personal statement of christian faith for job application examples

Faith Statement For Job Application

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What is a good statement of faith, what is a statement of faith example, how do you write a statement of faith.

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What is a Faith Statement and How Do You Write One? (with Examples)

What is a faith statement and how do you write one? This resource offers guidance from Lord’s Library editors and Christian thought leaders.

If you found this resource then you are probably looking to have the following question answered: “What is a faith statement?” You might also be trying to be find thoughtful advice on how to write a statement of faith. Christians write faith statements for confirmation, job applications, entrance into a church ministry, and Christian college and university applications.

This article will highlight the process for writing a good faith statement through various statement of faith examples, as well as advice from Christians with experience on the topic. It will also include faith statement outlines so you know what a statement of faith should include.

The motivation for creating this resource came after our launch of Lord’s Library last year. As a Christian media startup with a clear mission , we knew we had to construct a professional faith statement that our readers could reference. Our creation would also act as the personal statement of faith of our founders, making it a daunting task.

This article offers everything one needs to know when asking “what is a faith statement?” or when looking for a template on how to write a statement of faith.

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What is a faith statement.

A statement of faith is a description of spiritual belief as it pertains to an individual or community organization, structured by summarizing core tenets. Faith statements commonly include a description of belief on various Christian topics, including the nature of God, the Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Bible, creation, salvation , revelation, the role of the Church, denominational association , and how those beliefs are relevant to an individual’s personal mission, a ministry, or organization.

A statement of faith is not dissimilar to a creed, which is a confession of faith or a symbol representing it. The earliest known creed in Christianity was written by Paul the Apostle and states “ Jesus is Lord. “

Personal vs. Professional Faith Statements; What’s the Difference?

It may be a surprise to learn that no standard format exists for how to write a statement of faith, and they can be as unique as the individual or community organization writing them. A personal faith statement is akin to a creed while a professional statement of faith could be comparable to a Christian-centric mission statement. There are many organizations though, like Lord’s Library, that choose to align their professional faith statements with the personally-held beliefs of their founders.

One might write a personal statement of faith for confirmation , which is sometimes required as a prerequisite for youths to attain membership in a church. Young adults are commonly tasked with writing a faith statement as part of the application process to a Christian college or university along with a personal essay. Or maybe you’re an outspoken Christian with a personal blog and you want your readers to know where you stand on key ecumenical issues. However, one should be guarded not to write a statement of faith for the sole purpose of showing Biblical knowledge.

A professional statement of faith follows along this same path, but is often written for a business purpose or for acceptance into a community organization or church ministry. You might also want to write a professional faith statement if you’re starting your own Christian ministry or commercial project, like we are doing here at Lord’s Library. Our guess is that this is growing increasingly more common due to the pandemic and digital transformation that has come as a result of it.

Christian companies may require a statement of faith for their records and as part of the application process which shows you agree with their overall mission. The same might be true for installation as a church officer such as elders or deacons. In one good example we found in our research, a church may require members to be in general agreement on doctrine while understanding that different people may word things differently.

Personal and professional faith statements can differ depending on the writer and the purpose, but the goal should remain largely the same.

How to Write a Statement of Faith: Key Elements to Include

It can be a difficult process to put your personally held spiritual beliefs onto paper for multiple reasons. First, you may be worried about shutting others out who don’t have the same set of values. You might also be concerned with forgetting a key point. However, learning how to write a statement of faith can be an excellent exercise, both because it makes you contemplate deeply what you believe, and because it’s an ideal way to start communicating the faith with others.

We recommend beginning the process in prayer, asking The Lord for spiritual guidance on how best to communicate your declaration. Then you can begin to script your faith statement by starting with an outline of key elements that will act as a foundation of belief. And since the goal of a statement of faith is to communicate spiritual belief, Scripture ought to be used whenever possible. Next, begin adding supporting Scriptures to your faith statement outline to build it out.

A statement of faith can feature one all-encompassing paragraph that covers theological basics. Some may choose to devote an entire paragraph to each theological section, while others might combine some and highlight others specifically for added effect on a particular point. There are also faith statements which present as simple bullet point lists. The format isn’t important. Rather, the sequence and organization of the topics will make the statement distinct and personal.

To help you build out an outline, we listed below a number of key elements to consider including in your personal statement of faith.

• The nature of God the Father
• The nature of Jesus Christ
• The Holy Spirit
• The Trinity
• Inerrancy of Scripture and the Bible
• Role of the Church
• Revelation (or eschatology)
• Sin (or good and evil)
• Heaven and Hell
• Human nature
• Your mission (as it pertains to the above)

These are the most common examples we discovered during our research and analysis of various faith statements from across the web. You may choose to add additional topics to this framework.

Statement of Faith Examples and Advice to Consider

Below we link out to several statement of faith examples from different Christian doctrines to help save you time:

• Association of Classical Christian Schools
• First Baptist Atlanta (Georgia)
• Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ
• American Anglican Council
• Presbyterian Mission

We also thought it would be helpful to include tidbits of advice from other Christians who may have written their own faith statements in the past. So we took to LinkedIn and polled those in some of the most popular Christian user groups . The hope is that the advice they offered can be of some assistance as you begin your own writing process:

• “ Recognizing that you are probably writing your statement for a reason, I would hope the reason does not color your language. That is, don’t say what you want others to hear, rather write what you have come to believe .” – Paul Mannes, Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies at Washington University of Virginia in Theology for Today
• “ The statement must be Christ centered .” – Anthony Luckett, Pastor of Saint Paul Church in Milwaukee, WI in Bivocational Ministry
• “ Be truthful and fearless. Tell what you truly experienced with God through His Son by the way His given Holy Spirit .” – Vicki Gann, Founder of Love4Love Ministry in Assemblies of God Ministers
• “ If going it alone, a statement of faith should be built on a strong foundation and understanding of scripture with clearly articulated doctrinal points and a liberal use of Biblical citations .” – Lonnie Williams, Pastoral Counselor at Bethel Christian Church in Warren, MI in Inside Pastoral Care & Counseling

Are you currently writing your own statement of faith? Have tips, tricks, or techniques to share? Let us know !

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Timothy Andrew

Tim is the Founder of Lord's Library. He believes the Bible commands us to minister "as of the ability which God giveth" (1 Peter 4:11). Tim aspires to be as The Lord's mouth by "taking forth the precious from the vile" (Jeremiah 15:19) and witnessing The Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) to the whole world.

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How to Write a Statement of Christian Faith: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to write a statement of Christian faith. Crafting a statement of faith is an essential process that helps Christians to define their beliefs and values, and it’s a critical component in many church traditions . Whether you’re writing a statement of faith for yourself or your congregation, our guide will help you through the process step-by-step.

In this guide, we’ll cover the importance of writing a statement of faith, steps to follow in writing one, tips for crafting an engaging statement, common mistakes to avoid, examples of effective statements, and frequently asked questions about the process.

So, whether you’re a new Christian, a long-time believer, or a pastor leading your congregation through the process, keep reading to learn everything you need to know to write a powerful and meaningful statement of Christian faith.

Table of Contents

Importance of Writing a Statement of Christian Faith

Writing a statement of Christian faith is an essential part of many Christian traditions. A statement of faith outlines your beliefs and values, and it can serve as a powerful tool for personal reflection and growth. It can also be a means of connecting with others who share similar beliefs and values.

For some, writing a statement of faith can be a deeply personal and transformative experience. It forces individuals to contemplate their relationship with God and to articulate their understanding of God’s place in their life. For others, it can be a means of publicly proclaiming their faith and sharing it with others in their community.

Furthermore, a statement of faith can serve as a guide for making important life decisions. By putting into words what you believe and value, you can use your statement of faith as a reference point for staying true to your beliefs in all aspects of your life.

