BELIEFS WE HOLD
OVERVIEW
Maple Run Friends is a local meeting of Christ-centered Friends (Quaker) meetings who value the authority of Scripture and mutual accountability. We seek to honor God with all of our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39, I Timothy 1:5). We hold to the early principles of Friends and recognize the centrality of Jesus Christ as understood from the Scriptures in our faith.
OUR VIEW OF JESUS CHRIST AND THE CHURCH
We believe that there is no other way to a personal relationship with God except through Jesus Christ. Historically, as Friends, we concur with George Fox, who wrote, “There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition,” and Joseph John Gurney, a nineteenth century Friend, who wrote that “Quakerism is the religion of Jesus Christ without addition, without diminution, and without compromise." We recognize George Fox’s Letter to the Governor of Barbados (1671), the Declaration of Faith issued by the conference of Friends at Richmond (1887), and the Essential Truths (1902) as statements that reflect our core beliefs. We follow Jesus, not only as Teacher, but more importantly as Savior and Lord.
OUR VIEW OF SCRIPTURE AND SPIRITUAL LEADING
We believe that the Holy Spirit still speaks to us today; however, this will not be contrary to what Scripture clearly teaches. The Holy Spirit is the author of Scripture, which is unique among all religious writing. For Friends, the historical precedent for this teaching is found in Barclay’s Apology: "Whatever doctrine [teaching] is contrary to their [the Scripture’s] testimony may properly be rejected as false . . . Anything which anyone may do while claiming to be led by the Spirit, which is contrary to the Scriptures may be considered a delusion of the devil.” We believe that the Bible is the final authority by which we live our lives. It is historically accurate, makes us wise in salvation, and gives direction to our living. The Bible will not be worshipped, but loved, cherished and studied with solid principles of interpretation and application.
OUR VIEW OF SALVATION
We believe that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned but only received by faith in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 6:23). All have great value in the sight of God. This is clearly shown in God’s heart for people and ultimately in Jesus’ death on the cross. Yet we live in a broken world, and we are all marred by sin and our own brokenness and fragmentation (Romans 3:23). We need a Redeemer who forgives, cleanses, and empowers. As we are reconciled to God, we are to be ministers of reconciliation in this broken, fragmented world. With Robert Barclay “we believe further that the remission of sins of which anyone may partake is only by virtue of his [Jesus’] complete atonement and nothing else. It was necessary for him to be born in order to offer himself a sacrifice to God for our sins” (Romans 3:25, Hebrews; 2:17).
OUR VIEW OF SUBORDINATION
We believe that, in order for Christians to work together effectively, there are basic beliefs and core values that must form us and shape our ministry together. There are diversities of gifts, personalities, talents, cultural backgrounds, and passions (1 Corinthians 12). We also believe in and practice mutual accountability, submitting ourselves one to another in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:21), ensuring that our core beliefs, as reflected in the Scripture, our Faith & Practice, and our core values, are foundational, creating unity and harmony from our diversity (Ephesians 5:21). We recognize that the concept of subordination is not new. At the organization of Indiana Yearly Meeting in 1821, our predecessors adopted a discipline providing for subordination of preparative, monthly, and quarterly meetings to the yearly meeting. This subordination, as our current Faith & Practice describes, is not a hierarchy but a means of common protection.
OUR VIEW OF THE WORLD AND OTHER CHRISTIANS
We recognize the duty to live out and share the Gospel message with the whole world. We strive to see the difference between what is essential to the Christian faith and what is cultural and inessential. We recognize that a deep love of mankind is what characterizes the life of Jesus and should characterize our lives as Friends. This is manifested by our commitment to peace, to equality of persons, to integrity in our dealings with others, to the practice of the priesthood of every believer, to worship that practices direct communion without needless rituals, and to a lifestyle of simple obedience to Jesus. As did Joseph John Gurney, one of our historic leaders, we believe it appropriate to work with other evangelical groups to meet the needs of our generation. We will seek to do this by being present with all who struggle with any aspect of human suffering, bringing grace and love that accepts and encourages, and truth that shapes us into the image of Christ (John 1:14).
SUMMARY
Maple Run is a Friends meeting that is centered on Jesus Christ and fully committed to evangelizing the whole world with His Gospel. We also have a commitment to mutual accountability, clearly built around the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) and Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). We strive to reflect the best of our Quaker heritage and carry the transforming Christian Quaker message to the world.
CORE VALUES
For additional information, visit:
Indiana Yearly Meetings
Maple Run Friends is a local meeting of Christ-centered Friends (Quaker) meetings who value the authority of Scripture and mutual accountability. We seek to honor God with all of our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39, I Timothy 1:5). We hold to the early principles of Friends and recognize the centrality of Jesus Christ as understood from the Scriptures in our faith.
