Beliefs
We believe that the Bible, consisting of both the Old and New Testaments, is the only inspired, inerrant, infallible and 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 atoning death by His shed blood, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father and in His personal return in power and glory.
We believe that in order for lost and sinful man to be saved, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
We believe that it is the present ministry of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling power and fullness that enables the Christian to live a godly life in this present fallen and evil world.
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead. The believer will be raised to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord and the unbeliever to judgment and eternal separation from God.
We believe that the church is made up of all persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are united together in the Body of Christ of which He is Lord and Head.
We believe that sacraments are the outward signs of an inner faith that unites the body of Christ in its ministry and its mission. Baptism and communion are the two sacraments instituted by Christ in the New Testament.
Baptism is the outward sign of entrance into the body of Christ. We respect the family who desires infant baptism. Through infant baptism, we recognize the family’s commitment to raise a child in the worship and teaching of the Christian church until the child reaches a point where they are prepared to personally confirm his or her faith in Jesus Christ. We recognize that baptism, in and of itself, does not bring salvation.
Communion is the breaking of bread and the pouring of the cup in remembrance of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. We celebrate open communion, which means that all who follow Christ are welcome at his table
Catechism
While there is no authority greater than God's Word, Addison Congregational Church uses the Heidelberg Catechism as it's primary instructional document for teaching. We also use a number of modern programs, packages, and pastor-written teachings based on season, learning ability, or age. All are taught with an attitude to bring all, young and old, to a greater familiarity with Scripture and closer relationship with Triune God.
Leadership
We are a congregational church, which means that we adhere to the idea that the local church has complete autonomy under God, without need of submission to any outside human authority or organization. Our form of congregationalism, however, is not a pure democracy; we recognize that God placed the government of His churches into the hands of an ordained ministry that functions as part of a plurality of elders called to serve the people of each church. Addison Congregational empanels a board of elders, which, together with our minister(s), serves the members of the church.
The Elder Board oversees all issues related to the ministry, the sanctuary and all administrative, financial and physical plant issues. Our minister brings the plan, vision and direction of God to the board, but decisions for action are reached only as the board comes together with the ministry to obtain a joint conviction of God’s leading. The elders report on their decisions to the congregation, and frequently solicit their consultation and approval.
Each year the current eldership examines the congregation to become aware of possible candidates for the elder board. Anyone meeting the qualifications of eldership outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9 may be considered to serve as an elder. Nominees are brought before the congregation, who then elect the elders by voting their consciences.
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As a not-for-profit, ecclesiastical corporation existing under the laws of the State of Michigan, Addison Congregational also elects corporate officers from within its membership.