For those in leadership positions in the church or Christian organizations, a statement of faith can be particularly important. It can help to establish a shared understanding of the organization’s values and beliefs and ensure that all members are aligned with the same mission and purpose.

In summary, writing a statement of Christian faith is an important process for individuals and communities alike. It can help to deepen personal faith, connect with others, and provide guidance for important life decisions.

The Significance of Articulating Your Beliefs

Articulating your beliefs in a statement of Christian faith is a crucial step in the life of any Christian. It is a personal declaration of your faith that serves as a roadmap for your spiritual journey. Through your statement, you can reflect on your faith, clarify your beliefs, and create a foundation for your actions and decisions.

Writing your statement of faith can help you to understand your beliefs better and bring them into focus. It allows you to reflect on your personal experiences and the teachings of the Bible, which helps you to articulate what you believe and why you believe it. In turn, this can help you to live a more purposeful life as a Christian.

Articulating your beliefs can also be a way to strengthen your relationship with God. By expressing your faith in writing, you can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of God and His plan for your life. This can lead to a more profound and meaningful connection with Him.

• Clarify your beliefs and values
• Strengthen your relationship with God
• Live a more purposeful life

As you write your statement of Christian faith, remember that it is a personal reflection of your beliefs. It is a way to honor God and the unique way He has worked in your life. In the following sections, we will discuss the steps you can take to craft a statement of faith that is authentic, meaningful, and true to who you are as a Christian.

The Role of a Statement of Christian Faith in Personal and Community Settings

A statement of Christian faith serves as a personal declaration of one’s beliefs and values. It helps individuals identify and articulate what they believe, and why they believe it, serving as a foundation for their spiritual journey.

In community settings, a statement of Christian faith can promote unity and understanding among members. It can help to clarify the beliefs and values that a community shares and guide them in decision-making and action.

A statement of Christian faith can also serve as a tool for evangelism, providing an opportunity to share one’s beliefs with others and explain the gospel message in a clear and concise manner.

Furthermore, a statement of Christian faith can be a source of comfort and inspiration during difficult times, reminding individuals of the hope and promises that their faith provides.

In summary, a statement of Christian faith plays an essential role in both personal and community settings, providing a foundation for one’s beliefs and values and promoting unity and understanding among members.

Benefits of Having a Well-Crafted Statement of Christian Faith

A well-crafted Statement of Christian Faith can have significant benefits for individuals and communities alike. Below are three ways in which having a clear and thoughtfully written statement can be beneficial:

• Provides a foundation for personal beliefs: Crafting a statement of faith can help individuals clarify their beliefs and provide a foundation for their personal faith journey.
• Strengthens community connections: A shared statement of faith can bring together a community of believers and create a sense of unity.
• Communicates values to outsiders: A well-written statement of faith can help outsiders understand the beliefs and values of a particular community or denomination.

By crafting a well-written Statement of Christian Faith, individuals and communities can reap the benefits of a clear and articulate declaration of their beliefs and values.

Steps to Follow in Writing a Statement of Christian Faith

Step 1: Reflect on your beliefs. Spend some time reflecting on your faith and what it means to you. Think about what values and principles you hold dear and how they have impacted your life.

Step 2: Consider your audience. Think about who will be reading your statement of faith. Will it be a personal document or something you share with a larger community? This will help you tailor your writing to the appropriate audience.

Step 3: Write a draft. Start writing down your thoughts and beliefs in a rough draft. Don’t worry about making it perfect at this stage – just get your ideas down on paper.

Step 4: Edit and refine. Once you have a draft, go back through and edit your writing. Refine your language, clarify your points, and ensure that your statement is concise and well-organized.

Reflecting on Your Beliefs and Experiences

Before beginning to write your statement of Christian faith, it is important to take time to reflect on your personal beliefs and experiences. Take some time to consider the things you value most about your faith and the moments that have impacted your spiritual journey.

Reflecting on your beliefs and experiences can help you identify key themes and ideas that you want to include in your statement. It can also help you to articulate your beliefs in a clear and meaningful way.

Consider writing down your thoughts and reflections in a journal or notebook. This can be a helpful exercise as you begin to organize your thoughts and ideas for your statement.

Remember that your statement of Christian faith is a personal reflection of your beliefs and experiences. Take time to prayerfully consider what you want to include and how you want to communicate your faith to others.

Identifying Key Themes and Values

Once you have reflected on your beliefs and experiences, the next step is to identify key themes and values that you want to articulate in your statement of faith. Consider the following:

• Biblical principles: What principles and teachings from the Bible are most important to you?
• Personal values: What personal values guide your life and your faith?
• Theology: What theological beliefs are most significant to you?

As you consider these questions, try to identify specific examples or experiences that illustrate these themes and values. This can help to make your statement of faith more concrete and personal.

Tips for Crafting an Engaging Statement of Christian Faith

Be clear and concise: Your statement should be easy to understand and communicate your beliefs in a straightforward manner. Avoid using complex language or jargon.

Use personal anecdotes: Share personal stories and experiences to illustrate your beliefs and make your statement more relatable.

Consider your audience: Think about who will be reading your statement and tailor it to their needs and interests. Make it relevant and engaging to them.

Use scripture and quotes: Incorporate relevant scripture passages and quotes from Christian leaders to support your beliefs and add depth to your statement.

Revise and edit: Take time to review and refine your statement. Ask for feedback from others and make necessary revisions to ensure it is well-crafted and effective.

Using Personal Stories and Examples to Illustrate Your Beliefs

One effective way to craft an engaging statement of Christian faith is to use personal stories and examples to illustrate your beliefs. Personal stories allow others to see how your faith has impacted your life and provide context for your beliefs. For example, you could share a story about how a particular Bible verse helped you through a difficult time.

Another way to illustrate your beliefs is to use examples from your life or the lives of others. For instance, you could describe a time when you saw God at work in the world or share how a friend’s faith inspired you. These examples help bring your beliefs to life and make them more relatable.

When sharing personal stories and examples, it’s important to be vulnerable and honest. Don’t be afraid to share moments of doubt or struggle, as these can make your faith journey more compelling. Additionally, try to use language that is inclusive and inviting, so that people from all walks of life can relate to your beliefs.

Remember, the goal of sharing personal stories and examples is not to boast or impress others, but to inspire and connect with them on a deeper level. By using these tools, you can craft a statement of Christian faith that is engaging, authentic, and meaningful to others.

Writing in a Clear and Concise Manner

One of the most important aspects of crafting a statement of Christian faith is to communicate your beliefs in a clear and concise manner. Clarity ensures that your message is easily understood, while conciseness ensures that it is not unnecessarily long-winded or repetitive.

To achieve clarity, use simple and straightforward language, avoid overly technical terms, and provide sufficient context for your beliefs. Avoid using jargon or phrases that may be misunderstood by those outside your faith community. Similarly, avoid repeating the same ideas or beliefs in multiple ways, as this can lead to confusion and detract from the impact of your message.

Conciseness is achieved by focusing on the most important aspects of your beliefs, and avoiding unnecessary details or tangents. It is also important to be mindful of the length of your statement, as overly long statements can be overwhelming for readers and may detract from the impact of your message. Consider using bullet points or subheadings to break up your text and make it more easily digestible.

In summary, writing in a clear and concise manner is essential to crafting an engaging statement of Christian faith. By focusing on the most important aspects of your beliefs and communicating them in a simple and straightforward manner, you can ensure that your message is easily understood and impactful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Statement of Christian Faith

Lack of clarity: It’s important to ensure that your statement is clear and easy to understand. Avoid using overly technical language or abstract concepts that may confuse readers.

Focusing on theology at the expense of personal experience: While theology is an important aspect of any statement of faith, it’s equally important to include personal stories and experiences that illustrate how your faith has impacted your life.

Ignoring the audience: When crafting your statement, it’s important to consider your audience. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with those who will be reading your statement.

