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SHARING IN COMMUNITY OF CHRIST: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs To those seeking a spiritual home, Community of Christ is a welcoming, loving, worldwide faith community that values the worth of every person as a child of God and provides a safe space for you to explore and deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ and each other. In Community of Christ, you will receive love and support as you discover renewed purpose for your life through compassionate, Christlike service that ends suffering and fosters justice and peace. TABLE OF CONTENTS © 2018 Fourth Edition Herald Publishing House Independence, Missouri All rights reserved. @ 2009, 2012 Herald Publishing House First Edition 2009. Second Edition 2012. Third Edition 2012. Printed in the United States of America ISBN: 978-0-8309-1715-0 Cross (above): This cross hangs in the Temple in Independence, Missouri. It is made from more than 100 types of wood from around the world, representing the more than 50 nations where the church is established. The olive branches at the center take the form of a descending dove, symbolizing peace. Artist: David Martin. Sharing in Community of Christ book design by Jeff Piedimonte. 4 Photo from the Community of Christ archives Introduction ................................................................................................................6 TABLE OF CONTENTS Invitation .......................................................................................................................8 We Share ......................................................................................................................9 A Vision for Creation ..........................................................................................9 A Name ...................................................................................................................11 A Future ..................................................................................................................13 The Peace of Jesus Christ .............................................................................13 A Sacred Story ....................................................................................................16 A Mission .............................................................................................................. 20 Enduring Principles and Basic Beliefs ..................................................... 26 Enduring Principles...........................................................................................27 Basic Beliefs ........................................................................................................ 33 Whole-Life Stewardship ................................................................................. 39 © 2018 Fourth Edition Herald Publishing House Sacraments ......................................................................................................... 44 Independence, Missouri All rights reserved. Temple as Life-giving Symbol .......................................................................51 We Proclaim Jesus Christ .................................................................................. 58 @ 2009, 2012 Herald Publishing House First Edition 2009. Second Edition 2012. Third Edition 2012. Scripture in Community of Christ ..................................................................63 Printed in the United States of America We Are One, We Are Many ................................................................................68 Perspectives on Church History ..................................................................... 76 Summary ................................................................................................................... 82 5 he document We Share INTRODUCTION TIdentity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs was introduced to the church in 2009 by this statement : This document is the result of a collaborative effort among representatives of the worldwide church and church leaders. The Expanded World Church Lead- ership Council, various World Church leaders, teams, and many other individuals have contribut- ed to its contents. We expect this paper will play a major role in guiding the church in the years ahead. It provides a foundation on which we will build classes, sermons, ministry models, resources, small-group 6 Photo from the Community of Christ archives activities, and worship experienc- sage, and beliefs presented here. es that speak to those we serve. It This document is not a new pro- provides common threads to use gram to roll out with great fanfare! It to weave unique expressions of the is salt and leaven to use to enrich our vision and mission of Community mission and witness as we continue of Christ throughout the world. our faith journey into the future. Please reflect on this materi- The fourth edition of Sharing al prayerfully, take time to incor- in Community of Christ: Exploring porate or “enflesh” it in your life Identity, Mission, Message, and as a disciple and leader more and Beliefs includes five life-chang- more. Then, using your giftedness ing, church-changing, and world- and experience, create ways to changing Mission Initiatives. Use help seekers, disciples, and con- it for reference, study, and reflec- gregations find meaning and hope tion as you grow in discipleship through the vision, mission, mes- and live Christ’s mission. 7 In this document, we offer a INVITATION compilation of writings that des- cribe and explain who we are as a church growing in our mission to proclaim Jesus Christ and pro- mote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. As you read and explore the various aspects of “who we are” and “who we are becoming,” approach your study with openness and prayerful anti- cipation. As you learn, share with others in an atmosphere of seeking new and evolving awareness of God’s Spirit working in your life and in the lives of other faithful dis- ciples. Study the recommended scriptures, engage in the reflec- tion questions, and ponder how these writings inform your life and discipleship. Carefully consi- der how to enhance your life and ministry in response to God’s promptings and the examples of Jesus’ life and ministry. 8 Photo © Brian Jackson | Adobe Stock WE SHARE The phrase we share is used 2. Just as important, the in headings throughout this docu- phrase we share emphasizes our ment. This phrase has two impor- call and commitment to share our tant meanings: witness, ministries, sacraments, 1. What we share with one resources, and message with the another, as members and parti- world. cipants in Community of Christ So, the phrase we share de- shapes identity, mission, mes- fines both what we generally hold sage, and beliefs as a worldwide in common and what we gene- faith community. rously offer to the world. WE SHARE… a Vision for Creation We share God’s vision of yearns to establish a lasting cove- reconciliation, salvation, whole- nant of peace with humankind and ness, justice, and peace expressed with all of creation. in the scriptural definition of sha- The wolf shall live with the lamb, lom. Shalom means a fullness the leopard shall lie down with the kid, or completeness of peace. God the calf and the lion and the fatling Photos by Jude Vickery (top) and © Pavel Klimenko | Adobe stock (above the middle) 9 WE SHARE…A VISION FOR CREATION together, and a little child shall lead But now in Christ Jesus you who them…They will not hurt or destroy on once were far off have been brought all my holy mountain; for the earth will near by the blood of Christ. For he is be full of the knowledge of the Lord as our peace; in his flesh he has made the waters cover the sea. both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the —Isaiah 11:6–9 NRSV hostility between us…So he came and God’s vision of peace for crea- proclaimed peace to you who were tion clearly was revealed in the far off and peace to those who were life, death, and resurrection of near… —Ephesians 2:13–14, 17 NRSV Jesus Christ, who proclaimed the coming kingdom or peaceful The Christian cross and the reign of God on Earth. The gospel church seal symbolize and em- or “good news” was then entrus- phasize our commitment to God’s ted to the church—the commu- vision of justice and peace for the nity of disciples called to be the entire creation. This vision was body of Christ. The purpose of proclaimed consistently by the the church is to form disciples prophets and decisively revealed who faithfully share the gospel in Jesus Christ, who calls disciples of peace in Christ through the in every age to share his peace power of the Holy Spirit. throughout the world. 10 Photo from Community of Christ archives (above left) and by Bob Thomas (above right) WE SHARE…A NAME REFLECTION • What are the things in this world that you find to be the most beauti- ful or that give you joy? • What are the things in this world that you love but that are broken, corrupt, or in need of healing? How did this brokenness, corruption, or injury happen? What can you do to help? What can the church do to help? • How would you share the meaning of the cross and the church seal with someone who hadn’t seen them before? How and why are these symbols important to you? WE SHARE… a Name We are Community of Christ! We share a common name REFLECTION throughout the world that is • Think about your name or translated into many languages. the names you have gone by Our name is faithful to our heri- throughout your life. How has tage and true
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