Statement of Faith

Like all Christians, we affirm the ancient Apostles’ Creed. As part of Apostolsk Kirke i Danmark, we also adhere to the statement of faith that defines the Apostolic Church’s theological foundation and includes the following comments on the Creed.

The Apostles’ Creed

We believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

We believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried, descended to the realm of the dead, on the third day rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from where He will come to judge the living and the dead.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, one holy universal Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life. Amen.

Apostolsk Kirke i Danmark’s Statement of Faith

We understand our name “Apostolic” according to its classical meaning: a) founded on the teaching of the apostles, b) a desire to be in accordance with the early Christian church as described in the New Testament, and c) recognition of the missional nature and calling of the church – as one that is sent.
We affirm the Trinitarian articles of faith concerning God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. We believe that the understanding of the Holy Spirit and the church has gained renewed and significant substance through both the Pentecostal and charismatic renewals. We believe that the active use of spiritual gifts and ministries in the life of the church are central expressions of apostolic church life.
We believe that the purpose of being the church is expressed in the words “to love God and love our neighbour.” The purpose of the church is therefore both directed towards God and towards the world.
We believe that the four characteristics that describe the nature of the church (as expressed in the Nicene Creed: one, holy, catholic and apostolic) are also tasks that the church, as God’s instrument, has in the world: to promote unity and reconciliation, to be available to God in service and worship, to include people of all races, languages and social backgrounds, and to proclaim the message of God’s love and salvation in Jesus Christ through practical mission.
We believe that the whole Bible is inspired by God. It reveals His nature and His relationship with humanity. We hold a classical view of Scripture and believe that Scripture, as the highest authority, is a guiding principle for teaching and guidance in the church and in everyday life. (The Lausanne Covenant).
We believe that baptism presupposes a confession of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
We believe that God has appointed a variety of ministries in the church to equip and build up the saints, so that everyone can serve according to their spiritual gifts and calling (1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11–16, Romans 12).
We believe that a church should be led by a plurality of ministries, represented as broadly as possible, and that it should be under apostolic oversight from ministry leaders outside the local church. The basic qualifications for leadership and ministry are described in Scripture in its teaching on “elders and deacons” (Timothy and Titus).
We seek to ensure that an accredited pastor of a local church has one or more ministry gifts.

Our Foundational Beliefs About Church

At HAVEN, we also build on five foundational beliefs about church that we find in the New Testament. There are many ways to be a church, but we consider these five to be central, foundational and defining for us as a local church.

Church is about Jesus: (Ephesians 4:15–16)

Jesus is the Lord of the church, and our goal is to grow to become more like Him in every way. Jesus is at the centre of God’s plan of salvation.

He is the beginning, the end, and everything in between. The church is the hands and feet of Jesus and must be a tangible expression of His grace and love.

The church itself does not transform people; it is an encounter with Jesus that transforms lives.

The Great Commission: (Matthew 28:18–20)

Jesus commanded us to go out. We have been given a mission, and the church is not only for Christians but also for those who do not yet know Jesus. Paul describes the church as a body in which everyone has a function and a role to play.

A New Commandment: (John 13:34–35)

Jesus commanded us to love one another. The church is a place where we can find rest and acceptance. The New Testament describes the church as a temple built from living stones, joined together in love.

Church is about relationships: (Matthew 22:37–39)

Here, we grow in our relationship with the triune God.

Here, we build meaningful relationships with others.

Here, we discover our own value and who God has created us to be.

It is a lifelong journey that the Bible calls discipleship, and the church is the community that provides the best conditions for growth in all three relationships.

The Church is sent: (Acts 1:8)

To Jerusalem, our city: The church is local and should love its city and take responsibility for it.

To Judea, our country: The church extends beyond the local community and should be a resource church, ready to plant and send.

To Samaria: The church is cross-cultural and should build bridges to other cultures and languages.

To the ends of the earth: The church is international and should have a vision for countries around the world, wherever God leads.

The Church Has Ministries: (Ephesians 4:11–13)

The church should encourage and recognise all five different ministries, which we see as vital for developing health in the life and expression of the church:

Apostolic: Being on the move and breaking new ground and new boundaries.

Prophetic: Understanding what God is doing in our time.

Evangelistic: Reaching out to others and believing in the power of the gospel to save.

Pastoral: Having a deep heart for each individual.

Theological: Having a love for God’s Word and being willing to stand up for the truth.

Part of Something Greater

We believe in the importance and health that comes from being connected to something greater than ourselves. Here you can find information about two of the networks we are connected to and, in different ways, are also committed to.

Apostolsk Kirke Danmark

HAVEN is part of Apostolsk Kirke i Danmark. The Apostolic network consists of around 33 churches, three continuation schools, and a folk high school across Denmark. Apostolsk Kirke is one of many free church movements. The church has its historical roots in Wales and came to Denmark at the beginning of the 20th century. Apostolsk Kirke i Danmark is a recognised religious community.

FrikirkeNet

We are also part of FrikirkeNet, a network of more than 100 free churches, organisations and institutions, including Baptistkirken, Apostolsk Kirke, Missionsforbundet, Mosaik (formerly the Pentecostal Churches), Vineyard, Hillsong and independent free churches. FrikirkeNet runs and facilitates, among other things, a shared press service and an annual leadership conference.