Focusing Too Much on Technical Language and Jargon

One common mistake that people make when writing a statement of Christian faith is focusing too much on technical language and jargon. While it is important to be precise and clear in your language, using too much technical terminology can make your statement difficult for others to understand.

Remember that your statement of faith is meant to communicate your beliefs to others, not impress them with your knowledge of theology. Using plain language and avoiding technical jargon can help you to connect with a wider audience and ensure that your message is understood by all who read it.

If you feel that technical language is necessary to express a particular idea or concept, take the time to define the term and explain it in simpler terms. This will help ensure that your message is clear and accessible to everyone who reads your statement.

Not Being Authentic in Your Writing

Authenticity is key when it comes to writing a statement of Christian faith. Avoid copying what others have written or trying to sound overly impressive. Speak from your heart, and write in your own voice. Your statement should reflect your unique experiences, beliefs, and values.

Avoiding Vulnerability can also prevent authenticity in your writing. Don’t be afraid to share personal stories and experiences that have shaped your faith. Vulnerability can help connect you to your readers and make your statement more impactful.

Focusing Too Much on Perfection can also hinder authenticity. Remember that your statement does not have to be perfect, nor does it have to be a comprehensive summary of your entire faith journey. Focus on expressing your beliefs and values in an honest and authentic way.

Examples of Effective Statements of Christian Faith

Example 1: “I believe in the one true God who created the universe and all that is within it. I believe in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead, and in the Holy Spirit, who guides me in my daily life. I seek to live out my faith through acts of love, mercy, and justice, and to share the message of God’s grace with others.”

Example 2: “My faith is rooted in the belief that God is love, and that all people are created in God’s image and are deserving of dignity and respect. I strive to live out this belief by seeking justice for marginalized communities and by loving my neighbor as myself. I find strength and guidance in prayer, scripture, and community.”

Example 3: “As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe in the power of forgiveness and redemption. I seek to live a life of humility and service, following Christ’s example of selflessness and sacrifice. I am committed to loving God with all my heart, soul, and mind, and to loving my neighbor as myself.”

Example 4: “My faith is grounded in the belief that God is present in all aspects of creation, and that all people are called to be co-creators with God in building a more just and compassionate world. I am inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and seek to follow his example of love, compassion, and service.”

Example 5: “I believe in the transforming power of God’s love and grace. I seek to live out this belief by loving and serving others, and by working towards a world where all people are valued and respected. I find strength and guidance in prayer, scripture, and community, and strive to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.”

Statement of Faith Example: Personal Testimony and Values

As a follower of Jesus Christ, my faith is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and values. One of the most significant experiences in my faith journey was when I realized my need for a savior and accepted Jesus Christ into my life.

My core values are based on the teachings of Christ, such as love, forgiveness, and service to others. I believe that God created each of us with a unique purpose, and it is our responsibility to discover and fulfill that purpose with the gifts and talents He has given us.

Through my faith, I have learned the importance of seeking God’s will and living a life that honors Him. I strive to reflect His love and grace to others, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of a community of believers who support and encourage each other in our journey of faith.

Statement of Faith Example: Community Outreach and Social Justice

Community: As a Christian, I believe in the importance of building a strong and supportive community. I believe in the power of coming together to lift each other up and make a positive impact in our world.

Outreach: I am passionate about outreach and serving others, especially those who are marginalized and oppressed. I believe that as followers of Christ, it is our duty to serve and love our neighbors in practical ways.

Social Justice: I believe that social justice is an essential part of living out my faith. I am committed to working towards a more just and equitable society, and I believe that this work is central to the message of the gospel.

Statement of Faith Example: Theological Beliefs and Doctrines

As a Christian, I believe in the trinity , which means that there is one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I believe in the infallibility of the Bible as the Word of God, which teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. I believe in the resurrection of the dead and eternal life for those who put their trust in Christ.

My faith is founded on the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only way to salvation. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again on the third day. I believe that through faith in Him, we can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God.

I also believe in the importance of living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. This includes loving our neighbors as ourselves, serving others, and sharing the good news of the gospel. I believe that the Holy Spirit enables us to live a life that is pleasing to God and empowers us to do His will.

Frequently Asked Questions About Writing a Statement of Christian Faith

What is a statement of Christian faith?

A statement of Christian faith is a personal or communal declaration of beliefs, values, and experiences that shape an individual or a community’s understanding of Christianity and their relationship with God.

Who should write a statement of Christian faith?

Anyone who identifies as a Christian and wants to articulate their beliefs and experiences can write a statement of Christian faith. It can be written by individuals, families, or communities of faith.

How long should a statement of Christian faith be?

There is no set length for a statement of Christian faith. It can be a few sentences or several pages long. The length depends on the writer’s goals, audience, and personal or communal experiences.

What are some tips for writing an effective statement of Christian faith?

Some tips for writing an effective statement of Christian faith include focusing on personal experiences, using clear and concise language, avoiding technical jargon, being authentic, and seeking feedback from others.

How can a statement of Christian faith be used?

A statement of Christian faith can be used for personal reflection and growth, as a tool for sharing one’s beliefs and values with others, as a way to connect with a community of faith, or as a means of discerning one’s call to ministry.

What Should I Include in My Statement of Christian Faith?

When crafting your statement of Christian faith, it is important to include your personal beliefs and experiences that have shaped your faith. This can include your understanding of the Bible, the teachings of Jesus, and the role of the church in your life.

You may also want to include any spiritual practices that are important to you, such as prayer, meditation, or participating in religious ceremonies or rituals. It can also be helpful to articulate your beliefs about the afterlife and your understanding of salvation.

Ultimately, your statement of Christian faith should reflect your unique relationship with God and your understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Don’t be afraid to be honest and vulnerable about your struggles and doubts, as well as your joys and blessings.

How Long Should My Statement of Christian Faith Be?

The length of your statement of Christian faith can vary, but it is generally recommended to keep it concise and focused. It should be long enough to express your beliefs and values clearly, but not so long that it becomes tedious or overwhelming to read.

Most statements of faith are between 500 and 1000 words, but some may be shorter or longer depending on the individual and the purpose of the statement. If you are writing a statement of faith for a specific purpose, such as for a job application or ministry opportunity, be sure to follow any guidelines or requirements provided by the organization.

Remember, the most important thing is not the length of your statement, but the authenticity and clarity of your beliefs. Focus on expressing your faith in a way that is meaningful and impactful to yourself and others.

Do I Need to Consult with a Pastor or Theologian Before Writing My Statement of Christian Faith?

While it is not necessary to consult with a pastor or theologian before writing your statement of Christian faith, it can be helpful to do so. They can provide guidance and feedback to ensure that your statement accurately reflects your beliefs and aligns with the teachings of Christianity.

Consulting with a pastor or theologian can also help you gain a deeper understanding of the theological concepts and doctrines that are central to your faith. This can lead to a stronger and more coherent statement that effectively conveys your beliefs to others.

Ultimately, the decision to consult with a pastor or theologian is up to you. If you feel confident in your ability to write a strong statement on your own, then you may not feel the need to seek outside help. However, if you have any doubts or concerns, it may be worthwhile to reach out to a trusted spiritual advisor for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to write a statement of christian faith.

Writing a statement of Christian faith is an important way to clarify your own beliefs and share them with others. It can also help you to articulate your values and convictions, and to identify areas where you may need further growth or study.

Some tips for writing an effective statement of Christian faith include: being authentic and honest about your beliefs and experiences, using clear and accessible language, focusing on the most important aspects of your faith, and seeking feedback and guidance from others.

There is no set length for a statement of Christian faith, but it should be long enough to clearly articulate your beliefs and values. It’s generally a good idea to keep it concise and focused, avoiding unnecessary technical language or extraneous details.

Do I need to have a deep understanding of theology to write a statement of Christian faith?

