What do we do when the meaning of something is disputed? “…if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3). Our world is currently in the midst of revolution, a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of…
Congregationalism
A Brief History of Congregationalism ©1998 Phillip A. Ross Renewal is often the rekindling of a former glory, and the former success of Congregationalism was indeed great. Yet, history does not travel backwards. The majority of contemporary Congregational church members…
What Is A Church
The church is not a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The IRS does not define a church, God does. The church is the people of God. The church exists in and through Jesus Christ, and so is a distinctive New Testament reality.…
What Is A Christian?
What makes a person Christian? It sounds like a simple question, but it has been complicated by sin and history. Jesus’ first sermon set the standard — “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Clearly, Christians…
What Is A Christian – Part 2
Part 2 If you have not read Part 1, please do so first. It sounds like a simple question, but it has been complicated by sin and history. The first and most inclusive definition of a Christian is a person…
Statement of Faith
This statement of faith is an effort to summarize and capsulize our understanding of the essential principles that Scripture teaches. So, it is more a function of the biblical narrative than of prooftexting. All such statements at some level will…