What we believe
At Olive Branch Fellowship, we hold fast to the identity of the historic Christian Faith and the historic Baptist tradition, and it is through this identity that our framework and language is crafted. Through this identity we are building a place where every person can find themselves and their neighbor as people created in and bearing the very Image of God. Through this identity we are seeing the Reign of God in our own lives and the Redemptive work of Christ in our community.
historic Christian Faith
In the Baptist Tradition, churches are historically “non-creedal”, meaning that we do not hold statements of faith as the authoritative or require their confession for membership. We affirm this position, and welcome anyone to join our community no matter where they are on the journey of faith. That said, we find the historical creeds, particularly the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed, as succinct summaries of the Faith.
the apostles' creedI believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the universal Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. |
historic baptist tradition
We claim historic Baptist principles, including Soul Freedom, Bible Freedom, Church Freedom, and Religious Freedom
Soul freedom
We affirm the ability of every person to commune with God without the need for an intermediary, whether Clergy or Government. We acknowledge the right of all people, in matters of religion, to choose what the conscience or soul dictates as true and good, and is responsible to no one but God for the decision that is made. Soul freedom gives an individual the ability to grow and evolve over time, answering to only the direction of the Spirit of God.
Bible freedom
We affirm the freedom and right of every Christian to interpret and apply Scripture under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We also affirm that the wisdom and counsel of the larger congregation should nurture individual believers as they seek to interpret Scripture. We recognize the Bible as a beautiful tool to point us to God, not an entity equal with God.
church freedom
We affirm the autonomy of the local church. We affirm each church is free to determine leadership, governance, membership, and bylaws. We further affirm that individual churches should work together for the greater good and to better assist their communities.
religious freedom
We believe in freedom of religion, freedom for religion, and freedom from religion. We affirm every individual's right to make choices regarding faith on their own. We are committed to defending all religious persons, regardless of like or differing faith, to freely practice of the faith of their choosing.
IN all things, love
We affirm that belief is not the glue that holds community together. There are times when these statements are hard, when doubts and questions arise. We believe that doubts and questions are not enough to disband community.
Ultimately, we proclaim that these beliefs are distilled into “The Greatest Commandment”, Loving God and Loving our Neighbor as ourselves. This is our goal, this is our ultimate belief, and it is on this commandment that we live as a community of Faith.
Ultimately, we proclaim that these beliefs are distilled into “The Greatest Commandment”, Loving God and Loving our Neighbor as ourselves. This is our goal, this is our ultimate belief, and it is on this commandment that we live as a community of Faith.