While a deep understanding of theology can be helpful in writing a statement of Christian faith, it is not necessarily required. What is most important is that you are honest about your beliefs and experiences, and that you use clear and accessible language to communicate your values and convictions.

How can I use my statement of Christian faith in my personal and spiritual life?

Your statement of Christian faith can serve as a guidepost for your personal and spiritual life, reminding you of your core values and beliefs. You can use it as a basis for prayer and reflection, and as a tool for seeking feedback and guidance from others in your community of faith.

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A Guideline About Writing A Statement of Faith

I f you need help in creating or writing a statement of faith, this article is just for you.

Statement of Faith

The Scriptures

You need to be very clear about your beliefs regarding the Scriptures. Although the Holy Bible is the best-selling book in the world and the most quoted text of all time, people often don’t discuss it enough in relation to their own life. This is your opportunity to explain what you believe about the Scriptures and how you relate that to your daily life. It’s your chance to describe how you feel about the Word of God. It’s important to show your knowledge of the Bible since it will translate to every aspect of your post-secondary education experience. To begin with, your statement of faith should be extremely clear about your beliefs. If your personal belief is that the Bible is not the Word of God, you will need to explain the basis for why you believe that, however, if you don’t believe the Bible is the Word of God, you can forget about getting into most Christian colleges or universities. If, on the other hand, you do believe the Bible is the Word of God, the Bible will be a reference for everything that is objectively true in your life, as opposed to what is subjective, and subject to human interpretation. The point is, explaining your belief in the Scriptures provides a logical starting point for your statement of faith.

Beliefs about the Bible

If you need help deciding how to phrase your statement of beliefs, these questions might help.

• What is the Bible? Explain what you believe about the Bible, and be sure to start your sentences with “I believe,” supported by Bible verses affirming your belief.

• In your opinion, how was the Bible written? Do you believe that it was by divine inspiration or just a random collection of writing by men?

• Do you believe that the Bible has flaws or is it infallible and without error?

• Do you believe the Bible has changed over time or has it remained the same over generations?

• In your opinion, why does the Bible still exist today?

When you answer these questions, provide your reasons from Scripture itself. This gives your opinions and beliefs a logical, written foundation, and makes your statement of faith more powerful.

Beliefs about God

In the same way that you’ve explained you beliefs about the Scriptures, you need to explain your beliefs about God, and why you believe what you do. Here are some framing questions that you should think about when writing your statement of faith.

• What are your beliefs about God?

• Do you believe in the Trinity as consisting of God the Father, the Son of God, and God the Holy Spirit?

• Do you believe this Three-in-One Being worked together in the creation?

• Do you believe in creation and that God created the world in six days, or that the world developed differently than explained in Genesis 1? This is also very crucial in explaining in your beliefs about God within your statement of faith.

Beliefs about Jesus Christ

The section of your personal faith statement about Jesus Christ should be centered on your beliefs about Him. For example:

• What are your beliefs about Jesus Christ?

• Is it your belief that Jesus is the Son of God?

• Do you believe that Jesus Christ was physically born of the Virgin Mary, according to the ancient prophecies and New Testament Scriptures?

• Do you believe that Jesus died for our sins, that He was buried, and that He rose on the third day, as outlined in the Scriptures?

• Do you believe that Jesus was the Messiah that was foretold in Old Testament prophecies? Do you believe that He was announced as King of the Jews but was rejected by His own?

• Do you believe that one day every knee will bow to Him and declare Him Lord?

Other Beliefs

• What are your beliefs about the Holy Spirit? What is His purpose?

• Do you believe that all men are sinners or have sinned?

• Do you believe that men were created in the image of God?

• What are your beliefs concerning heaven and hell?

• What do you believe the purpose of the church is?

• What are your personal beliefs on baptism and why?

If you’re unsure how to answer some of the questions, only address the ones you feel certain about and can support by Scripture. This is only a starting point for you. By the end of your university experience, you will have enhanced your understanding about the Bible, God, and Jesus, and at the end of the day, your statement of faith will be a personal statement about your own beliefs. Unless you’re shown from Scripture to be wrong, stand firm on your convictions about the truth’s found in your statement of faith, and most of all, in the Word of God.

Here is some related reading for you: What is the Importance of Biblical Doctrine?

Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ® (ESV ® ), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Tagged as: Beliefs , Statement of Belief , Statement of Beliefs , Statement of Faith

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XO, Christine

My personal statement of faith (what i believe).

Hello, and welcome to my personal statement of faith.

If you’ve been following me for a while or have read any articles about faith, prayer, forgiveness, etc., you might know that my Christian faith is a huge part of who I am.

It’s the compass that guides my life, the anchor that grounds me, and the light that is a lamp unto my feet.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure here

My Personal Faith Statement: What I believe

Now that my blog is over a year old, I felt it was high time to pen down my personal statement of faith.

A Personal statement of faith is a way to share the core of what I believe so that you can get to know me a bit better and have a deeper understanding of where I’m coming from when I write about things like faith, healing, forgiveness, etc.

Writing a personal testimony is also in the works.

My testimony is my personal story of how I encountered God, how you came to believe in Jesus, and how that relationship has impacted and transformed my life.

I’ll be honest with you, sitting down to write my testimony will be quite an undertaking, so it may take a while, but if you are interested in reading it when it’s ready, you can sign up for my newsletter to ensure you don’t miss it.

In the meantime, as promised, here is my statement of faith. If anything piques your curiosity or you’ve got any questions, don’t be shy!— reach out! 🙂

The Big Three: The Father, The Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit

First and foremost, I wholeheartedly believe in the Trinity.

Now, if you’re scratching your head wondering, “What’s that?”, let me break it down. The Trinity is like the ultimate dream team: God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Three distinct persons in one God Head.

This site is like the FAQ of Christianity. They have a straightforward breakdown of the Trinity and many related questions. GotQuestions on the Trinity

God the Father

He’s the Creator of everything. Light from darkness, the oceans, the stars, the animals, and even the tiniest of fireflies.

And as far as human life, God created Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden, and cutting to the chase-He created the entire human race!

He’s like the ultimate artist, and we’re His masterpieces. He loves us human beings so much that He has a unique plan for each of our lives and, ultimately, a plan that each of us can eternally existent (life forever) in His presence.

This song nicely sums up what I believe: This I Believe (The Creed) by Hillsong.

Understanding the Character of God

I like to think of God the Father as the ultimate CEO of the universe. He’s not just running the show; He created the show.

From speaking the world into existence ( Genesis 1:1 ) to laying down timeless guidelines like the Ten Commandments, His word is the real deal.

And while He’s got this unchanging, rock-solid authority (Malachi 3:6), He’s also the final authority of all Revelation 20:12 .

But here’s the twist: even with all that power, He’s super into building a close, loving relationship with us. It’s like having the universe’s top boss, your biggest fan.

Jesus the Son ( My Lord, Jesus Christ)

Ah, my leading man, my Lord Jesus Christ!

He’s the reason I have blessed hope in my heart.

Born of the virgin Mary, He lived a sinless life and taught us about love, forgiveness, faith, humility (to name a few…), and eternal life, assuring us that if we believe in him, we’ll live forever with him. (John 3:16) and then did the most selfless thing ever.

He died for us. He was crucified on a cross and shed his blood for us. All of us.

But wait, there’s more – Jesus Christ didn’t stay dead!

Three days after His physical death (on resurrection day), He rose again, conquered death, and gave us the hope of eternal life for all believers.

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity.

Here’s where it gets personal: for those who believe, the Holy Spirit indwells in their hearts. John 14:16-17

Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the “Comforter” or “Helper”. He said that after he left, the Holy Spirit would come to guide and be with those who believe in Him.

