10. Informal style that does not depend on performance or pretence of spirituality.

11. We are a DIY church - for each other and beyond. A primary emphasis on supporting people – buildings and facilities are secondary. Currently we meet in a school hall.

12. A strong emphasis on supporting mission, here and elsewhere, and willingness to partner with other churches in mission, regardless of denomination.