Making a Statement of Faith

“There is one God, self-existent and eternal, infinitely perfect, the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all things.” That description of the nature of God opens the Answers in Genesis (AiG) Statement of Faith, a vital document for preserving the biblical integrity of our ministry. But our belief about the nature of God is only the beginning.

In 2021, AiG’s Oversight Council spent hundreds of hours working through the ministry’s existing statement of faith to reinforce each tenet in light of the rampant biblical compromise plaguing the church. As a council member, I saw firsthand the challenge and importance of evaluating and confirming our beliefs. Without knowing what we believe, our ministry is susceptible to mission drift.

A statement of faith succinctly distills core spiritual beliefs into a series of affirmative statements. These statements are nearly as old as the church itself. Founding church fathers referred to them as creeds. In fact, you might recite the Apostles’ Creed or the Nicene Creed in your church services.

At the very least, a statement of faith includes your beliefs about the nature of God, man, the Scriptures, the church, and salvation. Often each individual statement is supported by a list of biblical references tracing those beliefs back to their foundation: God’s Word.

While most churches, Christian colleges, and Christian ministries have a list of beliefs, they aren’t the only ones who should craft a careful and thoughtful statement of faith. Individual Christians and families should too.

Why a Personal Statement of Faith?

According to the 2022 State of Theology survey by Ligonier Ministries, 59% of those with “evangelical beliefs” agree that “the Holy Spirit is a force but is not a personal being,” 57% accept that “Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God,” and 66% affirm that “everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.”

None of the above beliefs come from God’s Word, yet nearly half of evangelicals either “strongly” or at least “somewhat” accept all three. This research indicates that many believers don’t know what they believe or where those beliefs come from. This theological illiteracy exists partly because most Christians have never taken time to ask themselves, “What do I actually believe, and why do I believe it?” Writing a statement of faith forces you to think deeply about what you believe and whether those beliefs are actually supported by Scripture.

Far from a mere academic study, a statement of faith has a functional purpose: to give us assurance of what God’s Word instructs on important issues. Your child comes home from school and asks why a classmate has two dads. A coworker brings up the latest news report about racial inequality. A neighbor expresses unbelief in God because of suffering she has experienced. When a grandparent dies, your child asks why death exists. A zoo sign proclaims that a creature evolved millions of years ago. A Sunday school teacher casually references the gap of time between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. A preacher claims God told him something that contradicts Scripture. Do you have a biblical answer for what you believe in these situations? A statement of faith can help solidify your responses.

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)

What Should I Include?

As followers of Christ, Christians shouldn’t just drift through life, accumulating beliefs by osmosis from social media, Hollywood, or a favorite podcast. We must “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5), intentionally forming our beliefs according to God’s Word so we can speak, act, and live as God desires. After all, your beliefs drive your speech, your actions, and even your emotions (e.g., Matthew 12:34).

Making a Statement

Deciding what to include in your statement of faith will likely be an extensive process—after all, it takes time to distill your core beliefs and support them thoroughly with Scripture. But this work will be rewarding as you discern how to “rightly [handle] the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) and become better equipped to “make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).

By God’s grace, the diligence the Oversight Council put into refining AiG’s detailed statement of faith will keep Answers in Genesis on track to avoid compromise and to stand boldly on God’s Word beginning in Genesis. And the same can be true for you and your family as you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).