Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ is a commitment to serve, to grow in faith and understanding, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best as we are able. We don’t talk about that much – at least not in these terms. We leave that kind of language for Confirmation and New Member Sundays. We make those pledges for our children at Baptism… and move on to more pressing concerns.
That’s not to say that faith is not important – for our children or ourselves. It is simply recognition that all priorities have their place. Food, water, warmth, rest and safety all line up before relationships, social consciousness and creative expression get their turns. That’s just the way things work. Isn’t it?
It is… except that simple progression from basic to psychological to self-fulfillment assumes that God fits somewhere on the pyramid of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs – presumably somewhere in tier two or three… and probably not first in either one. Religion becomes a want not a need. It’s an option. As it should be. As it clearly is for those who choose to believe.
We come to His Table, not because we must, but because we may. Voluntary association is the foundation of Christ’s ministry.
Using only the nails in his own hands and feet, a simple carpenter built us a church. The church is not the building, although our building is a precious resource. It is not our boards, committees, programs or even our music and sermons and prayers. Those are important to the quality of our common life… but they, like the needs on Maslow’s pyramid, only matter once one is first called into being. That is God’s work, not our own.
UCC Statement of Faith as a Doxology
We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior
Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify:
You call the worlds into being,
create persons in your own image,
and set before each one the ways of life and death.
You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
You judge people and nations by your righteous will
declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior,
you have come to us
and shared our common lot,
conquering sin and death
and reconciling the world to yourself.
You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit,
creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ,
binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
You call us into your church
to accept the cost and joy of discipleship,
to be your servants in the service of others,
to proclaim the gospel to all the world
and resist the powers of evil,
to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table,
to join him in his passion and victory.
You promise to all who trust you
forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace,
courage in the struggle for justice and peace,
your presence in trial and rejoicing,
and eternal life in your realm which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen.