In January 1998, following an evangelistic mission in the town in which the churches of the town had worked together to tell people in the town about Jesus, Tamworth Covenanting Churches (TCC) came into being. Previously many of the churches had been part of Churches Together in Tamworth, but the mission brought us even closer together and the decision was made to commit in a deeper way to each other.
So how could we do this and what would it look like in practice?
The decision was taken to sign a together and to work with a joint. This was a big step for many of the churches involved and much time and effort was put into agreeing the wording of both at the time.
Since that time the churches of the town have worked closely together in Mission and other areas. We continue to look together for ways in which we can work closely and look to the truth we have in common rather than the differences. Together we worship One God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and seek to glorify him as the people of God. We recognise in each other the love that God has lavished on his people and seek to share that love with each other and with those around us who have yet to meet God for themselves.
So what does the future hold? We can truly say that only God knows! Yet we are committed that together we will seek God's purposes and work together in Christian love to see his Kingdom come in Tamworth!
A New
Tamworth Manifesto
2. We reaffirm our unity in
Christ, recognising that this does not mean uniformity but legitimate diversity.
We rejoice in this diversity, but repent of all that is sinful in our past
history and attitudes.
3. We give thanks to God for
our deepening awareness of this unity, which we believe that God is calling us
to make visible through our common task of proclaiming the gospel in word and
action.
4. We make a commitment to God
and each other in this Covenant to work together in mission and evangelisation
in the Tamworth area.
We shall also provide regular
opportunities for the churches to come together for worship, celebration and
prayer, and for other events for the building up of our faith and unity.
5. The Ministerial Team, made
up of the leaders of the covenanting churches, commit themselves to regular
meetings for prayer, study, mutual support, consultation and planning for
mission together in Tamworth.
Recognising the importance of
continuity, we express the hope that those with the responsibility for future
ministerial appointments in the Tamworth area will take account of this Covenant
in their selection process, and where possible consult with the Ministerial
Team.
6. An Assembly of the
Covenanting Churches composed of the members of the Ministerial Team and
authorised representatives from the churches, shall meet regularly to consider
the development of our work together in the light of the objectives in this
Manifesto.
The Assembly will maintain
links with the wider church through our denominations and other inter-church
bodies.
The Statement of Faith:
Statement
of Faith
Tamworth Christians accept the
revelation of God as given in the Old and New Testaments. Together they
assent to doctrines which they regard as crucial to the understanding of their
faith, and which should find expression in mutual love, practical Christian care
and evangelistic concern.
We believe:
1) God exists in three
co-equal and co-eternal Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and these three
are One God, sovereign in creation, providence and redemption.
2) The Old and New Testament
Scriptures, as originally given, are the inspired and trustworthy Word of God
and are the final authority for Christians.
3) Due to the Fall, humanity
has become sinful and guilty before God and without a Saviour is separated from
God in this world and the next.
4) Jesus Christ died in the
place of fallen humanity as One who was both fully God and fully man. His
death and resurrection is the only basis for redemption from the guilt and power
of sin and its eternal consequences.
5) A person is both pardoned
and declared righteous by Almighty God solely by the grace of God through faith
in Christ crucified and risen from the dead.
6) The necessity of the Holy
Spirit’s work in illumination, regeneration, indwelling, sanctifying and
empowering a believer for service.
7) In the priesthood of all
believers, who form the universal Church, the body of which Christ is the Head
and which is committed by His command to the proclamation of the Gospel
throughout the world.
8) A true Christian would give
evidence of God’s work of grace in salvation by Christ-like attitude and
actions.
9) In the expectation of the personal, visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ in power and glory.
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For more information: 01827 60789 |
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