EXPRESSING THE CONVERGENCE OF THE MAJOR HISTORICAL STREAMS
We are Evangelical in nature, stressing salvation by faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ through personal conversion, the authority and inerrancy of the scriptures, the necessity of evangelism at home and abroad, the priesthood of the believer, and the importance of Spirit-anointed preaching as contrasted with mere ritual.
We are Liturgical by practice, believing the historically recognized rites that are vital to worship and have been preserved and practiced throughout the ages. We therefore highly value the High Church worship style for formal settings, utilizing the primary ancient Creeds, and encourage the use of a liturgy based on biblical and historic traditions along with historic ceremony and Christian symbolism.
We are Pentecostal by lifestyle, emphasizing the free expression of the gifts and Person and work of the Holy Spirit, especially in expressive praise and in signs and wonders, an in-filling of the Holy Spirit, personal spiritual growth and holiness, and everyone’s individual call to ministry.
This blend of these historic streams is left to the discretion of the leaders and presbyters of a province, diocese or local church, but an acknowledgment of the value and some specific expression of each are necessary for membership in this communion.
Convergence – We recognize that God has established different streams within His Church, each emphasizing a part of His person and nature. We promote blending of the primary historical streams of Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism, and Sacramentalism in Convergence.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (NIV)
Creeds – We maintain openness to the continual revelation of God’s Word while preserving historical orthodoxy embodied in the ancient creeds, particularly the Nicene Creed and the Apostle’s Creed. Matthew 13:52 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old. ” (NIV)