Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
For Christians, the Bible is the guidebook for all that we do and the source of inspiration and truth.
Every church has a mission and vision that fuels what they do.
Within that mission is a core belief system that is (should be) grounded in scripture.
Churches Should Articulate Their Beliefs
I volunteered at the Welcome Center at my church. We had more than the occasional visitor stop and ask about our Statement of Faith or what we, as a church, believed.
My church was proactive in taking the time to stop and think about the belief system that drove its mission, and took this statement and created a handout.
This helped those of us who worked at the Welcome Center because it made it easy to answer that question.
We were also able to give the visitors something to take with them.
People want to join a church that they share common beliefs with.
Writing a statement of faith not only confirms the ministry’s belief system but it helps church leaders stay on the same page when sharing faith with members.
4 Tips for Writing and Communicating a Statement of Faith
1. Confirm Your Belief
The Bible is an amazing book that people quote, read stories from, and try to learn from.
However, people have different beliefs about the Bible.
Some believe it is God-inspired writings with literal interpretation; others think it is God inspired but interpret it symbolically rather than literally.
While others believe it is an ancient text that is a source of moral truths that should be respected.
To write your statement of faith you need to be able to determine which is at the core of your church’s belief system.
Here are some questions to ask your team to get started:
- What do we believe about the Bible?
- Are the writings of the Bible God inspired?
- Are the stories in the Bible true?
- Are there errors in the Bible text?
- What do we believe about Jesus?
- Was He the Son of God?
- Was He raised from the dead?
- What do we believe about God the Father?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play?
- Do we believe in the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
- What do we believe about baptism?
- What do we believe about heaven and hell?
Gather a group of the right people and take the time to answer each of these questions.
2. Identify Scripture to Support Your Beliefs
After your team answers the above questions, look for scripture to validate answers.
If your church has beliefs, there should be scripture to support those beliefs.
Every statement that you write should have a corresponding scripture reference to validate that belief.
For instance: We believe the Bible to be the only inspired, trustworthy, and true, without error, Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
3. Write Your Statements Beginning With We Believe
Take all of the points you believe and write a statement.
For instance, begin each statement with,” We believe…”
Add the scripture to the bottom of the statement to validate the belief.
For example: We believe there is only one God who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)
4. Communicate Your Statement of Faith
Share your statement of faith on your website and mobile app, and have a handout available at your visitor center.
Weave your statements into sermon messages to reinforce the belief and why your church believes what it does.
Be sure to include your statement of faith in your visitor packets to ensure guests to your church will gain an understanding of your church’s beliefs.
A Statement of Faith Communicates Your Belief System
A Statement of Faith is an important document to have available to employees, members, and guests.
If your church hasn’t already done so, now might be a good time to reflect on, and write down what you believe in a statement of faith.
Does your church have a written statement of faith?
Learn more tips for your church by enrolling in our Church Administrator Course. You can explore the curriculum here!
