(Common Ground Ministry Statement of Faith)

The only way for a person to truly find God is for them to come finally, to the end of themselves and realize that they alone are insufficient and that the things of this world avail them not.  For some this realization come in a flash, often in one’s darkest hour, but for most it dawns slowly... Regardless of the circumstances under which you find God, once you meet Him you are forced to come to terms with how you relate to Him. Part of this process involves defining your belief system. Although it is generally accepted that the “core beliefs” of all Christians are basically the same, there are some wide variances in doctrine between denominations, between churches within a denomination, and even between individuals within a given church. It is therefore important that a ministry clearly articulate it’s specific beliefs so that the congregation may be fully aware of the doctrine that they will be presented with. To this end we, the Pastors of Common Ground Ministry render the following, our statement of faith.

We believe that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired Word of the Living God, infallible, unchangeable, immutable, and beyond contestation.

We believe that no man or woman is holy or righteous of themselves. All have sinned and must face the judgement of a perfect God, but there is a saving Grace by Faith in God’s own Son, Jesus Christ who is our Advocate, our Intercessor, and our Redeemer. (John 3:16-17)

We believe in the immaculate conception and virgin birth, the sinless life and divinely appointed ministry, the willing self-sacrifice by preordained crucifixion, and glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ as God’s perfect plan for redemption of fallen man.

We believe that Salvation is a Free Gift, purchased at great cost, that must be both desired and accepted to be of any benefit to the individual.

We believe that God sends The Holy Spirit as an intermediary through whom we commune with Him. The Holy Spirit bestows many blessings known as the “gifts of the Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:4-11), to edify and strengthen the Church and to serve as signs and wonders to the unbeliever. The Holy Spirit is the agency of miracles within the Church.

We believe that God the Father (Creator of all things and King of the universe), God the Son (Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer), and God the Holy Spirit (the agent of divine communion and miracles) are triune. All are aspects of God which are coexistent and equally divine.

We believe in “The Unified Body”, (1 Cor. 12:12-27): Christ created ONE Church which is the Body of Christ, and all Christians are part of that Body. We believe that it is the desire of God’s heart to see His children unified. The divisions created and perpetuated by the many denominations grieves the heart of God and make it more difficult for the unbelievers to be reached as they see the strife and mutual disdain among Christians.

We also believe in “Natural Purpose”: that God created each of us for a specific purpose and that He has perfectly equipped us for that purpose. Each of us will find our greatest happiness, fulfillment, and prosperity and will make our greatest contribution to humanity when we are centered on God’s Will for our lives.

This is the doctrine that we live and teach. This we hold true. We claim neither authority, nor credibility, nor righteousness on our own account, but rather proclaim that all these things are His and His alone. We recognize the Word of God as the first and final Truth and hold no doctrine that is not contained there in.