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WHAT TO EXPECT
Shillington Church of Christ has a long and rich history in Berks County, PA. From our early days when people met in members' homes, our goal has been to provide a place for sincere Christian disciples to "Be" and to "Become."
We hope that you will feel right at home when you are with us. If you are searching for a church home, there is a special place here just for you and your family.
A Place for Worship
The primary reason we meet together is to focus our attention on God, giving Him our worship and receiving His blessing and inspiration. Each of these occasions is a special time of spiritual refreshment. We hope this is what you experience when you gather with us!
A Place for Learning
To us, studying the Bible is vital because it not only instructs us intellectually, but also guides us spiritually. We believe it and accept it as God's Word to us, a book that is alive and relevant to life today. Learning its truths is a thrilling adventure!
A Place for Enrichment
For every person at every level, we offer a wealth of opportunities -- special programs and ministries for children, youth and adults which fill the church calendar. You can be sure that in this kaleidoscope of activities, there's more than one way for you to be personally enriched!
A Place for Friendship
Nothing quite compares to the joy of Christian friendship. That's why we make it a priority to build lasting bonds between the members of our church family -- bonds of concern and genuine commitment to one another. Best of all, this circle of care is ever-widening. We'd love for it to include you too!
A Place for Service
Just as Jesus came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister..." we accept our responsibility to reach out in service to others. This applies both within the church family and outside of our fellowship. If we can serve you, let us know. We hope to include your talents and abilities in future service to others!
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WHAT WE BELIEVE
At the Shillington Church of Christ, we teach truths found in God's Word, the Bible. Church members begin by believing in the basics of faith in God: that God exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Shillington Church of Christ is a non-denominational, Bible-believing body of Christians. We have no denominational hierarchy, and we come from a wide variety of backgrounds.
While we seek to understand and do what God's Word says, we don't claim that we do so perfectly, and we don't claim to have all the answers. We simply desire to let the Bible speak and follow it as closely as we can.
While we cannot compromise when God's Word speaks plainly, we recognize that Christian people can have differences of opinion. We value the freedom we have in Christ, and we try to hold these differences in a spirit of love.
We welcome you to join us as we seek to understand God's Word and apply it to our lives!
God the FatherWe believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe and the Giver of Life. God is an all- powerful, all-knowing, and ever present spiritual being. He is truthful, faithful, loving, good, patient, just, merciful, holy, and righteous. As Ruler of the Universe, God reigns supreme over nature, history, and human life.
(Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Hebrews 11: 3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Acts 17:24-28)
Jesus the SonWe believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and co-equal with the Father. Though Jesus lived an uncorrupted human life on earth, his own people murdered him on a cross. After three days, Jesus came back to life, demonstrating his power over sin and death. He later returned to heaven with the Father, and now reigns in heaven, interceding for us until he comes again. He is the only way to the Father.
(John 1:1-3; 14, 18, Acts 2:23-24, 36; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:6)
The Holy SpiritWe believe in the Holy Spirit, the presence of God in the lives of believers. God has given us the Holy Spirit as a comforter, guide, teacher, and guarantee of our eternal hope. The Holy Spirit recreates men and women, empowering us to live the new life to which we have been called. His work in us produces lives characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through His Spirit, God grants gifts and abilities to believers for the strengthening of the church.
(John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9-14; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:11-13)
The BibleThe Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, and is entirely true. Scripture is useful for teaching, preaching and training in faith. God's Word is the norm and standard for all subsequent Christian teaching.
(2 Peter 1:20-21; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
HumanityBoth men and women are created in the image of God and are completely dependent upon Him. The primary purpose of humanity is to glorify God and to enjoy a relationship with Him. Unfortunately, all men and women rebel against God's standards and deserve the separation from Him that sin brings. Reconciliation with God is only available by His grace for salvation and new life.
(Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 23; Mark 12:29-30; Romans 3:23-24)
Sin and SalvationAll people are created in the image of God and have tremendous potential for good, but we are all marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. As a result of our sin, we have a shattered and broken relationship with God that can only be made whole through Jesus Christ. Salvation is God's free gift (grace) to us but we must accept it by acknowledging Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (confessing); turning from our sinful life-style (repentance); being immersed in water (baptism); and trusting in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works.
(Romans 5:1; 3:23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12; 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Acts 2:38)
The ChurchThe Christian church is the community of God's people. Jesus is the head of the body, the universal church, which is united by its common faith in Him. The church participates in the worship of God, the fellowship and training of believers, and the spread of God's love in the world. The ministry of Jesus continues in the church as people love and help those separated from God and others.
(Matthew 16:16-18; Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-20; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 2:42-47)
BaptismWe are commanded in the Bible to be baptized by immersion in order to receive both the forgiveness of our sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:37-39). Baptism is done out of obedience to Jesus Christ and is a part of our salvation process. Baptism illustrates how God cleanses us of our sins as well as how He raises us to new life in Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; Galatians 3:26-27; Acts 8:26-40; 9:17-19; 10:47-48; 16:15; 16:29-33)
CommunionWe believe in the declaration of forgiveness established by Jesus through communion. Communion is recognized in the church as a reminder of his death for us. Each participant may know of the forgiveness offered to him or her through the body and blood of Christ. We celebrate communion every Sunday when we gather, as the early church did.
(Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 2:42-47, 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
SingingWe sing without instrumental music in our worship services. This is a matter of conviction with many of us. Since the New Testament doesn't mention instrumental music, we believe that it is best to leave it out of our worship services. In addition, we find it to be quite meaningful when everyone is asked to participate in the singing.
(1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18, 19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12)
Spiritual GiftsEvery disciple of Jesus Christ has been given specific gifts and talents by the Holy Spirit to advance the kingdom of God. These gifts and talents are to be diligently developed and used at home, church, and in society.
(Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Ephesians 4:11-13)
EqualityJesus Christ came to restore not only our relationship with God-but also to bring unity and dignity to men and women of all races, ages, and classes. All persons are made in the image of God, and every disciple of Jesus Christ is to reflect that image in the home and in society.
(Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 2:11-22; John 17:20-26; Acts 10:9-23; Colossians 3:11-14)
EternityWe are created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through the forgiveness and salvation of Jesus Christ. To be eternally separated from God is called Hell. To be eternally in union with God is called heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our life.
(John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 21:27; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Matthew 25:41) -
GOD'S COMPLETE PLAN OF SALVATION
Salvation is a free gift from God. God, through Christ, has accomplished the work on the cross. We now need to accept this gift on God's terms and in God's way."For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8-10)We are saved by grace through faith, not by any meritorious works, but we must obey God's plan for salvation. Whatever God tells us to do, we must do.1. Hear:"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17)2: Believe:"I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he (the one I claim to be) you will indeed die in your sins." (John 8:24)"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved." (Mark 16:16)3. Repent:"I tell you no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." (Luke 13:5)"Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)4: Confess Jesus as Lord:"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (Romans 10:9, 10)5: Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins:"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved." (Mark 16:16)"Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)Anything less than God's complete plan is man's abbreviated plan and not God's.For Further Reading:Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12, 13, 36-38; Acts 9:18; Acts 10:47, 48; Acts 16:15, 33; Acts 18:8; Acts 19:5; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:2--5; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:5; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21 -
OUR LEADERSHIP
Dennis Buchertelder
Ajay Deaneelder
Ralph Weiselder
We are pleased to have Christopher S. Boyce as our new evangelist!Welcome, Chris!
Matt AhearnMinistry Leader of acappella Singing- Ralph and Kathleen Weis are responsible for our Fellowship Ministry.