Scio Christian Church
Scio Christian Church is a non-denominational church that shares its heritage with other churches known as
Church of Christ Christian Churches.
"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." ~ 1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)
What Are Christian Churches?
We are unique. Most denominations have their roots overseas. That is, they were started in Europe and came to America through immigrants who were members of that particular denomination. Not so with Christian churches. We were started by people from various denominations who were tired of perpetuating divisions imported from Europe.
The Bible is our sole authority. Christian churches have rejected man-made creeds, doctrinal statements, and hierarchies. We use the Bible alone for guidance in matters of doctrine, structure, and practice. Many Christian churches have as a slogan, "No book but the Bible, no creed but Christ."
We focus on Jesus. Denominational labels tend to divide the Body of Christ. Christian churches seek to unite God's people by adopting a simple, biblical name for our churches - Christian. We like to say, "We're Christians only, not the only Christians."
We are an independent church. Every Christian church is completely independent. There is no denominational control, hierarchy, or national headquarters as there is in most denominational churches. Each church is self-governed and determines its own affairs, based on the Word of God.
For example:
At Scio Christian Church, we choose our staff.
At Scio Christian Church, we own our buildings and assets.
At Scio Christian Church, we determine our programs.
At Scio Christian Church, we select our missionaries and agencies to support.
Statement of Faith
Scio Christian Church
1. The Church and Christian Unity
We believe the Church is the body and bride of Christ, begun on the Day of Pentecost and consisting of all Christians everywhere. All people—of every race and background—are created in the image of God and in need of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
We seek unity in the essential truths of the Christian faith, liberty in non-essential matters, and love in all things. Our leaders and members commit to respecting these core beliefs and pursuing peace.
Spiritual maturity is not measured by years or knowledge alone, but by how we love, serve, and build one another up.
2. God
We believe in one God—Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all—who made the universe and everything in it. God is eternal, all-powerful, and sovereign over all creation.
3. The Trinity
We believe in the one God who eternally exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are one in nature, power, and purpose.
4. Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who became flesh and lived among us.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose bodily on the third day.
Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness, abundant life, and eternal salvation to all who call on His name. Apart from Christ, humanity is lost and without hope.
5. The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer, guiding, teaching, encouraging, and transforming us into the likeness of Christ.
We seek to live by the Spirit and test all spiritual guidance by the truth of Scripture.
We believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit are relevant for today and given for the building up of the church.
6. The Bible
We believe the Bible—consisting of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments—is the inspired Word of God and the final authority for faith, doctrine, and Christian living.
There is only one Truth, and God’s Word is the standard by which all teaching and practice are measured.
7. Salvation and Eternal Life
We believe salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
We are saved by believing in Christ, repenting of sin, confessing Him as Lord, and walking in obedience to His will.
We believe in a real Heaven and a real Hell, and that our eternal destiny is determined in this life by our response to Jesus Christ. God offers no second chances after death.
8. Baptism
We practice baptism of the repentant believer by immersion in water, following the New Testament pattern.
In baptism, a believer receives forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, uniting us with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
9. Communion (The Lord’s Supper)
We share the Lord’s Supper each Sunday, following the example of the early church.
In partaking of the bread and the cup, we remember Christ’s sacrifice, proclaim His death, and strengthen our relationship with Him.
10. Prayer
We are a praying church.
We lift to God daily our praise, confession, thanksgiving, and petitions, seeking His will in all things.
11. The New Covenant
We believe Jesus Christ established a New Covenant that fulfills and surpasses the Old.
The Old Testament prepares the way for the New, and we rejoice that we are now related to God by grace through Jesus, not through the Law.
12. The Return of Christ
We believe Jesus Christ will come again to gather His people and bring God’s purposes on earth to their conclusion.
While Christians differ on the details and timing of final events, we affirm with unity and hope that Christ will return as He promised.
13. Ministry of All Believers
We believe every Christian is called to ministry.
The Holy Spirit gives gifts to each believer so the whole church may serve effectively and build up the body of Christ.
14. Missions and Service
We believe the church exists to serve the world in the name of Jesus.
We support evangelism locally and globally and commit to caring for those in need: feeding the hungry, offering hospitality, clothing the needy, ministering to the sick, and visiting the imprisoned, following the example and command of Christ (Matthew 25).
Contact
If you have questions or concerns about these statements, please reach out to Leon Rothauge.