BELONGING in HIGHLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH “Any individual who confesses faith in Jesus Christ, and is committed to follow Him in life, is invited to belong to this local expression of Christ’s Body, Highland Community Church. Such a person is invited to declare annually, together with other Highlanders, their commitment to life with Christ in this church.” --- from Constitution, Values, Bylaws and Operating Guidelines, adopted in February, 2011. A Declaration of Belonging We affirm the basic truths of the Christian faith:* We believe in Jesus Christ the Lord, Who was promised to the people of Israel, Who came in the flesh to dwell among us, Who announced the coming of the rule of God, Who gathered disciples and taught them, Who died on the cross to free us from sin, Who rose from the dead to give us life and hope, Who reigns in heaven at the right hand of God, Who comes to judge and bring justice to victory.
We believe in God the Father, Who raised Jesus from the dead, Who created and sustains the universe, Who acts to deliver people in time of need, Who desires all persons everywhere to be saved, Who rules over the destinies of individuals and nations, Who continues to love humans even when they reject that love.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, Who is present in the church, Who moves individuals to faith and obedience, Who is the guarantee of our deliverance, Who leads us to find God’s will in the Word, Who assists and renews us in prayer, Who guides us in discernment, Who energizes us to act together.
We believe God has made us a united community, To invite others to follow Christ, To encourage one another to deeper commitment. To proclaim forgiveness of sins and hope, To reconcile persons to God through word and deed, To bear witness to the power of love over hate, To proclaim Jesus the Lord over all, To meet the tasks of life with purpose, To suffer joyfully for the cause of right, To the ends of the earth, To the end of the age, To the praise of God’s glory.*
We declare our commitment to life together in this local expression of Christ’s body-- Highland Community Church:
I declare that Highland Community Church is the body of believers with whom I will live my faith most closely at this time in my life.
I will express my oneness with Christ and with God’s people worldwide, by learning to love these fellow-Christians.
I will allow these people to care for my spiritual growth, as I care for theirs.
I will seek to discover and work out how I can be an agent of God’s work in the world, among Highlanders and with their help.
I declare this, trusting that God’s Spirit is at work in me, giving me the gift of faith and the ability to act in faith.