whO we aRE
Our congregation has been continuously worshipping and serving in Shippensburg, PA since 1828. We are a part of the Churches of God, General Conference (CGGC), a global denomination of evangelical churches that originated under the leadership of John Winebrenner during the revivalist movement of the 1800s.
What We Believe
ONE SPIRIT, ONE BODY, MANY PARTS
In essential beliefs – we have unity
“There is one Body and one Spirit… there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of us all…” Ephesians 4:4-6
In non-essential beliefs – we have liberty
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters… Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls... So then each of us will give an account of himself to God… So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22
In all our beliefs – we show charity
“…if… I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I also have that absolute faith that can move mountains – but have no love, I amount to nothing at all…” 1 Corinthians 13:2 (Phillips)
THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE
• We believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
• We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – one in essence and community.
• We believe in God the Father, the almighty Creator of heaven and earth.
• We believe that Jesus Christ our Lord is the Word made flesh – fully God and fully man. We believe He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose again on the third day, and ascended into heaven.
• We believe in the divinity of the Holy Spirit, who indwells the believer. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, enables the believer to live a holy life, comforts, teaches, and bestows spiritual gifts.
• We believe humanity is created in the image of God, has fallen into sin, and can be born again by the Spirit, justified freely by grace, and saved through the atoning work of Jesus Christ alone.
• We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, the people of God, whose mission is to make disciples of all nations and to be salt and light in the world.
• We believe baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and feet-washing to be ordinances of the Church.
• We believe in the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, everlasting life, and a new heaven and new earth.
Our mISSION
Loving God...
Through deepening personal and communal devotion to God through prayer, scripture reading, and lives lived as obedient disciples.
Through passionate, authentic worship as each person finds the freedom to express their love for God with heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Through Sprit-led efforts where each person, ministry, team, and committee focuses its time and resources in step with God as they fulfil the calling to know God and make Him known.
Loving His Family...
Through helping diverse people from every generation and phase of life (children, youth, young adults, singles, couples, families, retirees, etc.) face the opportunities and challenges of spiritual growth, healing, and Spirit-led self-discovery throughout all seasons of life, engaging all in the fellowship and work of the church as their primary means for spiritual growth.
Through studying God’s Word in fellowship with others as a means of personal and communal transformation, as disciples who follow Jesus together.
Through formal and informal discipleship and leadership development so that the life and mission of the church can continue without hindrance, and so that each individual can realize who God has created them to be.
Through sharing our resources (time, finances, facilities, etc.) for the betterment of our local community in the name of Jesus.
Through partnership with other like-minded ministries and organizations to bring beauty, health, and wholeness into the world, advancing the Kingdom of Heaven in Shippensburg and around the World.
Through equipping, supporting, and sending individuals out to serve in various roles locally and globally through service, outreach, missions, etc.
Core Values
1. We VALUE obedience to Jesus Christ in all situations.
2. We VALUE each individual as one who matters to God.
3. We VALUE dependence on and confidence in God’s ability to do more than we can ask or imagine; therefore, we are willing to take risks and expect that God will surprise us.
4. We VALUE Christ honoring, culturally relevant worship.
5. We VALUE evangelistic outreach ministry to those who do not yet belong to Christ and the church.
6. We VALUE each believer growing in Christ likeness and serving in ministry based on their spiritual gifts.
7. We VALUE vital reproducing congregations.
8. We VALUE trained, committed, and competent leaders (pastors and lay persons).
9. We VALUE Christian unity within a diverse body of faith.
10. We VALUE accountability among believers and congregations.
