What We Believe
Rooted in the Gospel. Grounded in Tradition. Alive in Christ.
At St. Paul United Church of Christ, our faith is shaped by the historic witness of
the German Evangelical and Reformed tradition and centered on the good news
of Jesus Christ. We stand within the broader Christian Church, affirming the
ancient creeds, the Reformation confessions, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.
Our beliefs are not merely statements to affirm, but a living faith that calls us
into a relationship with God and into loving service in the world.
The Triune God
We believe in one God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
God is the Creator of all things, revealed fully in Jesus Christ, and present with us
through the Holy Spirit.
The Word of God
We believe that God has made Himself known through Holy Scripture.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness.” - 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
The Bible - Old and New Testaments - is the inspired and authoritative witness to
God’s revelation and the guide for our faith and life.
Salvation Through Jesus Christ
We believe that salvation is God’s gift of grace made known through Jesus Christ.
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6 (ESV)
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8 (ESV)
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ reconciles the world to God and
offers new life to all who trust in Him.
The Value of Human Life
We believe that every person is created in the image of God.
“So God created man in his own image… male and female he created them.”- Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
Because of this, human life is sacred, and we are called to honor, love, and serve
one another with dignity and compassion.
Marriage and Human Relationships
We affirm the biblical understanding of marriage as the union of a man and a
woman, marked by love, fidelity, and mutual care. All relationships are to reflect
holiness, compassion, and service in the spirit of Christ.
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife,
and they shall become one flesh.” - Genesis 2:24 (ESV)
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” - Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect
harmony.” - Colossians 3:14 (ESV)
The Mission of the Church
We believe the Church is called to proclaim the Gospel in both word and action.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” - Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
“As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” - John 20:21 (ESV)
As followers of Christ, we are sent into the world to share His love, embody His
grace, and invite others into a life of discipleship under His Lordship.
Our Creeds and Confessions
A Living Tradition of Faith
We stand within the historic Christian faith and affirm the creeds and confessions
that have guided the Church across the centuries:
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Ecumenical Creeds: Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian
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Reformed Confessions: Heidelberg Catechism, Second Helvetic Confession, The Belgic Confession, Canons of Dort
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Evangelical Heritage: Augsburg Confession, Luther’s Small Catechism, German Evangelical Catechism
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Modern Witnesses: United Church of Christ Statement of Faith (traditional version), The Barmen Declaration
“Stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us.” - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (ESV)
These are not replacements for Scripture, but faithful witnesses that help us
understand and live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Sacraments
Signs of Grace, Gifts of God
We celebrate two sacraments given by Jesus Christ:
Baptism
Baptism is the sign of God’s covenant grace.
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
forgiveness of your sins.” - Acts 2:38 (ESV)
It marks our entrance into the family of faith and proclaims God’s promise of new
life. We baptize both children and adults, trusting that God’s grace comes before
and surrounds our response.
The Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion)
In Communion, we remember Christ’s death and celebrate His resurrection.
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s
death until he comes.” — 1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV)
Through the bread and the cup, we encounter the real spiritual presence of
Christ, are nourished in faith, and are united with one another in love.
All who confess Jesus Christ as Lord are welcome at the table.
A Spirit of Freedom, Unity, Liberty, and Love
We embrace a guiding principle of our tradition:
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” - 2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)
This means:
We are united in the core truths of the Christian faith
We allow freedom in areas where faithful Christians may differ
We commit to love and grace in all things
Faith is not simply agreement with doctrine—it is a living relationship with the
Triune God.
Scripture and Discernment
We believe that Holy Scripture is the final authority for faith and life.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” - Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek to interpret Scripture faithfully, always
centered on Jesus Christ - the living Word of God.
Every creed, confession, and tradition is tested against this living Word.
Our Calling Today
We believe that God is still at work.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
As a church, we are called to:
Grow in faith and discipleship
Live in community and mutual care
Serve the world in love and justice
Bear witness to the grace of Jesus Christ
A Final Word
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” - Romans 11:36 (ESV)
Our beliefs are not just something we say—they shape who we are.
We invite you to explore, ask questions, and walk with us as we seek to follow
Jesus Christ together.