Our Quaker Testimonies

Quakers are non-creedal with roots in the peace-church traditions--meaning Quakers do not have a formalized set of beliefs that all members must attest. Quakers believe that we live into the guidance and leading of God. The diversity of Quakers' beliefs are widespread but they generally include the Quaker Testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship.

Simplicity

God has called us to live in harmony with His world and we are not to hoard possessions or abuse God’s creation. Friends choose not to be possessed by our concern for possessions, but seek to be content with eternal rewards rather than the riches of this world. We utterly reject the currently popular "prosperity doctrine" which claims that God's desire is for our material prosperity. It is the understanding of Friends that the possession of great wealth and worldly power are corrupting influences which turn our hearts from the Lord.

Peace

Jesus taught us to love our enemies and to not repay violence with violence, but to respond to those who abuse us with compassion, forgiveness, and love. War is generally the result of a struggle for earthly power or possessions, and is contrary to the Spirit of Christ, so Friends have historically been a "peace church,"rejecting outward fighting and participation in war. We believe that peace-making is the calling of the church, both individually and corporately,and that Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, calls us to live at peace and in harmony with our neighbors and one another.

Integrity

Christ has called us to simple and consistent honesty, letting our "yes, be yes and our no, be no." Honesty in speech, in business practices, and in our relationships with one another are all part of this distinctive testimony of Friends.

Community

Believing that community is an integral part of the Christian experience, Friends seek to function in harmony and reject the divisiveness that can result from a majority imposing its will on a minority. Instead we operate by seeking a consensus in our understanding and discernment of God's direction. We share with one another as needs arise, and are committed to building relationships with one another as we grow together in our walk with God.

Equality

Friends have historically been active in promoting social justice in solidarity with oppressed peoples. Acts of compassion, social service, and a merciful attitude characterize this aspect of Friends' ministry. Force and violence are rejected as contrary to the Spirit of Christ and ultimately ineffective as they lead to more violence.

Jesus said "Blessed are the merciful," and challenges us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who despitefully use us. This is certainly one of the most challenging of Jesus commands, but Friends take it seriously.

We do not believe that we are exempted from following Jesus' teaching and example on the basis of difficulty. Instead, Friends seek to turn the other cheek and reject the path of force and violence as we follow the Prince of Peace.

Stewardship

Friends throughout history have been in the forefront when it comes to providing ministries of social service and disaster relief. Compassionate service grows out of the love and mercy which are characteristic of Friends.

The Statement of Purpose of Lost Creek Friends Church

We seek to glorify God by:

Worship: Encouraging and strengthening our individual friendship with God through participation in Spirit-led worship experiences that allow us to express our love for God and for one another.

Ministry: Ministering to individuals in our community by identifying and meeting their specific needs. Ministering to society by scripturally and spiritually seeking God’s will by standing for what is good and against what is evil.

Evangelism: Living lives that are a witness to our friendship with God and seeking to share that relationship with those who have not yet experienced a relationship with the Living Christ.

Fellowship: Building open and honest relationships with each other that strengthen us in our walk with Christ and encourage the discovery and expression of our spiritual gifts by which we minister to one another.

Discipleship: Growing and nurturing believers in Christ, instructing them that they may live lives that are a witness to His love.

This statement was developed corporately in a Meeting for Worship at Lost Creek.