Church Index attempts to select churches that generally embody the historic Anabaptist distinctives, while recognizing that individual congregations may exhibit strengths or weaknesses in various areas. These points are in no particular order.
- A high view of scripture, recognizing the Bible as God’s inspired Word that teaches us about God and guides our lives.
- Commitment to historical orthodoxy, as expressed in the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed.
- Recognizing that the kingdom of God is a rival to the nations of this world, and by our non-participation in politics we demonstrate our allegiance to God.
- Nonresistance, choosing not to engage in war or violence, but instead returning good for evil.
- Believer’s baptism, requiring repentance, faith, and new life for baptism.
- Church discipline, including excommunication for unrepentant members who violate scripture.
- Separation from the world’s mindsets, values, and entertainment, living as strangers and pilgrims.
- Mutual aid and generosity, sharing resources and caring for those in need.
- Simplicity and modesty in dress, avoiding revealing, expensive, or fashionable clothing and jewelry.
- Biblical head covering practices while praying or prophesying, with women covering their heads and men not covering theirs.
- Integrity in speech, telling the truth and avoiding oaths.
- Commitment to lifelong marriages, with no remarriage after divorce while the previous partner lives.
- Biblical roles for men and women, with women not teaching or having authority over men.
- Commitment to a local church body, submitting to its leaders and teachings. Fostering a corporate expression of church community and seeking to avoid individualism.
- Recognition of other churches in the body of Christ, avoiding claims of being the only true church.
- Evangelistic interest to engage with seekers and support new believers in their faith journey.
We aim to include churches that strive to live out the above values, even if they don’t perfectly align with every point, and to encourage one another in our shared commitment to following Jesus and His Word. However, conformity to the above points is not a guarantee of inclusion.
As this project progresses, we may edit these points for further clarity.
We welcome suggestions of churches that are within the above vision.
If you are uncertain whether a church fits within the above scope of values, please go ahead and submit the church suggestion and leave us a note explaining the situation. Each suggestion will be reviewed by the Church Index administrators and will be added at their discretion.