What are some of the core beliefs that define Contemporary Anabaptists ?

Anabaptist faith:

• As Anabaptists, our faith is rooted in key principles such as believer’s baptism, the authority of the scriptures, in particular following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. We emphasize the importance of personal commitment to faith and discipleship in Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Interpretation of the Bible:

•  In our community, we approach the Bible with a commitment to its authority in matters of faith and practice. We value a communal interpretation methodology, encouraging dialogue and prayerful reflection to discern its teachings in our contemporary context.

Key Theological Principles:

• Our theological foundation rests on principles such as the priesthood of all believers, non-violence, and the separation of church and state. We emphasize the transformative power of Christ’s love and grace in our lives.

A key distinctive of the Anabaptist Church is its emphasis on living according to biblical principles rather than adhering to formal creeds. This approach stems from a desire to closely follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Principles are fundamental truths or propositions that guide behaviour and belief. They are flexible and can be applied in various contexts. Creeds, on the other hand, are formal statements of faith that outline specific doctrinal beliefs. While creeds aim to provide a clear summary of the Christian faith, they can sometimes become rigid and prescriptive, locking out true seekers who simply are at the beginning of their journey, not the end. May we recommend this article for a better understanding –  https://contemporaryanabaptist.org/introduction-understanding-anabaptist-distinctives-principles-over-creeds/

But to help you to understand the position of the church’s leadership team we believe:

• The Divine inspiration and supreme authority of the Scriptures.
• The Existence of One God in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
• The Deity and Incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God, the Second Person in the Holy Trinity.
• The fallen, sinful state of every individual and need for salvation.
• The salvation of mankind from through the Lord Jesus Christ, His atoning death, His resurrection and His ascension to the right hand of the Father.
• The work of the Holy Spirit in the regeneration of the individual in their sanctification and life as Christian.
• The necessity of the repentance towards God and of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
• The resurrection of the dead and the final judgement of all humanity by the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Two of the Divine ordinances we observe (though not restricted to only the two) including Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
  Baptism being the immersion of believers upon the profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord’s Supper being a symbolic reminder, of the sacrifice of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Fostering Community:

• Community is at the heart of our church life. We foster a sense of belonging through regular gatherings, shared meals, and mutual support. Our commitment to each other goes beyond Sunday services, with members actively engaging in each other’s lives.

Role of Fellowship:

• Fellowship is integral to our spiritual journey. Beyond formal gatherings, we prioritize informal interactions, small group discussions, and support networks. It is through these connections that we share joys, challenges, and grow together in faith.

Central Practices or Rituals:

• We have specific practices that deepen our community bonds, Baptism, Communion and foot washing ceremonies for leadership, communal decision-making, and a shared commitment to simplicity. These rituals serve as reminders of our unity and our call to serve one another.

Interpretation and Practice of Peace:

• Our interpretation of Anabaptist commitment to peace is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing love for enemies and resolving conflicts non-violently. We actively seek ways to promote peace in our personal lives, the community, and beyond.

Engagement with Social Justice:

• Social justice is a crucial aspect of our faith. We engage with issues such as poverty, inequality, and systemic injustice. This includes advocacy, community outreach programs, and partnerships with organizations that align with our commitment to justice.

Handling Conflicts Within the Community

• When conflicts arise, we approach them with a commitment to reconciliation and restoration. Our process involves open dialogue, mediation, and a focus on understanding each other’s perspectives. We believe in the transformative power of forgiveness and grace.  We are committed to supporting people through processes of reconciliation whether that be between people and God, within families, marriages or other relationships.

Understanding and Practice of Baptism:

• Baptism, for us, is a significant step of faith. We practice believer’s baptism, emphasizing a personal decision to follow Christ. It symbolizes a commitment to the Christian community and a journey of discipleship.

Discipleship in the Community:

• Discipleship is central to our community life. It involves intentional mentoring, bible study, and accountability within our groups. We encourage members to continually deepen their understanding of faith and to apply biblical principles in their daily lives.

Nurturing Spiritual Growth:

• We actively nurture spiritual growth through various means, including regular teaching, retreats, and spiritual disciplines. Our goal is to create an environment where individuals can mature in their faith and live out the teachings of Jesus.

Decision-Making and Leadership Structure:

• Our church governance is characterized by a participatory approach. Decision-making involves input from the entire fellowship, and leaders are chosen based on their commitment to servant leadership and spiritual maturity. We value consensus and seek to discern God’s will collectively.

Selection of Pastors and Leaders:

• Pastors and leaders in our community are selected through a discernment process that involves prayer, input from the congregation, and a focus on spiritual gifts and character. We believe in the priesthood of all believers, and leadership is seen as a service to the community.

Handling Disagreements:

• Disagreements are approached with a commitment to reconciliation and unity. We follow a process of open dialogue, seeking to understand different perspectives. Mediation and prayer play crucial roles in resolving conflicts, and the goal is always restoration and mutual understanding.

