WHAT WE BELIEVE

Appreciating our classical Christian heritage and hungering for an even more vital experience of new life in Christ, Heartland Covenant affirms a number of evangelical emphases. Among these are:

1. The centrality of the Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments, as the authoritative Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct. We believe it is essential to the life of the Church that it be a company of people who want, above all else, that their lives be shaped by the powerful and living Word of God. The alternative is clear. Not to be shaped by the Word of God is to be shaped by the world.

2. The necessity of the new birth for entrance into God's kingdom, and the importance of continuing growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ for sound spiritual health. Jesus said, "Unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God". (John 3:3) He also said, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free". (John 8:31-32)

3.We affirm a commitment to the whole mission of the Church. The early Covenanters were known as "Mission Friends" people of shared faith who came together to carry out God's mission both far and near. Mission for them and for us includes evangelism, Christian formation, and ministries of compassion, mercy, and justice. We follow Christ's two central calls. The Great Commission sends us out into all the world to make disciples. The Great Commandment calls us to love the Lord our God and our neighbors as ourselves.

4. The Church as a fellowship of believers, characterized by mutual participation in and sharing of the new life in Christ. Membership is by confession of personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It is open to all believers. Considerations of class or race, education or pedigree, wealth or prestige do not enter. Uniformity in creedal details is not expected. What is required is that one be "born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead". (1 Peter 1:3) "The doors of the church are wide enough to admit all who believe and narrow enough to exclude those who do not," said our forebears. We affirm no less today.

5. The ministry of the Holy Spirit, who with the Father and the Son calls the church into being, empowers its witness, guides its mission, and supplies the gifts needed by the Church and its members to exalt Christ.

6. The reality of freedom in Christ, who delivers us from the power of sin and moves us by his grace into a whole new experience of obedience and life. This freedom creates an ecclesiastical climate which allows for differences of opinion in matters of interpretation, doctrine, and practice within the context of biblical guidelines and historical Christianity. Such freedom "is to be distinguished from the individualism that disregards the centrality of the Word of God and the mutual responsibilities and disciplines of the spiritual community". (Preamble to the Constitution)

The values we hold as essential in the expression of our ministry and faith are as follows:

Jesus: We value Jesus! Jesus is the answer to all of life and in Him there is direction, purpose, value, and life. We desire that all our expressions of ministry be directed towards Jesus. (John 14:6/Luke 19:10/John 10:10)

The Bible: We believe the Bible is the living, active, inspired word of God and is valuable for teaching, instructing, correcting, and training in righteousness. All our expressions of ministry will honor and submit to God’s word. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12)

People: We believe all people are of eternal value… people matter to God and they matter to us! We will see to it  that all our expressions of ministry honor people. (John 3:16/Galations 3:28)

Effective Communication: We are committed to presenting and communicating God’s truth in relevant, applicable, and memorable means. We want all our expressions of ministry be clear, pertinent, and effective. (1 Corinthians 2:12-13/Acts 17:16ff)

Sincerity: We seek to model and live out a whole-hearted faithfulness to Jesus that permeates our words, deeds, actions, and decisions. We strive for honest and real expressions of ministry. (Mark 12:30/Matthew 6:33)

Worship: We believe worship is our highest expression of love and devotion to God. We seek to develop, enhance, and encourage meaningful life expressions of devotion to God.(John 4:24)

Prayer: We are convinced that God honors, desires, and hears the prayers of his children. We believe that His church proceeds forward in faith and ministry through prayer and supplication. We will be a praying church.  (Eph 6:18/James 5:6/ 2 Chronicles 7:14) read more...

CONTACT US: info@heartlandcovenant.com | 417-865-5556