Position Statements
Baptism
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is pre-requisite to the privileges of being a member of the church. Baptism is a symbol of our spiritual union with Christ therefore must be reserved for those who are old enough to understand the gospel and respond in faith. All candidates for baptism will be examined by the elders to gauge both the candidate’s understanding of the gospel and also whether there is evidence of true faith. In the case of children who profess faith in Christ, we encourage parents to take time to disciple their children and also observe their behavior for evidence of spiritual fruit. We recommend a cautious approach in baptizing children in seeking to avoid giving false assurance in cases where there may have been an emotional response to the gospel but genuine saving faith is absent. As a church who practices believer’s baptism, New Hope rejects the practice of baptizing infants.
Communion
New Hope Christian Fellowship practices an ‘Open Table’ Lord’s Supper service, which recognizes all members of the Universal Christian Church which have reviewed their conscience and are in good standing are invited to participate in our communion service.
Membership
We believe that God calls every true Christian to a formal commitment to a local body of believers. In following the example of the New Testament, we believe it is of the utmost importance that Christians commit themselves to a local church. It is in the context of such a commitment that Christians experience the full earthly benefit of being a part of the Body of Christ. Through commitment to a local church, Christians are given a community of faith in which they can live out Christ’s commands to His church. Membership is the clearest way to signify one’s commitment to the church. At New Hope, membership is attained through confirming one’s faith in Christ alone for salvation, confirmation of participation in believer’s baptism and through public affirming the church’s doctrinal statement and membership covenant. All candidates for membership will be interviewed by the Elders to insure they understand the gospel and the responsibilities of membership and also show evidence of genuine faith and commitment to the church covenant. Each member at New Hope is expected to participate and contribute faithfully to the ministries of New Hope Christian Fellowship. It is the privilege and responsibility of all members to attend members’ meetings and vote on the election of officers, potential new members, and other important matters which may be submitted to a vote. Due to the nature of some of the requirements of membership, as a general practice, we believe candidates for membership should be eighteen years of age or older.
We also want to be sensitive for those believing children that have been baptized and whose parents are already members, people with diminished capacities, and those who for some reason cannot attend regularly (shuts-ins, missionaries we send out from the congregation, etc.) that are unable to fully participate in all the responsibilities that membership entails in the covenant. We want to honor and respect those who desire to place themselves under the care of the church but for some reason are not in this position to fully participate. We would simply withhold ‘voting rights’ to them, and have the Elders decide on a case by case bases when they these ‘voting rights’ would be restored.
Roles of Men and Women
We affirm that the scriptures reveal a pattern of complementary order and differences between men and women, created equal in the image of God and that this order is itself a testimony to the Gospel, even as it is the gift of our Creator and Redeemer. We affirm that all Christians are called to service within the body of Christ, and that God has given to both men and women important roles and responsibilities within the home, the church, and in society. We affirm that the pastoral office of the Church is assigned only to those men who are called of God in fulfillment of the biblical teachings and that men are to lead their homes as husbands and fathers who fear and love God. We deny that the distinction of roles between men and women revealed in the Bible is evidence of mere cultural conditioning or a manifestation of male oppression or prejudice against women. We also deny that this biblical distinction of responsibilities excludes women from meaningful ministry in Christ’s kingdom.
Genesis 2:18-24, 3:1-19; 1 Corinthians 11:3, 8-12; Ephesians 5:23, 6:2,4; 1 Timothy 2:11-15, 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9, 2:1-6; 1 Peter 5:1-4
Marriage
We affirm that the Christian marriage ceremony witnesses to God’s order and design for the union of a man (biological) and a woman (biological) to a lifetime commitment of love and fidelity, and was part of the created order, and vows are affirmed. The marriage is celebrated in the context of the congregation, which are called to support the couple in their life together. Christ’s covenantal, self-sacrificing love for the church and the church’s loving response is the model that husband and wife are to follow.
We deny that marriage between any coming together of two members of the same sex, two men or two females, is consistent with the claims and truths of the Gospel.
Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6, 8; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7
Homosexuality
We affirm that as a church we are called to lovingly minister to those who practice a homosexual lifestyle, calling them to repent of their sin and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We affirm that those who practice homosexuality can overcome this sin through the power of the Gospel and discipleship. We also affirm that we are called to support those seeking to have victory over their past.
As a matter of conviction based on the Bible we denounce any attempt to legitimize homosexuality as an alternative life-style through legislative or executive action.
We deny that homosexual behavior is a natural function (sexual relations) approved and acceptable to God.
Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11