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First, and most important, our identity is in Jesus Christ, the one who redeemed us from the power of Satan and adopted us into His Kingdom! We consider this a high honor and privilege.
Having stated that our primary identity is in Christ, we also acknowledge the multiplicity of denominations and movements that individuals and congregations identify with around the world. One such movement that has made its mark in history is the Anabaptists, which began in the early part of the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation. The Anabaptists took a radical stand for visible New Testament Christianity in the face of a religious system that did not fully demonstrate the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They were a fellowship of believers who, by divine call and conviction, took a firm stand for sound Biblical doctrine and principles, and became a fresh aroma of Christ in a society dominated by formal religion.
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What are some basic Anabaptist core values?*
A vision for a church that is built on Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11)
Believers baptism in contrast to infant baptism (Matthew 28:19)
Authority of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16)
Primacy of the New Testament, fulfilling the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17 and 21-22, 27-28; etc.)
A strong commitment to evangelism (Acts 1:8)
Discipleship in daily living (Matthew 16:24-25)
The church is called to function in a godly manner without governmental interference (Acts 4:18-19)
Rejection of all violence while pursuing godly love and peacemaking toward all enemies (Romans 12:14-21)
A willingness to suffer in the face of persecution (1 Peter 1:6-7)
The priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5-9)
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While there are many denominations and Christian movements that are seeking to hold a Biblical standard, our fellowship of churches will primarily identify with Evangelical Anabaptist networks that desire to hold to the New Testament core values as expressed above and in the HFC governing documents. Once again, in our own society that is plagued by compromising religion and Christianity, we will seek to be a vibrant expression of Christ's body, manifesting to the world in an uncompromising way the beauty, grace and power of God's Kingdom! To God be the glory!
Having stated our primary identity with Christ, and our secondary identity with faithful Anabaptist networks, we also will value relationships with all who seek to bring honor to Jesus as the only way of salvation, and demonstrate respect for the living Word of God (Revelation 7:9-10)!
*While we hold these basic core values as an organization, we realize that application of these values will vary from congregation to congregation.
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