Engagement with the Wider Community

• As Contemporary Anabaptists, rather than isolating ourselves from the world around us, we seek to actively engage with the wider community through various outreach initiatives. This includes involvement in local service projects, partnerships with community organizations, and a commitment to being a positive presence in the neighbourhoods we serve.

Missions and Outreach Programs:

• Our church is involved in both local and global missions. Locally, we support initiatives addressing issues like homelessness and hunger. Globally, we partner with organizations to promote education, healthcare, and social justice, aligning with our commitment to embodying Christ’s love in practical ways.

Balancing Community Life and Mission:

• While our community life is foundational, we recognize the importance of balancing it with a mission-oriented outlook. We strive to integrate our faith into all aspects of life, both within the church community and in our interactions with the broader world.

Educational Opportunities:

• We provide various educational opportunities for spiritual growth, including bible studies, and courses. These aim to deepen our understanding of the bible, theology, and how to apply our faith in daily life.

Involvement of Children and Youth:

• Children and youth are integral to any community. We are part of a multi-church, multi-denominational model here at Ascot. By partnering with these two other Christian churches, and combining our resources, we endeavour to have the best youth and children’s program possible. These dedicated programs focus on age-appropriate discipleship, fostering a strong foundation for their faith journey, while creating a positive community in which to grow.

Approach to Religious Education

• Religious education is approached holistically, combining both formal and informal methods. We prioritize experiential learning, mentorship, and discussions to encourage a deep understanding of our faith. It’s not just about knowledge but about living out our beliefs.

Active member of a multi-church model.

• Northside Contemporary Anabaptist Church is part of a initiative where three churches of different denominations, though still operating independently have chosen to work together.  These three churches are:
  *Clayfield Baptist Church (Baptist) 10am
  *Church One (Pentecostal) 1pm
  *Northside Contemporary Anabaptist Church 5:30pm

  So, even though we recognise that each church is different and has different styles, we worship and follow the One God, and One Saviour Jesus Christ.  We work together in sharing not only the facilities, but also the ministry of God. For example, we support a combined Men’s ministry and Youth ministry. We are even working with the other churches as they plant new churches of their own denomination.

Relationship with Other Christian Denominations:

• We maintain respectful relationships with other Christian denominations, recognizing our shared commitment to Christ. While we may have theological differences, we focus on common ground, engage in interfaith dialogues, and collaborate on initiatives that promote unity and understanding.

Collaborative Efforts and Shared Initiatives:

• We actively seek opportunities for collaboration with other churches. This may include community outreach projects, social justice issues and efforts to address shared concerns. We believe in the broader body of Christ and value the diversity of expressions within the Christian faith.

Use of Technology in Worship and Communication:

• We understand that some types of Anabaptist churches (Amish for example) may have theological reasons for being reluctant to embrace modern technologies. However, this is not the case for all Anabaptist churches. As a Contemporary Anabaptist Church we recognize its potential for outreach and connection. For worship, we carefully consider its use and try to maintain a balance to ensure that it complements, rather than distracts from, our focus on spiritual growth and community relationships.

Adaptation to Modernization:

• We acknowledge the changing landscape of society and adapt thoughtfully to modernization. This may involve using digital tools for communication, etc. but we are intentional about preserving the core values and principles that define our faith community.

Modern Fashion and Attire

• Questions regarding our approach to fashion and attire, likely stem from a limited understanding, associating Anabaptists solely with the Amish or Mennonites. It is essential to clarify that we embrace modern day clothing without adhering to a specific fashion genre. However, we do adhere to two fundamental principles rooted in respect for God and others.

  Modesty in Dress: We consciously choose not to indulge in high-cost fashion, opting instead for humble attire that does not prominently feature any specific fashion brands. This also helps to keep our minds focused on Christ during worship and fellowship meetings.

  Reverence in Attire: Our commitment to modesty extends to avoiding revealing outfits that might distract from the worshipping of the Lord. This emphasis on respectful dressing aligns with our values and fosters an atmosphere conducive to focused worship.

  With that being said, adhering to this is the customary approach within our regular fellowship group, and it is not imposed on anyone else. Therefore, we warmly invite you to simply come and join us.

Future Direction of the Community

• We envision our community continuing to deepen its commitment to Anabaptist principles while adapting to the evolving needs of our members and society. This includes a focus on intergenerational connections, embracing an inter-cultural approach, relevant spiritual formation, and continued engagement in social justice issues.

Opportunities in a Post-Christendom Era

• In the landscape of a post-Christendom society, our community encounters both challenges and openings for growth. We view challenges not as obstacles but as chances for development, and we are dedicated to navigating them with a sense of unity and a reliance on our faith. This journey may encompass addressing cultural shifts, engaging with new generations, and responding to emerging social issues.

  One distinct advantage we perceive is rooted in our identity as an Anabaptist church. We believe that the gospel message was diluted and compromised during the era of Christendom. Now, with the world transitioning into a post-Christendom society, Anabaptists are uniquely positioned to reach not only those who are lost for Christ but also individuals who identify as “spiritual but not religious,” the de-churched, or those who may not easily fit into a traditional model, among others.