WHO IS ALMA CHURCH OF GOD?
Alma Church of God exists in a particular tradition (The Church of God, Anderson, IN) as a part of the long history of the Christian faith from its inception in the first century. This means that many of the core beliefs and values of the congregation are shared with the broader Christian faith, and with the Church of God specifically.
However, as a unique congregation that has existed for more than 100 years, God has led Alma Church of God to hold some core assumptions about God’s relationship to the world and the church’s role in what God is doing. These core assumptions shape the identity, the calling, and the culture of Alma Church of God.
CORE ASSUMPTIONS
- God works in the world through Jesus because he loves the world.
- Encounters with Jesus bring about transformation and healing.
- All of life is packed with potential to encounter Jesus.
- The church is uniquely positioned to foster encounters with Jesus.
Based on these assumptions, and the prayerful reflection on God’s calling for the church, Alma Church of God believes it exists today for one purpose,
THE POSTURE OF ENCOUNTERING JESUS TOGETHER
How Alma Church of God lives out of our purpose in the city isn’t about completing a step-by-step guide, or creating high-functioning programs. Elements of such tools can be helpful, but the key to fostering encounters with Jesus in real life is posture.
As a church, Alma Church of God is committed to cultivating five key postures that are essential to faithfully fulfilling our purpose of fostering encounters with Jesus, as we join our lives to God’s love for the world.
- We will be open to God’s Spirit at work, and the possibility that we can encounter Jesus as we build relationships with others in our community
- We will be committed to personal transformation and maturity in Christ, so that we’re able to recognize the presence of Jesus throughout the day and know how to proclaim his good news when possible.
- We will live in community with fellow believers, and be committed to making the Kingdom of God known in the world.
- We will follow Jesus into the circumstances and relationships that force us to be uncomfortable and rely on him.
- We will be honest about where we are as believers, our own questions, hang-ups, struggles, as well as where our hope comes from as Christians.
By committing ourselves to these postures, Alma Church of God will be better able to recognize God’s presence in the world, in a relationship, and in a given moment of time. These postures will allow Alma Church of God to foster encounters with Jesus in worship gatherings, small group settings, and classrooms, as well as in our jobs, in our neighborhoods, and throughout the city as we go about our everyday lives.