He also described the Holy Spirit as a teacher as the “Spirit of Truth,” and said it would guide true believers into all truth. John 16:13

The Holy Spirit is a dynamic force, ready to guide, teach, and comfort all true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Salvation (Everlasting Life)

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son (Jesus Christ), that whoever believes in Him shall not perish (a spiritual death) but have eternal life.”

You see, we all mess up. We make mistakes, hurt others, and sometimes drift away from God’s path.

But here’s the good news: Jesus Christ came to save us from that. We’re given a fresh start by believing in Him, accepting His love, and inviting Him into our hearts.

It’s like getting a brand-new, clean slate. And the best part? We get to spend eternity with Him!

Becoming a Christian

The Basics : At the heart of Christianity is the belief that The Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who came to Earth, died for our sins, and rose again.

This act offers salvation—a way to be right with God and be with God in Heaven forever.

“Repent” is a fancy word that means turning away from things that don’t align with God’s will in your present life (aka sins) and turning towards God.

Believe in Jesus as Lord

This is the core of it all John 3:16 .

Believing in Jesus as the one true God means trusting He is who He says He is and that His shed blood and sacrifice are enough for your salvation.

You don’t need fancy words. Just chat with God, acknowledge your sin, that you believe and want to follow Him—examples of prayers for salvation.

And that’s it! Welcome to the Kingdom of Heaven!

More Steps Towards a Godly Life

Get Baptized : Many Christians see baptism as an outward sign of an inward change. It’s a symbolic act, showing that you’re leaving your old life behind and starting fresh with God.

Join a Community : Faith is both personal and communal. Find a local church or a group where you can learn, grow in Godly living, and journey with others.

Keep Growing : Dive into the Bible (God’s Word), pray regularly, and learn. Your relationship with God is like any other relationship—it grows and deepens over time.

Related Articles:

• Ways to Start Living a Christian Life
• Prayers to Pray in the New Year
• How to Mediate as a Christian
• How to Practice Spiritual Self-care
• Knowing the Three Persons of God
• Inspirational Bible Verses for Women
• How to Prayer for Adult Children

FAQs: My Statement of Faith

Q: what’s the deal with the trinity.

It’s like the ultimate dream team of Christianity: God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Think of them as three unique expressions of one divine essence. It’s a bit mind-bending, but it’s central to Christian belief.

Q: Why do Christians wear crosses?

The cross symbolizes Jesus’ sacrifice—his death and resurrection. I wear a cross, I’m not rocking a piece of jewelry; I’m expressing my faith and remembering the love and sacrifice Jesus made for my life.

Q: Do I have to go to church to be a Christian?

Being a Christian is about your relationship with God.

While you don’t have to go to church to have that, many find that being part of a community helps them grow in their faith, learn more, and connect with others on a similar journey.

Q: Why do Christians get baptized?

Baptism is like a spiritual rite of passage.

It’s an outward sign of an inward change, symbolizing a fresh start and a new life in Christ. It’s a way of publicly saying, “Hey, I’m on Team Jesus!” You can learn more about being baptized here .

Q: What’s the best bible for beginners?

Jumping into the vast world of the Bible can feel like diving into a pool’s deep end. But if you’re asking for a personal recommendation on where to start, I’d say go for a Study Bible in the NIV (New International Version) translation .

Why? Well, the NIV strikes a nice balance—it’s accessible and easy to understand, especially for those new to the Bible.

Now, the bonus of a Study Bible is all the extra goodies you get. Think helpful notes, explanations, and context right there in the margins.

It’s like having a knowledgeable buddy guiding you through the pages.

And as for where to begin reading? Dive into the Book of John . It’s a beautiful introduction to the life and teachings of Jesus, filled with profound insights and stories that resonate even today. 🙂

Final Thoughts: My Personal Statement of Faith

My personal statement of faith is more than just words on a page.

It’s a heartfelt declaration, a testament to a deeply personal and profoundly transformative journey.

It’s about understanding my identity, not just in the grand tapestry of life, but in God’s plan’s intricate, beautiful design.

When I say I’m in Christ, it’s not just a label or a casual affiliation.

It’s a bond, a connection that’s as deep as the ocean and as vast as the cosmos. And the coolest part? It’s not just about who I am, but whose I am.

I’m not just any daughter; I’m the daughter of the King. Imagine that! It’s a reminder that I’m cherished, valued, and loved beyond measure.

As a Christian, I’m guided by the love of the Father, redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus, and constantly comforted by the whispers of the Holy Spirit.

It’s a journey of discovery, understanding my royal lineage, and stepping into the purpose and promise that comes with being the daughter of the King.

And honestly? It doesn’t get cooler than that!

In His Love,

I’ve been keeping it real since 1963. 🙂 I’m a child of God , a wifey, mama, grandma, full-time creative, domestic engineer, and self-care enthusiast .

I am obsessed with all things makeup and skincare and love getting my hands dirty out in the garden , my art room , or in the kitchen , whipping up something yummy for the fam. I’m always down to chat and love collaborating with other creatives and brands alike!

Feel free to reach out anytime!

Understanding The Importance Of A Christian Statement Of Faith For Job Seekers

• Last updated May 28, 2024
• Difficulty Advanced

• Category Faith

A Christian Statement of Faith for a job is a powerful and compelling document that showcases an individual's deeply held beliefs and values rooted in the Christian faith. This statement goes beyond a traditional resume or cover letter, giving employers a glimpse into the motivation and principles that drive a candidate's work ethic and decision-making. By highlighting personal experiences, biblical teachings, and a commitment to excellence, a Christian Statement of Faith sets job applicants apart, demonstrating their dedication to integrity, service, and the pursuit of God's will in all areas of their professional lives.

What You'll Learn

Importance of a christian statement of faith in job applications.

• How to write a compelling Christian statement of faith for a job?

Examples of Christian statements of faith for different professions

Tips for aligning a christian statement of faith with job requirements.

Many companies and organizations require job applicants to complete a statement of faith as part of their application process. A Christian statement of faith is a declaration of an individual's religious beliefs and principles, particularly in relation to Christianity. While it may seem like an unnecessary requirement for some, having a Christian statement of faith can play an important role in the hiring process for Christian organizations and employers.

Here are some reasons why a Christian statement of faith is important in job applications:

• Compatibility with the organization's mission: Christian organizations often have a specific mission and set of values that guide their work. By requiring a Christian statement of faith, these organizations can ensure that potential employees align with their mission and will actively contribute to their goals. It helps them find individuals who will be committed to the organization's vision and values.
• Collaboration and unity in the workplace: A Christian statement of faith can help foster a sense of unity and collaboration among employees who share the same faith. It provides an opportunity for employees to connect on a deeper level, share common beliefs, and build relationships that extend beyond work. This unity can lead to a more positive and supportive work environment.
• Ensuring ethical behavior and values: Christianity advocates for specific moral and ethical principles. By requiring a Christian statement of faith, employers can ensure that potential employees uphold these values and are committed to living according to Christian principles. This can give employers confidence that their employees will behave ethically, make morally sound decisions, and contribute to a positive work culture.
• Serving as a guide for decision-making: A Christian statement of faith serves as a personal guide for employees in decision-making processes. It helps individuals navigate ethical, moral, and spiritual dilemmas that may arise in the workplace and provides a framework for how to approach these situations. This can lead to employees making decisions that align with the organization's values and mission.
• Protecting religious freedom: In many countries, including the United States, religious freedom is protected by law. Requiring a Christian statement of faith allows Christian organizations to exercise their right to hire individuals who share their religious beliefs and values. It ensures that organizations can maintain a consistent Christian identity and continue to serve their specific religious community.

When writing a Christian statement of faith for a job application, it is important to be honest, specific, and respectful. Clearly articulate your beliefs, highlighting key aspects of Christianity that are important to you. Consider discussing your understanding of salvation, the authority of the Bible, and the role of Jesus Christ in your life. Avoid using overly technical or jargon-filled language, as the statement should be accessible to a wide range of readers.

