BENTON MENNONITE CHURCH
Brief statements of
Purpose, Faith, and Covenant

Purpose Statement

God calls us into a community of faith
   forms us into disciples
   sends us into the world

We are called to worship, responding to God’s love and faithfulness with prayer and praise.

We are called to discover and use the gifts the Spirit has graciously given us, offering them for the work of the church and the care of creation.

We are called to nurture our faith through Bible study and dialogue, building up the congregation into maturity in Christ.

We are called to community life, fostering the unity of the Spirit as we build trust and a sense of belonging through fellowship and mutual care.

We are called to service in the name of Christ, seeking to practice justice and mercy with each other and with neighbors near and far.

We are called to witness to God's love with our attitudes, actions, and words, reaching out to friends, strangers, and even enemies with God's good news.

Statement of Faith

 AS A COMMUNITY OF FAITH....

 ...together we believe in God as   revealed in the Scriptures and in the person and work of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

 ...together we believe in salvation by grace made available by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 ...together we believe in one baptism upon turning from sin and for initiation into the church of Christ .

 ...together we believe in the indwelling presence of God's Holy Spirit who empowers the church with spiritual gifts.

 ...together we believe we are called to follow Christ in the way of peace with others and therefore we seek peace, fairness and love for all people.

 ...together we believe in the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge both the living and the dead, and receive His followers into the age to come.

Covenant

We commit ourselves as members of the Benton Mennonite Church to participate in the community of faith that Jesus established.  We will gather regularly for worship.  By the strength and abilities that come from God's Spirit we will nurture and care for each other in Bible study, in making decisions, in fellowship and in praying for each other.

We commit ourselves to be accountable to and for each other in this congregation.  We seek to bring healing, fairness, truthfulness and love to all our relationships.  When misunderstandings or disagreements occur, we will speak to each other, not about each other.

We commit ourselves to promote the local and worldwide community of faith by our participation, our prayers and our finances.  We will be especially responsible to share the good news of God's love in the local community and with others with whom we relate.