Frequently Asked Questions about AMEC 1. What is AMEC? In order to maintain a Biblical, Anabaptist and Evangelical heritage, we, as participants and leaders within congregations, purpose to develop a partnership affiliation which will be a voluntary association of congregations with a common commitment both to the doctrinal foundation of evangelical orthodoxy and to the worthy tenets of historical Anabaptism. It will be characterized by a unity based on truth and will provide a context for identification, fellowship, accountability, ministerial credentialing, and cooperative efforts in order to faithfully fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandments of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2. Why is AMEC being formed? The purpose of the Association is to Partner as Congregations in order to faithfully Preserve, Promote and Propagate the Biblical Christian Faith as Believers from an Evangelical Anabaptist perspective, providing mutual support and biblical fellowship to enable congregations to cooperatively pursue the objectives of missions, evangelism, discipleship, credentialing, nurture, and biblical ministries of witness and reconciliation, committed to a unity in Christ based on the truth of the Scriptures and summarized in a basic Statement of Doctrine. We receive with gratitude the biblically based theological heritage of faith expressed in earlier Statements of Belief, Confessions of Faith and Catechisms of our spiritual forbears. Specifically we commend the foundational statements of the Schleitheim Confession (1527), Dordrecht Confession of Faith (1632) and the Mennonite Articles of Faith (1766) as worthy and helpful guidelines still relevant for our convictions and the application of the Scriptures to Christian living in our generation. We commit ourselves to pass on to coming generations a renewed understanding and deep appreciation of the missionary vision, the evangelistic zeal, and the passion for truth of the Anabaptist reformers who passed on to us their Christ centered, biblical faith as such great cost. 3. What does AMEC believe? The following Statement of Doctrine is a summary of our Faith, the essentials of the Gospel and basis of our Unity in Jesus Christ. It is affirmed as the convictions of the Association of Mennonite Evangelical Congregations (AMEC). This statement will form the basis from which the charter churches will work. It is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather an aid to those who are interested in the beliefs of those forming the association. a. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, inerrant, infallible, authoritative, written Word of God. b. We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. c. We believe that Jesus Christ was God in human flesh, at once fully divine and fully human. We believe in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, His present ministry of intercession, and His personal return in power and glory. d. We believe that human beings were created in the image of God but rebelled against God and are therefore fallen, lost, estranged from their creator, and in need of salvation. e. We believe that only those who, by grace through faith, receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are converted, born again of the Holy Spirit, and thus become children of God. f. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit who convicts persons of sin, brings them to repentance, enables the Christian to pursue a life characterized by personal holiness and faithful discipleship in obedience to Jesus Christ, and gives "spiritual gifts" to the church which enrich worship, provide for spiritual oversight, and enhance effectiveness in witness. g. We believe that the church, the "body of Christ," is composed of all those of every nation who through saving faith have entered into a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. We further believe that the church is at the very center of God's cosmic purpose, and that He has committed to the church and every member of it the task of making Christ known throughout the world. h. We believe that local congregations of baptized believers exist to equip the body of Christ-through such means as worship, teaching, fellowship and prayer-to spread the Gospel of Christ; to extend the influence of the Kingdom of God in the world; and to turn themselves outward to their local communities in evangelistic witness and compassionate service. We further believe that the quality of "body life" among believers in caring congregations is essential for effective evangelism and outreach. i. We believe that the reality of sin in the human heart results in suffering, injustice, strife, and moral decay in society. j. We believe that, in Jesus Christ, the way of love and reconciliation is revealed as God's way for His people and that the people of God are called to value the sanctity of human life, alleviate suffering, reject retaliation and personal vengeance, work for peace in all relationships, and to live as responsible stewards of all of God's creation. k. We believe that God instituted marriage and the family at the beginning of human history. Right sexual union takes place only within the marriage relationship, which is a covenant between one man and one woman for life, and the family formed from such a union is the God-ordained context for the birth and nurture of children. l. We believe in the resurrection of all people, those who are saved unto the resurrection of everlasting blessedness with the Lord, and those who are lost to eternal separation from God. m. We believe that, in the fullness of time, God will bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, the Lord Jesus Christ. 4. Is AMEC a regional or national group? The Association of Mennonite Evangelical Congregations is a fellowship comprised of committed Christians in committed Congregations who desire to embrace an evangelical identity within the bounds of the orthodox, apostolic teachings of Scripture, teachings which were re-affirmed in the ministries of the biblical Anabaptist reformers. Congregations who through their constituted leadership affirm the Statement of Faith without reservation and endorse the principles and purposes of AMEC, are welcome to join the Association and partner with others for the cause of Christ Jesus and His Kingdom. As an Association of congregations in North America, member congregations, where feasible, will relate to one another in geographical regions and may organize themselves at that level to implement the purposes of AMEC regionally, affirming the principles and adapting the organizational pattern of the North American Association to their local setting." 5. Who can join AMEC? AMEC shall be comprised of congregations who through their constituted leadership are in agreement with the Statement of Doctrine and Principles of AMEC [as set forth in the Prospectus] and have completed the application process, affirming the Membership Purposes and Guidelines. It is understood that AMEC does not intend to usurp or replace the functions, responsibilities or biblical autonomy of member congregations or their leadership but rather seeks to assist and enable the congregations to carry out and fulfill their God-ordained Callings, Commissions and Conduct. 6. How can I find out more about AMEC? Please feel free to write with your questions and comments. We will endeavor to respond as quickly and as comprehensively as possible. Email may be addressed to [email protected] .