There are so many definitions floating through the world of the internet about what the "emerging church" is; what its structure looks like, and, most troubling to us, the way much of the "emerging church" movement has become divergent from previously settled, clear and agreed-upon theology and doctrine.

We want to be clear: g2k holds to the great truths and doctrines that have accompanied the church of Jesus Christ from the first century until now.  We are, one might deduce, very traditional in the sense of Christian values, Bible doctrine and the day to day living out of those doctrines. Our argument is not with theology, but with structure. Our enemy isn't the "church," our nemesis is "religion."

What we believe is pretty simple: We believe what we read in the Bible, God's Word. We take His Word literally and personally. We don't get into arguments or debates and we don't quibble about some of the stuff we've watched others become engrossed in: Things like "Is the rapture of the church coming before Anti-Christ is revealed or will He come after the Tribulation?" Our concern is more that the church becomes the church regardless of one's eschatology.

There are many cults, cultists, heresies and heretics, strange doctrines and strange people all claiming to be "Christians," "believers," "brothers" and "sisters" and you might wonder if somehow we're in that group of deceived folks. We hope we're not. In fact, we hold to the major doctrines found in the Apostles' Creed (see below) from which most major protestant (what is it we're protesting?) denominations (another strange word) developed their statements of doctrine.

So It's not that doctrine isn't important; it is very important. It's just that God hasn't called us to be apologists; Our mission and focal point isn't primarily the defense of classical evangelical doctrine. God has called us - the people of nRn (next Reformation network) and g2k, to hear His Voice and to walk with those who also are hearing that same Voice into a new and living "emerging church" that will be alive, powerful, holy and ready for Anti-Christ or Jesus Christ, whatever may come. This isn't a doctrinal position, it's a missional position.

We're as comfortable with Pentecostal people as we are with old time Southern Baptists. We're as at home with Methodists as we are with Presbyterians or Lutherans or Baptists or Roman Catholics - because they are people! And God loves people; "red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world."

Specifically, we believe the following:

1. There is one true and eternal God, existing in three Persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, co-existent, co-equal and co-eternal.

2. The scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are wholly and verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man.

3.  We believe that Jesus pre-existed as one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, became incarnate through the virgin birth, was sinless in life, and died as a substitute and atonement for all who will believe. We believe in His resurrection and ascension to the Father where He intercedes for us as believers.  We also believe in His personal and imminent return to receive the church unto Himself.

4.  We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, His power and work in the life of the believer - revealing Jesus Christ and enabling us to live and to move and to have our being in Him.

5.  We believe that man is a sinner and salvation is received through repentance and accepting the salvation offered by the Lord through Jesus Christ; that we are justified by faith alone in the atoning blood of the Jesus Christ.

6.  Sanctification is implemented in our lives as we begin a daily walk in "newness of life."  We believe that sanctification is instantaneous at salvation and also progressive, and continues as we walk "in holiness," empowered and enabled to do so by the Holy Spirit who lives within us. 

7.  We believe in "the assembling together" of believers in Jesus Christ, joined together in vital relationship to worship God, pray, fellowship, to proclaim the gospel, grow through the Word of God, and for the fellowship of the ordinances of Communion and Water Baptism. The "church" of God includes all those who have received Jesus Christ as their personal and only Savior. There is also the church "universal" - the church with no boundaries - unseen throughout the world, but recorded in God's Book of Life in heaven.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
    the Creator of heaven and earth,
    and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
    born of the Virgin Mary,
    suffered under Pontius Pilate,
    was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day He arose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven
    and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
    whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy *catholic church,
    the communion of saints,
    the forgiveness of sins,
    the resurrection of the body,
    and life everlasting.

Amen.

* The holy catholic (universal, as opposed to Roman Catholic) church