JOHN STREET CHURCH
STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Assembly in Shrewsbury is unashamedly ‘evangelical’ in its beliefs. We believe in:
One God, creator and sustainer of the universe, holy, just and loving, who eternally exists in a unity of three equally divine persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God and there is one God.
The inspiration and inerrancy of the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, without error in the original writings. The Bible is the complete revelation of God’s will for man, of the one way of salvation and the sole authority to guide individuals and congregations.
The dignity of all people, made male and female in God’s image, yet corrupted by sin which incurs God’s judgment.
The incarnation of God’s eternal Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is fully God and fully man in one person.
The atoning death of the Lord Jesus. He died on the cross as the only effective sacrifice for sin. All those who willingly turn away from their sins (repentance) and trust Him as their Lord and Saviour, receive God’s forgiveness, become members of God’s family and will be eternally saved. Salvation is a free gift from God and can never be lost.
The victorious resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the dead. He is now exalted in heaven at the right hand of God the Father, representing and sustaining His people.
Justification by faith alone.
The return of the Lord Jesus to the air for every true believer followed some time later by His personal, visible and glorious premillennial return to establish the kingdom of God on earth.
The redeemed will be eternally saved and the lost eternally condemned.
The Holy Spirit convicts men and women of sin and the need to be saved. He unites every believer with the Lord Jesus and indwells, teaches, guides and equips all believers for Christ-like living and service.
The Church, the body of Christ, and in the priesthood of all believers, who are given life by the Holy Spirit and endowed with the Spirit's gifts to worship God and proclaim the good news of the gospel.
We recognise that in some aspects there is a diversity of belief and practice within evangelical churches. We believe:
That God has created men and women differently and that this is reflected in the roles men and women are called to fulfil both in the family and in the church. Many opportunities exist to serve within the church and we positively encourage everyone to serve as they are able and gifted.
In a plurality of male leaders. These men, called “elders”, give of their abilities and time to shepherd, lead and care for all those in the church. A wide range of ministries exist for women within the congregation but we do not believe that women should be elders or teachers / preachers to mixed congregations.
The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to believers in the Lord Jesus for the mutual benefit of the congregation. Each member should therefore be committed to personal holiness and serving in the power that the Holy Spirit gives. The assembly is non-charismatic in respect of the modern manifestations relating to words of knowledge, prophecy and tongues etc.
In obedience to the command of the Lord Jesus Christ believers should be immersed in water as a public witness and confession of inner personal faith in Him. Immersion is not necessary for salvation (i.e. to make a person a Christian) but is an essential step in a believer’s growth and development, symbolising commitment to, and union with, the risen Christ.
A weekly remembrance of the Lord Jesus in the breaking of bread or the Lord’s Supper (sometimes called “communion”). This takes place on the first day of the week, the day of the resurrection, and is an opportunity to keep the memory of Jesus Christ alive in our hearts and minds and encourages and challenges our faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus. This service provides opportunity for personal reflection, praise and worship and public expression of worship by men present.
Christians who do not fully subscribe to the above beliefs and practices are most welcome to join with us and enjoy the life of faith and fellowship as expressed in our congregation. However, anyone wanting to become a member would be required to respect, both publicly and privately, the congregation’s position and commitment to these beliefs and practices.