What We Believe

Although soul liberty in both belief and practice are the norm in most Congregational churches, there are some other commonly held ideals you will find expressed here as well.  These ideals are…

§         In essentials unity, in non-essentials diversity, in all things charity.  The unity that we seek requires neither an uncritical acceptance of any point of view, nor a rigid formulation of doctrine.  It does require mutual understanding and agreement as to which aspects of the Christian faith and life are essential.

§        Testimonies of faith rather than tests of faith.  Because faith can be expressed in many different ways, the United Church of Christ (UCC) has no formula that is a test of faith.  Down through the centuries Christians have shared their faith with one another through creeds, confessions, catechisms, and other statements of faith.  For that reason, historic statements such as the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Augsburg Confession, and the Kansas City Statement of Faith continue to be valued in our church as authentic testimonies of faith.

§     There is yet more light and truth to break forth from God’s holy word.  This classic statement (made by Pastor John Robinson to the Leiden separatists, Pilgrims, as they set sail for the New World) assumes the primacy of the Bible as a source for understanding the good news and as a foundation for all statements of faith.  It recognizes that the Bible, though written in specific historical times and places, still speaks to us in our present condition.  It declares that the study of the scriptures is not limited by past interpretations, but it is pursued with expectancy for new insights and help for living today.  In other words, God is still speaking!

§       The priesthood of all believers.  All members of the United Church of Christ (UCC) are called to minister to others and to participate as equals in the common worship of God, each with direct access to the mercies of God through personal prayer and devotion.  Recognition is given to those among us who have received special training in pastoral, priestly, educational, and administrative functions, but these persons are regarded as ministers—servants—rather than persons of authority.  Their task is to guide, to instruct, and to enable the ministry of all Christians rather than to do the work of ministry for us.

§        Responsible freedom.  As individual members, we are free to believe and act in accordance with our perception of God’s will for our lives.  But we are called to live in a loving, covenantal relationship with one another—gathering in communities of faith, congregations of believers, local churches.  Each congregation or local church is free to act in accordance with the collective decisions of its members, guided by the working of the Spirit in the light of the scriptures.  But it is also called to live in a covenantal relationship with other congregations for the sharing of insights and for cooperative action.

Opening & Affirming Statement

Billings is not the West Village in lower Manhattan.  So it’s important for those searching for a church home and whose life may not fit the traditional model to know that they are welcomed here.  In fact, First has been an “Open & Affirming” congregation since 1998.  The O&A Statement now printed in our bulletin each week—a statement that reflects who we are and who we are trying to be as a faith community, reads as follows:

As a church committed to inclusion, we affirm Christ’s call to love God with all that we are, and love our neighbors as ourselves; to invite, receive, and value all people regardless of gender, race, age, culture, ethnic background, sexual orientation, economic circumstance, family configuration, and difference in ability.

All who seek to affirm the love of Christ in their lives are welcomed to participate in this community and share fully in its life and ministry.  In response to the grace which Christ has given us, we glorify God, we commit ourselves to growth in the Spirit, and we rejoice in the worth, gifts, and dignity of every person as a child of God.

For more information regarding what it means to be an “Open & Affirming” congregation, follow this link:  http://org/lgbt/ona.html.

All the People!

Still wanting more?  Check out the embedded YouTube videos below!  Simply click on one of the links!