Shropshire Hills Mennonite Church Confession of Faith

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1. In one triune God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29; Matthew 3:16-17; 1 John 5:7). In the Father, head over all (Daniel 7:9-13; 1 Corinthians 11:3). That Jesus is the Son of God, and that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:18- 23). He is our example (Matthew 16:24). In the personhood and deity of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 5:3- 4). 

2. In the plenary and verbal inspiration of the Bible as the Word of God (Psalm 119:89, 160; 1 Peter 1:23). It is the final authority in our lives and the foundation of administration in the church (2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 13:7). 

3. That God created all things (Genesis 1; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). 

4. That man was created pure (Genesis 1:27). 

5. That man by transgression fell (Genesis 3:6, 16, 17, 23; Romans 3:23). 

6. That sin, sorrow and death (natural and spiritual) are results of the fall (Romans 5:12). All men have sinned (Romans 3:23) and our own good works cannot save us (Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:9). 

7. That the precious blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18-19), makes possible the salvation of every person (John 3:16; Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:12-14; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 3:20). 

8. That children, before being held accountable by God, are safe (Mark 10:14; Romans 7:9). 

9. That in order to be saved, every person who has been convicted by the Holy Spirit must believe, repent, be born again through God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8; Titus 3:5), be filled with the Spirit and walk in new life (John 3:3, 5; Romans 6:1-6; 8:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20). 

10. That the Bible teaches separation from the world by separaƟon unto God (1 John 2:15; 2 Corinthians 6:17- 7:1; Romans 12:2). Believers will therefore be careful to maintain a separated walk of life (Titus 2:11-12). Non-resistance [acts of love to those around us] is also essential to the new life in Christ (Romans 12:21). 

 11. That those who are born again and obedient to God are the chosen of God (1 Peter 2:9) and constitute the true church of which Christ is the Head (Ephesians 4:14- 16; Colossians 1:18). We recognize a visible church, a numbered body of believers in submission to each other and intent on mutual edification, for keeping the ordinances and for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. The local church has authority to exercise discipline for Christ and maintain standards of faith and practice as required by the Scriptures (Matthew 16:18- 19). 

12. That God provides the church with necessary officials and leaders: such as bishops, ministers, evangelists, deacons, etc. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Timothy 3:1-13). 

13. That Christian baptism is commanded, and that pouring is a Scriptural mode (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:16-18, 38-41; 10:44-48; 1 Peter 3:21). Baptism is administered upon confession of faith, repentance from sin, evidence of spiritual life and agreement with the doctrine and practice of the congregation. 

14. That the bread and cup in communion symbolically correspond to the body and blood of Christ and show a common union of members (1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-29). Therefore, it is administered only to members who are in good standing with the church. It is preceded by a council meeting where members express peace with God and their fellowman, their love and loyalty to the church and whole-hearted support of her standards. 

15. That feet-washing is an ordinance and should be observed literally (John 13:1-17). 

16. That Christian women should wear the veiling to signify the Scriptural order of headship (1 Corinthians 11:2-16). 

17. That the kiss of charity should be practiced among believers (Romans 16:16; 1 Peter 5:14). 

18. That the ordinance of anoinƟng with oil is for the restoration of the believers’ bodies and minds (James 5:14-15). 

 19. That for a believer to marry an unbeliever is unscriptural (1 Corinthians 7:39; Nehemiah 13:23-27), and that marriage to divorced persons whose former companions are still living is adultery (Mark 10:2-12; Romans 7:2-3). 

20. That baptism, communion, feet-washing, the kiss of charity and anointing with oil should be confined to those who are sound in doctrine and practice and are enjoying membership privileges; or in the case of baptism, prepared to take up membership. 

21. That we have an enemy whose purpose is to oppose God and destroy souls in eternal perdition (1 Peter 5:8). 

22. That the church must be kept pure; therefore, obstinate sinners within the church must be expelled (Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:13; Titus 3:10). 

23. That we are empowered for service with a personal testimony of life (Acts 1:8), and the church is   commanded to evangelize to the world (Matthew 28:19-20). 

24. In the personal and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ as the blessed hope of the believers (Acts 1:11; John 14:2-3; Matthew 24:44; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). 

25. That there will be bodily resurrection both of the just and of the unjust (John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). 

26. That the final judgment will be followed by eternal rewards or punishments (Matthew 25:46; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12-15). 

We also acknowledge the Schleitheim Brotherly Agreement of February 24, 1527; the Eighteen Articles of Faith adopted in Dordrecht, Holland by the Mennonite Church in 1632; and the Christian Fundamentals adopted at Hartville, Ohio in 1964