In summary, a Christian statement of faith is an important requirement in job applications for Christian organizations and employers. It helps ensure compatibility with the organization's mission, fosters unity in the workplace, promotes ethical behavior, serves as a guide for decision-making, and protects religious freedom. When writing a Christian statement of faith, be genuine, specific, and respectful, reflecting your personal beliefs and principles as they relate to Christianity.

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How to write a compelling Christian statement of faith for a job

A Christian statement of faith is a personal declaration of one's beliefs and values as a follower of Jesus Christ. When applying for a job, especially in a faith-based organization, it is important to write a compelling statement of faith that reflects your commitment to Christian principles and your understanding of the mission and values of the organization.

Here are some key points to consider when writing a compelling Christian statement of faith for a job:

• Start with a clear introduction: Begin your statement with a brief introduction stating your name and your interest in the position. This will set the tone for the rest of your statement.
• Explain your personal relationship with Jesus: Share your personal journey of faith and how you came to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Talk about the impact He has had on your life and how you strive to follow His teachings in all areas of your life.
• Share your understanding of the Bible: Discuss your belief in the authority and inspiration of the Bible as the written Word of God. Highlight how you regularly study and apply its teachings to your life.
• Highlight your commitment to Christian values: Emphasize your commitment to living a life characterized by love, compassion, integrity, and humility. Discuss how you strive to follow the example of Jesus and how these values inform your actions and decisions. Provide specific examples of how you have lived out these values in your previous experiences or job roles.
• Explain your understanding of the mission and values of the organization: Research the organization you are applying to and familiarize yourself with its mission and values. Relate your own beliefs and values to the mission and values of the organization. Explain how you see yourself contributing to the organization's goals and how your faith aligns with their mission.
• Discuss your involvement in a Christian community: If applicable, mention your active involvement in a local church or Christian community. Share how this involvement has shaped your faith and how you have served others within this community.
• Express your commitment to ongoing spiritual growth: Demonstrate your commitment to personal growth and development as a Christian by discussing your practices of prayer, worship, and ongoing learning. Highlight any relevant courses, seminars, or books you have engaged with to deepen your understanding of the Christian faith.
• Keep it concise and focused: While it is important to provide sufficient detail and examples, it is also essential to keep your statement concise and focused. Try to limit your statement to one or two pages and stay on topic. Avoid unnecessary repetition or unrelated information.
• Proofread and edit: Once you have written your statement, take the time to proofread and edit it for grammar, spelling, and coherence. Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review it as well, as they may offer valuable feedback or suggestions.
• Pray and seek God's guidance: Before submitting your statement, spend time in prayer, seeking God's wisdom and guidance. Ask Him to bless your efforts as you seek to faithfully represent your Christian beliefs in your job application.

Remember, a compelling Christian statement of faith should not be just a list of doctrinal beliefs, but a reflection of your personal relationship with Jesus and your commitment to living out His teachings in the workplace. By following these guidelines, you can write a statement that resonates with the organization and demonstrates your passion for your faith.

Unleashing the Power Within: Uncovering the Depths of Your Faith

A Christian statement of faith is a declaration that summarizes one's beliefs as a Christian. It is often required in certain professions to ensure that individuals align with the religious values and principles of the organization or institution. Below are some examples of Christian statements of faith tailored to different professions:

Christian Statement of Faith for a Pastor:

As a pastor, my statement of faith centers around the core tenets of Christianity. I believe in one God, who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I affirm that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead. I acknowledge the Bible as the inspired Word of God and the ultimate authority for faith and practice. I am committed to preaching and teaching the gospel, administering sacraments, and shepherding the flock with love and compassion.

Christian Statement of Faith for a Christian School Teacher:

As a Christian school teacher, my statement of faith reflects my commitment to integrate Christian principles into my teaching. I believe in the triune God, who created the world and sustains it by His divine providence. I acknowledge Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, who redeemed me through His death and resurrection. I embrace the Bible as the infallible and inspired Word of God and strive to incorporate its teachings into my classroom instruction. I am dedicated to nurturing and guiding students in their spiritual growth, encouraging them to develop a biblical worldview.

Christian Statement of Faith for a Christian Counselor:

As a Christian counselor, my statement of faith serves as the foundation for my therapeutic approach. I affirm my faith in the triune God, who provides hope, healing, and restoration. I believe in Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of redemption and transformation. I recognize the Bible as the authoritative guide for counseling principles and methods. I am committed to integrating Christian values into counseling sessions and helping individuals discover God's purpose for their lives. I strive to provide a safe and compassionate environment where clients can explore their faith and find wholeness in Christ.

Christian Statement of Faith for a Medical Professional:

As a medical professional, my statement of faith reflects my commitment to serve others while upholding Christian values. I believe in the Creator God, who has given me the skills and knowledge to provide medical care. I acknowledge Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, who showed compassion and healing during His earthly ministry. I recognize the Bible as a guide for ethical decision-making in healthcare. I am dedicated to treating each patient with dignity, respect, and love, following the example of Christ. I strive to integrate faith and medicine, providing holistic care for the mind, body, and spirit.

Christian Statement of Faith for a Business Owner:

As a Christian business owner, my statement of faith guides the way I conduct business and interact with employees, customers, and stakeholders. I believe in a sovereign God, who has entrusted me with resources and opportunities. I acknowledge Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, who exemplified integrity, honesty, and servant leadership. I pledge to operate my business with biblical values, treating employees with fairness and respect and offering products and services that align with Christian principles. I aim to glorify God in all aspects of my business, seeking His guidance and wisdom in decision-making.

These examples demonstrate how individuals in different professions can articulate their Christian beliefs and incorporate them into their work. While the specifics of each statement may vary, the underlying message remains the same – a commitment to living out one's faith in their professional life.

Understanding the Importance of Good Faith Assumptions in Decision Making

Aligning a Christian statement of faith with job requirements can be an important aspect of the hiring process for Christian organizations or companies with specific faith-based values. Employers often expect prospective employees to demonstrate their commitment to the organization's mission and values, which is where a Christian statement of faith comes into play.

If you are seeking a job that requires a Christian statement of faith, here are some tips to help you align your statement with the job requirements:

Research the organization's mission and values:

Before crafting your statement, take the time to thoroughly research the organization's mission and values. This will give you a better understanding of what they expect from their employees and help you tailor your statement to align with their specific beliefs and principles.

Reflect on your personal beliefs and experiences:

Write down your personal beliefs and experiences as a Christian that are relevant to the job requirements. Consider areas such as your relationship with God, your understanding of Scripture, your involvement in a church community, and any specific spiritual gifts or talents you possess. This reflection will guide you in crafting an authentic and meaningful statement.

Be specific and genuine:

When writing your statement of faith, be specific and genuine about your beliefs. Avoid using vague language or generic phrases. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate how your faith has shaped your character, choices, and work ethic. Employers value sincerity and want to know how your faith will positively impact your work.

Address relevant job requirements:

Take a closer look at the job requirements and consider how your faith is relevant to each one. If the job involves working with individuals in need, highlight your compassion and willingness to serve. If the position requires strong ethical values, discuss your commitment to integrity and honesty. Tailor your statement to showcase how your faith aligns with the specific requirements of the role.

Seek feedback from others:

Ask fellow Christians or mentors in your faith community to review your statement and provide feedback. They can help ensure that your statement accurately reflects your beliefs and is tailored appropriately to the job requirements. Their insights may also help you identify any areas where you can further strengthen your statement.

Remember, your Christian statement of faith is not just a document for the hiring process; it is an opportunity to express your dedication to following Christ and integrating your faith into your work. By aligning your statement with the job requirements, you demonstrate your commitment to the organization's mission and values, increasing your chances of securing a position that aligns with your beliefs.

