Our Faith Values
These faith values represent Southeast Missouri State Chi Alpha’s most deeply held biblical beliefs. They serve to guide our teaching, leadership development, decisions, leadership practices, and community life. All our organizational actions will reflect these theological values.
1. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The trinity, a beautiful mystery of our faith, is one God yet three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. (Luke 3:21- 22; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
Jesus Christ
We desire to know Jesus Christ, give Him the place of honor, allow His ministry to work through our lives, and make Him known to others. (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:15-23)
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit reveals God’s truth and guides us in all aspects of life and ministry. He gives us spiritual strengths to worship God and encourage one another. Every person receives the Holy Spirit when they choose to follow Jesus. In addition, God desires every follower of Jesus to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, which is a greater empowerment to share Jesus Christ with others and live more intimately with God. (John 16:13, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 12:3-11, Galatians 5:22-25)
God the Father
God is love. God’s love is the only power that can transform our broken lives and broken world. God desires each of us to accept and know His love. His love empowers us to love others. (John 3:16 – 17, 1 John 4:7-11)
2. The Gospel of Salvation
Sin separates all of us from God. God came to us in human form in Jesus Christ. He died on the cross and rose from the dead to forgive our sins and renew our relationship with God. Jesus’ death was the sacrifice that paid the price for our sins. His resurrection overcame death (separation from God) and by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive new life, which reunites us with God. (John 1:14; Romans 3:23; 5:1-2,6-11; 6:23; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:13-14)
3. The Relevance of the Gospel and the Bible
The Bible reveals God’s powerful truth and speaks to our lives today, transcending time and culture. Every person needs the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel message with repentance – a message always shared in genuine love and in the individual’s cultural context. (2 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 9:22)
4. Love
Serving others is the outward reflection of our love for God. We desire to follow Jesus’ example by loving our neighbors as ourselves. (Matthew 22:34-40, Luke 22:25-27, Philippians 2:5-8)
5. Prayer
Prayer is communicating with God. Whether by talking or listening, we engage God and learn from Him. Talking individually or together with God releases His power to transform our lives and change the physical and spiritual world around us. Listening to God allows us to hear Him encouraging us, giving us wisdom and revealing himself to us. (1 Samuel 3:7-10, Matthew 6:9-13, James 5:13-16, John 10:3-4)
6. Discipleship
Every follower of Jesus is a minister. God has given every person unique abilities. Intentional leadership development prepares every follower of Jesus for a life of service using their abilities to serve our church family and the world around us. (John 13:13-15, Titus 3:14, Romans 12:3-8, 1Corinthians 12:4- 11, Ephesians 4:11-13)
7. Commitment
Christianity is a lifestyle not a label. Christianity involves all aspects of our lives. We strive for integrity and godly character in order to exemplify Jesus Christ in all we are and all we do. (Deuteronomy 10:12, Matthew 22:37, John 13:34-35, Colossians 3:17, 1Timothy 4:12)