CCCC Statement of Faith, Statement of Polity, and Code of Ethics for Churches

CCCC Statement of Faith, Statement of Polity, and Code of Ethics for Churches

Cornerstone Congregational Church is a member of the CCCC, the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference. Every year the CCCC sends out the CCCC Statement of Faith, CCCC Statement of Polity, and CCCC Code of Ethics for Churches and asks each church to reaffirm their commitment to them. The Elders have already taken care of reaffirming them, but we would appreciate it if you would personally take the time to read and think through each of the three items to make sure you personally are in agreement. Would you do that? You can read the three sections below from the CCCC’s Constitution & By-Laws. Thank you and God bless!

In Christ, the Board of Elders

CCCC Statement of Faith (Article III)

  • We believe the Bible consisting of the Old and New Testament, to be the only inspired, inerrant, infallible, authoritative Word of God written.
  • We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  • We believe in the deity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
  • We believe that for salvation of lost and sinful man regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
  • We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by Whose indwelling power and fullness the Christian is enabled to live a godly life in this present evil world.
  • We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
  • We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers in Christ.

CCCC Statement of Polity (Article IV)

  • We believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of His body, the Church universal, and of each local church.
  • We believe that each local church is in itself a complete church, and therefore autonomous and possesses all rights and responsibilities of the church by the Holy Spirit as set forth in the Holy Scriptures.
  • We believe that Jesus Christ exercises His authority in each local church by the Holy Spirit and through the Holy Scriptures.
  • We believe that each local church is ultimately answerable only to Jesus Christ, and not to any association, conference, council, synod or any other ecclesiastical body.
  • We believe that it is proper and beneficial for each local church to seek fellowship and counsel of other such local churches.

CCCC Code of Ethics for Churches (Addendum)

The Christian Church is the Body of Christ and the Bride of Christ which He desires to be “a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” (Eph.5:27) In as much as every local church is an expression of the whole Body it is need­ful for her to be committed to vigilance in all of her relationships:

In Relationship to Christ— Believing that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church…

  • We will honor and exalt Him in all of our relationships and ministries. We will keep ourselves free from all policies and practices which might tend to mar the beauty of the Bride of Christ.

In Relationship to Fellow-Members— Believing that the local church is an expression of the family of God…

  • We will promote unity among the members of the congregation, resisting all jealousy, rivalry, self-seeking and division which would disturb that unity.
  • We will “… make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Romans 14:19)

In Relationship to Other Churches— Believing that the Church is a universal body…

  • We will attempt to maintain honorable relationships with other churches in the community.

In Relationship to the Community Believing that the witness of the church in the community affects the ministry of that church to the community and reflects on Christ, the Head of the Church…

  • We will endeavor to keep our dealings with agencies, businesses and individuals in the community honest and above reproach.

In Relationship to the Conference Believing that our membership in the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference is not only a privilege but also involves responsibility…

  • We will fulfill our fellowship, ministry and financial obligations to the Conference to the best of our ability by participation in national and regional activities, by contribution to the Conference budget, and by other means as time and resources present.
  • We will uphold the doctrines and principles of the Conference.

In Relationship to the Pastor and Other leaders of the ChurchBelieving that the pastor and other spiritual leaders are shepherds of Christ’s flock…

  • We will love, honor and submit to them as they, by example and word, watch over our souls preaching the Word to correct, rebuke, encourage, and to carefully instruct (2 Tim 4:2).
  • We will support the pastor financially so that they will be able to meet their obligations without bringing reproach upon themselves or the church.
  • We will not allow anything among us that would undermine our spiritual leaders or rob them of the confidence of the church and the community.
  • We will endeavor to respond to all criticism dealing with the pastor, other spiritual leaders, or their families in an honorable manner, not tolerating subversive or clandestine meetings.
  • Whenever legitimate criticism or charges against anyone arise, we will follow Scriptural direction for church discipline, always with a desire for reconciliation and restoration and always making use of the cloak of love.