What We Believe (unofficial)

The Berwick church of Christ is an independent congregation of Christian believers who are trying to follow the teachings and pattern of the New Testament church as revealed in Scriptures. We recognize no authority above our congregation except Christ. We have no rules, or doctrine, other than the Bible.

We have no creed as such, but there is general agreement regarding the following:

• We believe in the existence of an intellect and power, Who resides in eternity and Who, for His “eternal purpose,” created the universe and all that it contains.

• We believe that this Creator is frequently referred to as God, or Jehovah, in the Biblical text.

• We believe that the Creator is composed of a Father, a Son, and the Holy Spirit, and each has been active in creation and the redemption of humanity from condemnation for its sin.

• We believe that all authority rests in the Bible, which was written through men inspired by the Holy Spirit.

• We believe that all men are guilty of having broken God’s moral law, and are therefore in a state of separation and condemnation. Being guilty of sin is a legal problem, and God being all-just, is obligated to punish sinful behavior.

• We believe that God’s other attribute is His overwhelming love for His creation, and that He has provided a scheme (plan, method, process) to deal with the legal problem of sin, through the blood sacrifice of His Son, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus’ sacrifice is a satisfactory atonement for sin. It satisfies God’s justice.

• We believe that Jesus is eternal and shares the same nature as the Father. Jesus is all man, and all God. In effect, God died for His own creation.

• We believe that the gospel message of Jesus dead, buried, and raised, is good news because these facts point to a means of sin forgiveness and Jesus’ resurrection proves that a future exists beyond the grave. Death is only the end of a person’s journey in this life. Eternity waits for all humanity. 

• We believe that in order for a person to be saved from the consequences of his or her sin, the individual must believe and put trust in God, and obey the gospel of His Son. The individual must also “count the cost” of discipleship, and be willing to confess Christ, and begin a life of repentance and love.

• We believe that people do not earn salvation by works of merit, but by God’s grace and the believer’s faith. Faith is more than an intellectual agreement. It is demonstrated by an obedient heart.

• We believe that there is only one Church, and that the believer sis added to this church by GOd when the person obeys the gospel.

• We believe and practice the pattern found in Acts 2.

• We preach Christ crucified, buried, and raised from the dead.

• We appeal to all people who come to belief, that they must be willing to repent and be buried in water for the forgiveness of sins. At that point, we believe the believing repentant sinner has been added to Christ’s church by God Himself and is in God’s grace.

• As a body of believers, each of us is trying to search the scriptures in order to be a better disciple of our Lord. We do not agree with each other on every point, but we try to live in humility and a sincere love of the membership. We seek a unity in a spirit of love. We acknowledge that each of us still has a sin problem, and no one is in  a better position as a result of our deeds, but that we must continue to renew our minds and bring them in to harmony with our Savior’s teachings.

• We practice a simple form of collective worship, and try to give each other encouragement and help when needed.

• We like to keep things light and share meals and generally have fun.

• We welcome anyone into our fellowship who seeks to learn, along with us, the truth about our God and Saviour. We encourage all to follow Christ and become His disciple.

• We believe that a pure faith is demonstrated by benevolence and an effort to follow Christ’s example.

Currently the Berwick congregation is under the spiritual oversight of three congregationally appointed elders: Don Chapin, Ralph Ide, and Ken Fatula.

In matters of finance and ministry, all members have an input to the decision-making process.

Most of the congregation’s monthly contributions are dispensed by monthly donations to carefully selected benevolence and evangelistic efforts in the USA and around the world.