Statement of Faith

Pathways for Hope, and our affiliate AvivaCare is broadly evangelical in its theology, affirming the authority of Scripture, the centrality of Christ, and the call to make disciples. We welcome those who have a wide range of theological traditions within the bounds of orthodoxy.

 

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - equal in power and glory, who created all things and sustains all things. We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It is the final standard for faith, life, and godliness. We believe in the full deity and full humanity of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary death on the cross, rose bodily from the grave, ascended into heaven, and will return in glory to judge the living and the dead. We believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. It is not earned by works but received through faith in the finished work of Christ. We believe the Holy Spirit indwells all believers, empowering them to grow in holiness, understand Scripture, and walk in obedience to God's Word. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, and the eternal joy of the redeemed in the presence of God. We believe the sacraments of baptism and communion are outward signs and symbols of the inner work of Christ. They are not means of earning salvation, but rather acts of obedience and remembrance that proclaim the gospel visibly. We hold a broadly evangelical view of creation, affirming that Christ is before all things, and that God - being omnipotent and sovereign - created all things as He deemed appropriate. We believe the study of creation reveals His glory, and though we may never fully grasp the depth of His design, it points us to His majesty and power. Regarding gender and sexuality, while we seek to love and care those with differing views, Pathways for Hope affirms that God created humanity in His image, male and female, and that marriage is a covenant union designed by God between one man and one woman.

 

At Pathways for Hope, we are committed to fostering unity among all believers in Jesus Christ. While we boldly uphold essential doctrines - such as the infallibility of Scripture, the Trinity, the full divinity and humanity of Jesus, His bodily resurrection, and salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone - we recognize that sincere Christians may differ on secondary and tertiary matters. This includes topics like the gifts of the Spirit, roles of women in the Church, baptism, and communion. We approach such differences with humility and love, striving to live charitably among the broader body of Christ. Our ministry maintains a broadly evangelical stance, not aligning exclusively with any single denomination, but seeking to serve and equip believers across various traditions.