I have come to realise the need for a statement of faith and I will be starting work on one sometime soon.I would like some feedback and some input as to what people look for when they check out other statements of faith.
a) What are the reasons for doing so?
b) What is often lacking?
Each point in a statement has to be clearly and fairly briefly stated with Bible references and confessions if desired.
I think a clear cut statement would have all the aspects of the Gospel. Should the main aspect be to declare what you believe so that every person would understand or could it be more aimed at Christians?
Is it ok to be evangelistic in the layout etc. Is it ok to reference creeds or confession?
A tricky task! What to include and what to exclude, you should check out a couple to see what you like or dislike: Eg AFES or Vision 100
ReplyDeleteI look for something that shows continuity with all God's people from the beginning. Anything that hints at innovation is a red flag.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking that in a statement of faith that is of a more personal nature, something that expresses the ultimate desire of the heart would be appropriate. Perhaps it should say something about anticipation of the Beatific Vision as that which influences all aspects of the believer's life.
Should the main aspect be to declare what you believe so that every person would understand or could it be more aimed at Christians?
Well, the Heidelberg Catechism does both, doesn't it. It is at once a description of the life of the believer, and an explanation of how God saves people.
I don't know if this is what you were looking for Patience, but it is just what popped into my head when I read your post.