Ridgell's Originals

I have been thinking quite a bit over the past few months about what is absolutely, without compromise, my core conviction. Our elders at Southern Hills have had vigerous thought and discussion about what our congregational core beliefs should be. I will share in later posts what we came up with -- and it fits with my personal conviction. But first I want to share the thought process. First of all, I wanted it to line up with Scripture. I want my core conviction to line up with what God says. Second, I wanted it to reflect Jesus. After all, I worship -- and serve as elder -- at a church of Christ and I believe that to be descriptive not a title. In practical terms, I wanted it to be easy to remember and to share. I am convinced that if we can not easily explain our beliefs to each other and to outsiders, then we are probably not going to be able to live in harmony with what we say is core. In other words, I wanted an answer to the question "so what does Southern Hills (or the church of Christ, or your church, or you) believe anyway?" I wanted it to something that translates into life. I am convicted that our beliefs must be something that can be lived out in this world. Something more than just intellectual assent, but that demanded life buy-in. Finally, I wanted to be sure it was only the things I could not -- would not -- compromise on. I wanted it to be the belief that any church I went to must have. I wanted it to be only what is essential for God's people. So there are lots of things I believe that are not part of my core beliefs. I believe them to be true and right, but not core. I did come up with three things that are my core beliefs. Our elders did too. Southern Hills members will be hearing more about this over the next few months. And obviously my core convictions and the ones of Southern Hills align. They may not work for everyone. Some may think core things are left out. Others may think things included are not core. But it is simple to understand, easy to share, and it is doable as kingdom people in this world. I will be sharing them over the next few posts. So in the meantime... what process do you value to determine your core beliefs? What did I miss that should have been factored in?