Securing Your Faith: How to Protect Yourself from Potential Faith Theft

Frequently asked questions.

A Christian statement of faith for a job is a written declaration of an individual's beliefs and values as a Christian that is typically required as part of the application process for a job in a Christian organization or institution.

Christian organizations require a statement of faith for job applicants to ensure that their employees align with and uphold the values and beliefs of the organization. It helps maintain a cohesive and unified approach to the organization's mission and purpose.

A Christian statement of faith for a job should include the individual's beliefs about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the Bible, and other foundational Christian doctrines. It may also include personal testimonies of faith and commitments to living a Christ-centered life.

The length of a Christian statement of faith for a job may vary depending on the requirements of the organization. In general, it is recommended to keep it concise, typically ranging from a few paragraphs to a page in length.

While it is possible for non-Christians to apply for jobs that require a Christian statement of faith, it is generally expected that applicants genuinely align with the organization's beliefs and values. It is important to respect the specific requirements and qualifications set by the organization and ensure transparent communication during the application process.

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Emerging Scholars Blog

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Writing a Christian Personal Statement

Writing any application for a school can be difficult, and writing the Personal Statement can become the most challenging part of it. By the time you are preparing to submit an application, most of its elements are already fixed: your GPA, your MCAT or GRE scores, the activities you did (or didn’t do). The Personal Statement, however, is an open field of possibilities in self expression, and that sense of ambiguity lends itself to great liberty and/or great anxiety.

Admittedly, the title is somewhat misleading. A “Christian” personal statement shouldn’t technically be very different from any other personal statement. It still has to accomplish the same goals, which are fairly well defined in the context of applying for a graduate or professional school. As an example, an excellent source on the Medical School Personal Statement  would advise you to focus on answering these questions:

• What have you done that supports your interest in becoming a doctor?
• Why do you want to be a doctor?
• How have your experiences influenced you?

Sounds simple? It’s not. Few people can easily articulate the reasons why they want to go into medicine (and this even includes those who have been  working in medicine). As reflected on before , the most powerful reasons tend to be emotionally charged and heavily driven by personal experiences, desires, and ambitions. Sometimes these reasons spring from tangible and discrete moments that are relatively simple to describe: a father becomes ill, a friend becomes helpless, a tragedy unfolds in which the universal compulsion to heal and to comfort becomes central and even life-changing. But sometimes those reasons are harder to describe: a series of loosely connected jobs that led to an internal conviction, an affection for both the material and immaterial, a search for a career grounded in the authenticity of human experiences.

The more personal these experiences are, the more uncomfortable and self-conscious we become in describing them. We wonder if others will see things from our perspective, and as we struggle to describe them in nouns and adjectives and run-on sentences, we find it easy to become paralyzed by the fear that the reader/admission officer/judge will fail to understand . . . and in doing so, reject us as both applicants and as people. It is deeply unsettling because the process will require an act of introspection and then an act of public revelation.

So, like all other expressions of self-revelation, we are tempted to edit heavily. We want to be accepted for who we are but we also want to achieve a goal. We have an ideal that motivates us, but in order to achieve it we must submit it to the scrutiny of another . . . and in that process, we risk having it change.

What do I mean by this? I mean that I volunteered at a soup kitchen because I wanted to help people, but in writing the essay I wanted to make sure that the reader understood just how deeply I felt that emotion, so I overplayed the descriptions of how scraggly the hobo’s beard looked or how heart-melting that child’s eyes were. I mean that I did research because it sounded interesting and I enjoyed tinkering around in the lab, but I wanted my work to be respected so I added a gazillion extra adjectives about how triumphant or beatified I felt when gazing through the clear liquid in a test tube. I mean that I felt helpless when I sat by my friend’s bed as she lay dying or in watching my sister get bullied in speech therapy, but I wanted to do rightly by them in becoming a doctor so I wrote whatever bastardized piece of junk I felt needed to be written in order to get the job done. I mean I wanted to talk about Jesus and what he meant to me, but I couldn’t because it might get us both thrown out of school before we even started there.

I realized that the real work of writing a Personal Statement was to stop myself from selling myself. I was not a product out on the marketplace to be distinguished only by my differences in merit and form, but a unique person whose path had already been determined by a loving and sovereign Lord. I was not applying to different schools out of a statistical strategy for maximizing the probability of admission, but because each institution’s strengths and weaknesses could cause me to grow and be shaped differently for the work of the Lord. It helped me understand myself better, realizing in some circumstances that some of my applications were actually not the best thing for me. And I found that though thinking in this way was far more difficult than simply optimizing a resume, it restored a sense of purpose and intentionality to an otherwise superficial and anxiety-provoking time. It made descriptions of myself more vulnerable but more honest, which inadvertently made things more confident and more peaceful.

It made them Christ-centered, and therefore Christian.  In the words of the Psalmist :

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

Writing a Christian Personal Statement:  Part 2 ,  Part 3 .

About the author:

David graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and received his medical degree from Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School with a Masters in Public Health concentrated in health systems and policy. He completed a dual residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Christiana Care Health System in Delaware. He continues to work in Delaware as a dual Med-Peds hospitalist. Faith-wise, he is decid­edly Christian, and regarding everything else he will gladly talk your ear off about health policy, the inner city, gadgets, and why Disney’s Frozen is actually a terrible movie.

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Personal Statement of Faith

My personal faith.

The most important part of my faith is the knowledge that there is nothing that I can do to earn the love of God as it is a gift, paid through the death and bodily resurrection of his His Son, Jesus Christ, who was God’s walking example of his Agape love on earth. I believe that this gift has been made available to every man, woman, and child;  however I believe that each must personally ask for this gift, therefore surrendering their life to God the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit. I believe that this surrender must be unconditional, and is done by inviting Jesus Christ to be Lord in all areas of one’s life – body, soul (mind, emotions and will) and spirit.

While I believe that the local church is not the only place you practice your faith,  I also believe it is almost impossible to experience the full accountability, encouragement, and support you receive from face-to-face fellowship with other believers.  I strong believe that participating in a local fellowship is crucial to the spiritual health and balance of every believer. Through the support, accountability and encouragement I receive in my local body, I am able to extend a practical expression of my faith worldwide through this web ministry and other means.

I have been a member of Harvest Vineyard Christian Fellowship, part of Vineyard Churches Canada since 1992 but over the years I have attended several denominations from Catholic to Presbyterian, from Baptist to Pentecostal.  I am unabashedly and unapologetically Spirit-filled, and I believe that physical and spiritual healing is for today, along with all the other Gifts of the Spirit that were evident in the gospels and Acts. I believe that is only right that we fully utilize all that was paid for through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Through the covering and blessings I continue to receive through my local church, I extend a practical expression of my faith worldwide through this web ministry and other means. I have been a member of Harvest Vineyard Christian Fellowship, part of Vineyard Churches Canada since 1992 but over the years, I have attended several denominations from Catholic to Presbyterian, from Baptist to Pentecostal.  I am unabashedly and unapologetically Spirit-filled, and I believe that physical and spiritual healing is for today, along with all the other Gifts of the Spirit that were evident in the gospels and the Book of Acts. I believe that is only right that we fully utilize all that was paid for through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Formal Statement of Faith

(VINEYARD CANADA STATEMENT OF FAITH)

WE BELIEVE that God is the Eternal King. He is an infinite, unchangeable Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, goodness, justice, power and love. From all eternity He exists as the One Living and True God in three persons of one substance, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory.

WE BELIEVE that God’s kingdom is everlasting. From His throne, through His Son, His eternal Word, God created, upholds and governs all that exists: the heavenly places, the angelic hosts, the universe, the earth, every living thing and mankind. God created all things very good.\

WE BELIEVE that Satan, originally a great, good angel, rebelled against God, taking a host of angels with him. He was cast out of God’s presence and, as a usurper of God’s rule, established a counter-kingdom of darkness and evil on the earth.

