The FEC elders commonly field questions over “permissible beliefs and practices”. Our response depends on whether FEC understands a belief or practice to be foundational to being a disciple of Jesus Christ.Historically, in Christianity, there has been a pragmatic need to divide beliefs and practices into categories of importance. In FEC, we continue developing “The Hills of FEC” as a practical guide to organize beliefs/practices into 4 categories – Hills We Die On (what makes us Christians), Hills We Stand On (what makes us FEC), Hills We Dialogue On (where we vary significantly), and Mole Hills (where we have complete freedom).

 

The Hills We Die On are considered non-negotiable beliefs because they are the foundation of what it means to be a servant of Jesus Christ. They begin with the exclusive authority of the Scriptures in revealing doctrinal and moral precepts to us – they are complete, inerrant, sufficient, and trustworthy.The Scriptures reveal God as Trinity – one divine nature in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. They teach the supremacy and exclusivity of Christ – His divinity and humanity, His sinless life and atoning death, His bodily resurrection and ascension, His redemption of and provision for believers, and His future physical return and reign.Finally, they reveal that none are seeking God. Apart from Christ, all are lost and can do nothing to merit salvation. Yet in Christ, believers are saved from themselves and set apart to be sanctified for service to God.

 

The Hills We Stand On are the beliefs that bind us together as a group of like-minded churches. This is the category where questions most often exist. Our intent is to hold firmly to specific beliefs yet allow local churches freedom in expressing how these beliefs are to be taught or expressed.The Hills We Stand On are where grace and truth intersect to make us FEC. We believe the Scriptures present God’s sovereignty and human responsibility as non-contradictory components of justification.We hold communion and baptism to be ordinances, yet do not define the frequency of communion nor the mode of baptism. We teach the gifting of the Spirit, yet allow Scripture alone to limit how gifting is expressed locally.The FEC is complementarian believing that while God equips both men and women for ministry, He has made distinctions in their roles. Thus, the FEC grants pastoral licenses to qualified men and ministry licenses to qualified men and women allowing the local church to determine how each will serve.We believe in the physical return of Christ, yet do not prescribe an exclusive rapture-millennium belief. We believe in a plurality of leadership, but not a sole form of church governance.

 

The Hills We Dialogue On are comprised of practices that vary significantly. They include (but are not limited to): the approach to preaching (expository or topical), practice of tithing, expression of worship, implementation of church discipline, and requirements for membership. We expect local bodies to allow Scripture to guide their decisions.

 

Finally, we come to the Mole Hills. Churches have complete freedom to determine their own style of worship (traditional or contemporary), focus of ministry (believers or seekers), Bible translation, chosen attire for worship, etc. There is a recognition that each body will make decisions based upon their local ministry context.

 

– Mark Biehl, FEC Elder Board Chairman