Student Statement of Faith

statement of faith

Foundational Beliefs:

Holy Scripture
   We believe that all Scripture (the 66 book canon of the Holy Bible) is given by the inspiration of God. Therefore, all scripture is true and trustworthy, and is a testimony to Christ. As such it stands as the final authority of policy and practice of CEM and its members. (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:17-18; John 10:35)

Nature of God
We believe that God eternally exists in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who are one God deserving precisely the same homage, confidence and obedience. God, the self-existent, everlasting, holy, righteous, loving, Author and Creator of life, is actively involved in the world redeeming, transforming, regenerating and reconciling mankind to Himself. Accordingly, the Purpose of CEM (as expressed in article 2.1 of the By-Laws) is designed to participate in that process of reconciliation. (Exodus 15:18; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; 10:30; Acts 2:47; 17:24ff; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 5:16-21; 1 Peter 1:5)

The Created Nature of Man
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God. Sin, entering the world by Adam’s disobedience, is a spiritual pathogen that has infected all humanity and alienated humankind from God. Hence, the need for reconciliation and salvation becomes apparent. This salvation comes as God’s gift of grace, apart from any good works or human merit, and can be received by faith alone, through Christ alone. For salvation to be in effect for anyone it must be appropriated by that person through faith and obedience. (Genesis 1:26-31; 9:6; Mark 16:16; John 1:12; 3:14-17, 36; 11:25-26; Acts 4:12; 13:38, 39; Romans 3:23; 5:1, 12; Ephesians 2:8,9; 1 John 2:2)

The Church
We believe the church is composed of all races, colors, and nations of those who profess Jesus as God the Son. It is the body and bride of Christ, formed by the Holy Spirit, existing in two aspects, universal and local. In both aspects, the Church exists to glorify God through worship and discipleship as elements of the ministry of reconciliation. (Acts 2:42; I Corinthians 12:12-27; II Corinthians 5:16-21; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25-30; Hebrews 10:24-25; I Peter 2:9; Revelation 7:9, 10)

All participating pastors, ministers, board members, employees, residential volunteers, and interns shall affirm their agreement with the Foundational Beliefs. All participants and volunteers shall demonstrate respect for these while participating in the ministry.

Based on these Foundational Beliefs, certain principles apply to ministry participants of Christian Encounter and their behavior in order to maximize opportunities for individuals and families to encounter Jesus Christ. These principles are rooted in Scripture in accordance with the Board’s interpretation of Scripture.

Ministry Principles:
1.   We support the separation of church and state provided that (i) the state protects the full freedom of the church in pursuit of spiritual matters, and no one ecclesiastical group, religion, or denomination is favored by the state above the others, and (ii) the state does not restrict religious expression, particularly the use of the name of Jesus, in public places.
2.   Christians are called by Jesus to give to God and the government all that is due. To God this means, in its fullest and most complete sense, to worship Him, keeping the will of Christ as foremost in our own lives. To government it means to be in subjection to leaders and authorities and to obey the government in all things not contrary to Scripture. (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Micah 6:8; Matthew 22:36-40; Luke 20:25; Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1-10; Ephesians 6:5-9; Philemon; I Peter 2:13-17)
3. The determination of the gender of a male or a female as it relates to Christian Encounter's programming and activities shall be that as established by God at the time He creates each individual in His own image at conception. The original, unaltered birth certificate of that individual shall be conclusive evidence of each person's gender. If requested, a valid certified birth certificate shall be provided to and evaluated by the Executive Director.
4. Marriage has been established by God. This church accepts the Holy Bible's definition of marriage as the exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman for a lifetime commitment.
5.   A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by this Church only to the extent that it is consistent with the definition of marriage found herein and as set forth in the Holy Scriptures. (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-6; Hebrews 13:4)
6.   The Holy Bible states that appropriate sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage between one man and one woman. Hence, any sexual activity outside of marriage, including but not limited to adultery, premarital sex, pornography, homosexual behavior, and pedophilia, is inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible. (I Corinthians 6:9-11, 18; Romans 1:18-32; Galatians 5:19-21; Colossians 3:5; I Thessalonians 4:3; Jude 7)

All participating pastors, ministers, board members, employees, interns, and residential volunteers shall conduct themselves in word and deed in a manner that is consistent with the six aforementioned principles while participating in the ministry.

We believe Scripture teaches that God offers redemption to all who confess and turn away from their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. This biblical principle applies to sexual sin as it does to any other sin from which a person truly repents as defined by Scripture.

We believe Scripture teaches that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of the church.

Updated January 14, 2023, by the CEM Board of Directors. To be reviewed every year. Next review January 2024.

I have read and understand the CER Statement of Faith, and both I and my minor child agree that during his/her stay, he/she will abide by CER policies and demonstrate respect for the Foundational Beliefs set forth in the CER Statement of Faith.

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