THEOLOGICAL STATEMENT/PURPOSE FOR OUR POLICY
We are a worshipping community that invites people to Christ, that is growing as disciples, and serving others for God’s glory (Mark 9:35-37). We aim to grow in our inner relationships as we also reach out in friendship to the larger community that surrounds the church.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we understand our identity not merely as individual disciples, but as the body of Christ working together. In obedience to the great commission and following the example of the early church in the book of Acts, we help and support one another in faith while inviting others to join us in proclaiming and embodying God’s kingdom here on earth. We strive to learn from one another and mature together in our faith.
As the body of Christ, our identity is rooted in Jesus Christ as our foundation (1 Cor 3:11), and we serve God and one another as a priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9).
We understand Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection as that which reconciles us to God, and Jesus’ life and work are essential to who we are as a community of faith. We recognize that God calls us to a life of active discipleship which glorifies God and encourages others in their commitment to being disciples of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus’ proclamation that he does not call us servants, but friends (John 15:15), we believe that Jesus has empowered each of us to serve God boldly as a priesthood of all believers.
We covenant ourselves to mutual accountability in relationship with each other and with Jesus Christ. We are committed to living in peace (Gospel of Peace, Eph 6:15; 1 Cor 12:27)
As an Anabaptist community of faith we aim to develop healthy relationships holding each other accountable to the Covenant we sign every year. As followers of Jesus our discipleship needs to bear fruits of repentance, holding each other in mutual accountability. We strive to live up to the Gospel of peace in the way we treat each other and value the dignity of life from the smallest among us to the oldest. We want to live in peace & harmony not only among members and church attendees but strive to be good neighbors solving our conflicts internally and externally in peaceful ways.
To protect our child/youth workers from being suspected or falsely accused of wrongful behavior toward a child.
We desire to act with love and integrity in all our relationships and avoid the exploitation of vulnerable people or the misuse of positions or power within the church family.
We strive to embody God’s love, being a community of God’s Healing and Hope (MCUSA Vision – Matt 28:18; 2 Cor5:18)
In alignment with MCUSA’s Vision Statement, Laurel Street Mennonite Church in the congregational level and in our surrounding neighborhood, seeks for creative ways to reach out and share the story of Jesus and his love to all.
We are a worshipping community that invites people to Christ, that is growing as disciples, and serving others for God’s glory (Mark 9:35-37). We aim to grow in our inner relationships as we also reach out in friendship to the larger community that surrounds the church.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we understand our identity not merely as individual disciples, but as the body of Christ working together. In obedience to the great commission and following the example of the early church in the book of Acts, we help and support one another in faith while inviting others to join us in proclaiming and embodying God’s kingdom here on earth. We strive to learn from one another and mature together in our faith.
As the body of Christ, our identity is rooted in Jesus Christ as our foundation (1 Cor 3:11), and we serve God and one another as a priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9).
We understand Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection as that which reconciles us to God, and Jesus’ life and work are essential to who we are as a community of faith. We recognize that God calls us to a life of active discipleship which glorifies God and encourages others in their commitment to being disciples of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus’ proclamation that he does not call us servants, but friends (John 15:15), we believe that Jesus has empowered each of us to serve God boldly as a priesthood of all believers.
We covenant ourselves to mutual accountability in relationship with each other and with Jesus Christ. We are committed to living in peace (Gospel of Peace, Eph 6:15; 1 Cor 12:27)
As an Anabaptist community of faith we aim to develop healthy relationships holding each other accountable to the Covenant we sign every year. As followers of Jesus our discipleship needs to bear fruits of repentance, holding each other in mutual accountability. We strive to live up to the Gospel of peace in the way we treat each other and value the dignity of life from the smallest among us to the oldest. We want to live in peace & harmony not only among members and church attendees but strive to be good neighbors solving our conflicts internally and externally in peaceful ways.
To protect our child/youth workers from being suspected or falsely accused of wrongful behavior toward a child.
We desire to act with love and integrity in all our relationships and avoid the exploitation of vulnerable people or the misuse of positions or power within the church family.
We strive to embody God’s love, being a community of God’s Healing and Hope (MCUSA Vision – Matt 28:18; 2 Cor5:18)
In alignment with MCUSA’s Vision Statement, Laurel Street Mennonite Church in the congregational level and in our surrounding neighborhood, seeks for creative ways to reach out and share the story of Jesus and his love to all.