Ecumenism

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We practice a form of interdenominational camaraderie that seeks to foster unity among Christians from a variety of traditions, while also respecting their distinctiveness. Although the ministry was founded by Protestants, we are blessed to have employees, volunteers, and board members from an array of Christian backgrounds. We are first and foremost united by our belief in the Bible as the authoritative Word of God and as expressed through the Nicene Creed. We seek to embody Christ’s prayer in John 17:21, "that they may all be one," celebrating our shared faith through a variety of languages and cultural expressions.

The Nicene Creed as an Important Unifying Foundation

While the Bible is the foundation of all we do, we have found help in the summary of the Faith as preserved in the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed transcends denominational boundaries, serving as a theological anchor and helping us to transcend our personal denominational differences. Articulating core beliefs in the Trinity, the divinity and humanity of Christ, and the hope of salvation, this creed helps to unite our diverse team. This shared foundation allows us to focus on what unites us, fostering cooperation that strengthens our work. Whether a Methodist volunteer, a Baptist employee, or a Reformed board member, all affirm the Nicene Creed and a traditional understanding of the Faith, enabling us to collaborate with confidence in our common Christian identity.

Affirming the Historic Christian Faith

Our approach to ecumenism is grounded in a traditional understanding of the Christian faith, which differs significantly from alternative progressive approaches. Our approach acknowledges all faithful Christians who uphold the authority of the Bible as a definitive guide for faith and practice across denominations. In contrast, the progressive Christian approach often reinterprets or redefines core doctrines to align with contemporary cultural norms, often prioritizing inclusivity over historical orthodoxy. While progressive ecumenism may seek broader unity by minimizing doctrinal distinctions, our ministry embraces the traditional approach, unifying around the Bible's unchanging truth.

Dialogue and Mutual Respect

Our approach to ecumenism also promotes honest dialogue rooted in mutual respect, encouraging engagement about those beliefs that we share in common and dialoguing about our differences. Our staff, volunteers and board members come from a variety of Christian traditions, but are united by our approach to biblical unity. We seek to navigate theological differences in personal conversations—such as the Anglican emphasis on the sacraments or the Reformed focus on sola scriptura—with understanding and grace. This approach dispels misunderstandings and builds trust, enabling our team to work cohesively. Unlike syncretism, which blends beliefs from non-Christian frameworks into a homogenized faith, our approach aims to respect the integrity of each denomination.

Dealing Graciously with Denominational Differences

A key principle of our approach is dealing graciously with denominational differences. Rather than allowing these preferences to divide us, we encourage gracious dialogue, seeking to understand each perspective and find common ground in our belief in the authority of the Bible, the Nicene Creed and our common mission. We heed the biblical call to "bear with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2) as we learn from each other. This means approaching denominational differences with humility, patience, and charity, ensuring disagreements do not hinder our shared mission. This approach transforms potential conflicts into opportunities for growth, as team members learn from one another’s traditions. By prioritizing grace, we create a culture where all feel valued, honoring the ecumenical vision of our Protestant founders.

Common Mission and Service

Traditional ecumenism unites us through shared mission and service, reflecting Jesus’ command to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:39). The Nicene Creed’s affirmation of "one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church" inspires our collaborative efforts based on a unity in purpose and rooted in a historic understanding of the Faith, one which transcends denominational lines. We seek to provide a visible unity in the Faith across denominational, cultural and linguistic expressions.

Challenges and Opportunities

We recognizes that our approach to interdenominational unity faces challenges, particularly when navigating deeply held personal convictions. Debates among colleagues over ecclesiology or sacramental theology occasionally arise in our interpersonal communications with one another. Yet, by anchoring our work in the Word of God, and as expressed by the Nicene Creed, we can approach doctrinal differences graciously. We try to turn these challenges into learning opportunities. Our team appreciates the richness of each tradition while remaining united in the Faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

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