OUR VIEW OF JESUS CHRIST AND THE CHURCH
We believe that there is no other way to a personal relationship with God except through Jesus Christ. Historically, as Friends, we concur with George Fox, who wrote, “There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition,” and Joseph John Gurney, a nineteenth century Friend, who wrote that “Quakerism is the religion of Jesus Christ without addition, without diminution, and without compromise." We recognize George Fox’s Letter to the Governor of Barbados (1671), the Declaration of Faith issued by the conference of Friends at Richmond (1887), and the Essential Truths (1902) as statements that reflect our core beliefs. We follow Jesus, not only as Teacher, but more importantly as Savior and Lord.
OUR VIEW OF SCRIPTURE AND SPIRITUAL LEADING
We believe that the Holy Spirit still speaks to us today; however, this will not be contrary to what Scripture clearly teaches. The Holy Spirit is the author of Scripture, which is unique among all religious writing. For Friends, the historical precedent for this teaching is found in Barclay’s Apology: "Whatever doctrine [teaching] is contrary to their [the Scripture’s] testimony may properly be rejected as false . . . Anything which anyone may do while claiming to be led by the Spirit, which is contrary to the Scriptures may be considered a delusion of the devil.” We believe that the Bible is the final authority by which we live our lives. It is historically accurate, makes us wise in salvation, and gives direction to our living. The Bible will not be worshipped, but loved, cherished and studied with solid principles of interpretation and application.
OUR VIEW OF SALVATION
We believe that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned but only received by faith in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 6:23). All have great value in the sight of God. This is clearly shown in God’s heart for people and ultimately in Jesus’ death on the cross. Yet we live in a broken world, and we are all marred by sin and our own brokenness and fragmentation (Romans 3:23). We need a Redeemer who forgives, cleanses, and empowers. As we are reconciled to God, we are to be ministers of reconciliation in this broken, fragmented world. With Robert Barclay “we believe further that the remission of sins of which anyone may partake is only by virtue of his [Jesus’] complete atonement and nothing else. It was necessary for him to be born in order to offer himself a sacrifice to God for our sins” (Romans 3:25, Hebrews; 2:17).
OUR VIEW OF SUBORDINATION
We believe that, in order for Christians to work together effectively, there are basic beliefs and core values that must form us and shape our ministry together. There are diversities of gifts, personalities, talents, cultural backgrounds, and passions (1 Corinthians 12). We also believe in and practice mutual accountability, submitting ourselves one to another in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:21), ensuring that our core beliefs, as reflected in the Scripture, our Faith & Practice, and our core values, are foundational, creating unity and harmony from our diversity (Ephesians 5:21). We recognize that the concept of subordination is not new. At the organization of Indiana Yearly Meeting in 1821, our predecessors adopted a discipline providing for subordination of preparative, monthly, and quarterly meetings to the yearly meeting. This subordination, as our current Faith & Practice describes, is not a hierarchy but a means of common protection.
OUR VIEW OF THE WORLD AND OTHER CHRISTIANS
We recognize the duty to live out and share the Gospel message with the whole world. We strive to see the difference between what is essential to the Christian faith and what is cultural and inessential. We recognize that a deep love of mankind is what characterizes the life of Jesus and should characterize our lives as Friends. This is manifested by our commitment to peace, to equality of persons, to integrity in our dealings with others, to the practice of the priesthood of every believer, to worship that practices direct communion without needless rituals, and to a lifestyle of simple obedience to Jesus. As did Joseph John Gurney, one of our historic leaders, we believe it appropriate to work with other evangelical groups to meet the needs of our generation. We will seek to do this by being present with all who struggle with any aspect of human suffering, bringing grace and love that accepts and encourages, and truth that shapes us into the image of Christ (John 1:14).
SUMMARY
Maple Run is a Friends meeting that is centered on Jesus Christ and fully committed to evangelizing the whole world with His Gospel. We also have a commitment to mutual accountability, clearly built around the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) and Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). We strive to reflect the best of our Quaker heritage and carry the transforming Christian Quaker message to the world.
CORE VALUES
- God is the foundation around which Friends organize their lives. A personal commitment to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Savior, Lord and Teacher, is essential to daily living. The Indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit strengthens, convicts, saves, guides, and comforts believers.
- The Scriptures are inspired by God, a valid source of truth, and a guide for daily living. Other valid sources of truth (e.g. scientific inquiry, personal experiences) are checked against Scripture for discernment. Since all truth is God’s truth, truth from different sources will not be in conflict but can be integrated.
- Corporate, prayer-based discernment is an essential aspect for decision-making and seeking God’s will.
- There is an urgency and priority in sharing the Gospel of Jesus to non-believers both near and far.
- It is vital to meet regularly together for worship, fellowship, and instruction. God calls all believers to be minister of Christ, supporting each other in living out their ministries. The role of gifted pastoral leadership is recognized.
- There are absolutes in family and sexual behavior. These absolutes include abstinence outside of marriage. Marriage is understood as a monogamous relationship between one man and one woman.
- Life is sacred. Among the implications are that Friends corporately do not approve of abortion, violence, or war.
- Faith manifests itself through compassionate works and actions. Each individual is of supreme worth; therefore, Friends seek equal justice for all.
- Friends value integrity in speech and action.
For additional information, visit:
Indiana Yearly Meetings
