Who we are and what we stand for

Shippensburg First Church of God Vision


Loving God...

  • through Focused Ministry where each ministry/committee focuses its efforts and resources into a few key areas through Core Ministry Teams of prepared, passionate, faithful volunteers who see their work as fulfilling their calling. 


  • through passionate, highly executed worship as each person finds the freedom to express their love for God with heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

     

Loving His Family…


  • through a completed Crossroads Station providing adequate space for expanded ministries. 


  • through engaging college students in the life and work of the church as their primary means for spiritual growth. 


  • through helping singles, couples and families deal with the difficulties of loneliness, marriage, child-rearing, and the other seasons of life. 

  • through formalized leadership training so that the life and mission of the church can continue without hindrance.

Loving Our Neighbors...
                       

  • through a completed Crossroads Station providing adequate space for outreach ministries.

  • through after-school programs for children and youth. 


  • through yearly mission trips, in North America and abroad, that share the gospel in intentional, definable ways.  


What We Believe


OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH

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


1. ABOUT GOD God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are One God. Genesis 1:1,26, 27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14


2. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13.


3. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He empowers the Christian for godly living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer spiritual gifts to be used in building the kingdom of God. 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18


4. ABOUT THE BIBLE The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5


5. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2


6. ABOUT SALVATION Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1


7. ABOUT ETERNITY People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23, 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9

Core Values

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.