WE BELIEVE that God created mankind in His own image, male and female, for relationship with Himself and to govern the earth. Under the temptation of Satan, our original parents fell from grace, bringing sin, sickness and God’s judgment of death to the earth. Through the fall, Satan and his demonic hosts gained access to God’s good creation. Creation now experiences the consequences and effects of Adam’s original sin. Human beings are born in sin, subject to God’s judgment of death and captive to Satan’s kingdom of darkness.

WE BELIEVE that God did not abandon His rule over the earth which He continues to uphold by His providence. In order to bring redemption, God established covenants which revealed His grace to sinful people. In the covenant with Abraham, God bound Himself to His people Israel, promising to deliver them from bondage to sin and Satan and to bless all the nations through them.

WE BELIEVE that as King, God later redeemed His people by His mighty acts from bondage in Egypt and established His covenant through Moses, revealing His perfect will and our obligation to fulfill it. The law’s purpose is to order our fallen race and to make us conscious of our moral responsibility. By the work of God’s Spirit, it convicts us of our sin and God’s righteous judgment against us and brings us to Christ alone for salvation.

WE BELIEVE that when Israel rejected God’s rule over her as King, God established the monarchy in Israel and made an unconditional covenant with David, promising that his heir would restore God’s kingdom reign over His people as Messiah forever.

WE BELIEVE that in the fullness of time, God honored His covenants with Israel and His prophetic promises of salvation by sending His Son, Jesus, into the world. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, as fully God and fully man in one person, He is humanity as God intended us to be. Jesus was anointed as God’s Messiah and empowered by the Holy Spirit, inaugurating God’s kingdom reign on earth, overpowering the reign of Satan by resisting temptation, preaching the good news of salvation, healing the sick, casting out demons and raising the dead. Gathering His disciples, He reconstituted God’s people as His Church to be the instrument of His kingdom. After dying for the sins of the world, Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day, fulfilling the covenant of blessing given to Abraham. In His sinless, perfect life Jesus met the demands of the law and in His atoning death on the cross He took God’s judgment for sin which we deserve as law-breakers. By His death on the cross He also disarmed the demonic powers. The covenant with David was fulfilled in Jesus’ birth from David’s house, His Messianic ministry, His glorious resurrection from the dead, His ascent into heaven and His present rule at the right hand of the Father. As God’s Son and David’s heir, He is the eternal Messiah-King, advancing God’s reign throughout every generation and throughout the whole earth today.

WE BELIEVE that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church at Pentecost in power, baptizing believers into the Body of Christ and releasing the gifts of the Spirit to them. The Spirit brings the permanent indwelling presence of God to us for spiritual worship, personal sanctification, building up the Church, gifting us for ministry, and driving back the kingdom of Satan by the evangelization of the world through proclaiming the word of Jesus and doing the works of Jesus.

WE BELIEVE that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ and that He is our abiding Helper, Teacher, and Guide. We believe in the filling or the empowering of the Holy Spirit, often a conscious experience, for ministry today. We believe in the present ministry of the Spirit and in the exercise of all of the biblical gifts of the Spirit. We practice the laying on of hands for the empowering of the Spirit, for healing, and for recognition and empowering of those whom God has ordained to lead and serve the Church.

WE BELIEVE that the Holy Spirit inspired the human authors of Holy Scripture so that the Bible is without error in the original manuscripts. We receive the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments as our final, absolute authority, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.

WE BELIEVE that the whole world is under the domination of Satan and that all people are sinners by nature and choice. All people therefore are under God’s just judgment. Through the preaching of the Good News of Jesus and the Kingdom of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, God regenerates, justifies, adopts and sanctifies through Jesus by the Spirit all who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. By this they are released from Satan’s domain and enter into God’s kingdom reign.

WE BELIEVE in the one, holy, universal Church. All who repent of their sins and confess Jesus as Lord and Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and form the living Body of Christ, of which He is the head and of which we are all members.

WE BELIEVE that Jesus Christ committed two ordinances to the Church: water baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Both are available to all believers.

WE BELIEVE that God’s kingdom has come in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, that it continues to come in the ministry of the Spirit through the Church, and that it will be consummated in the glorious, visible and triumphant appearing of Christ – His return to the earth as King. After Christ returns to reign, He will bring about the final defeat of Satan and all of his minions and works, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment and the eternal blessing of the righteous and eternal conscious punishment of the wicked. Finally, God will be all in all and His kingdom, His rule and reign, will be fulfilled in the new heavens and the new earth, recreated by His mighty power, in which righteousness dwells and in which He will forever be worshipped.

Download scriptural basis for this statement of faith here

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And 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. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen

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How to Write a Personal Faith Statement

Trudy brunot, 29 sep 2017.

Personal faith statements reflect an individual’s thoughts about his relationship with God, church and Jesus Christ. Writers commonly use phrases beginning with " believe," include anecdotal accounts to describe their faith journeys and cite scriptures. Although usually only one typewritten page or less in length, no standard format exists for statements of personal faith; they are as individual as the people writing them.

Explore this article

• Sources of Inspiration
• Basic Theology
• Ecclesiastical Thoughts
• Affirmation of Denominational Beliefs

1 Sources of Inspiration

Some people use questions to help them define their beliefs. For example, asking yourself why and when you pray, or how you feel when you don't pray, can clarify your position about communication with God. Others find reading Bible passages helpful, such as New Testament verses that relate actions Jesus took, to reach their own conclusions about who Christ was and what he represents to them. Personal faith statements can develop from favorite Bible verses or the lyrics to a favorite hymn. Discuss why you find them meaningful and relate this to various theological and ecclesiastical topics.

2 Basic Theology

After contemplating what religion means to you and organizing your thoughts, begin by describing in your own words who God is and what the Trinity signify to you. Touch on your feelings about Christ and his role in your salvation, your interpretation of salvation and grace, and how the Holy Spirit is at work in your life. In addition to discussing the significance the Bible holds foryou, you might include the role of prayer and how you pray. Your statement of personal faith may have one, all-encompassing paragraph covering these theological basics; devote a paragraph to each; combine some and highlight others separately; or use bullet points.

3 Ecclesiastical Thoughts

Your opinions about the role of the church, the importance of Communion and your responsibilities as a Christian belong in your personal faith statement. Some people provide examples of actions they take or activities in which they participate and relate these to how they help fulfill the church's mission to help those less fortunate and to spread God's word. Those writing a personal faith statement as part of an application to theological school or for a teaching position at a faith-based school would tie their professional callings to what they feel is God's plan for them.

4 Affirmation of Denominational Beliefs

Members of a congregation facing installation as church officers such as elders or deacons, and young people becoming members through completion of the Confirmation process should profess agreement with their denomination's traditions and beliefs in their personal faith statements. Examples include the denomination's stance on baptism, the Word of God and worship, and any creeds used to define its basic beliefs.

• 1 Making Disciples, Making Leaders: A Manual for Developing Church Officers; Steven P. Eason

About the Author

Trudy Brunot began writing in 1992. Her work has appeared in "Quarterly," "Pennsylvania Health & You," "Constructor" and the "Tribune-Review" newspaper. Her domestic and international experience includes human resources, advertising, marketing, product and retail management positions. She holds a master's degree in international business administration from the University of South Carolina.

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14 Keys to Writing a Winning Resume For Christian Jobs

Each year the staff at ChristianCareerCenter.com and ChurchJobsOnline.com sees hundreds of resumes for church jobs (senior pastor, associate pastor, youth pastor, campus pastor, worship leader, etc.) and jobs with Christian organizations(web designer, social media manager, house parent, teacher, copywriter, pilot, accountant, human resources manager, etc.)    An estimated 80% of those resumes do not effectively showcase the candidate’s skills and experience and are not targeted for the job that the applicant is pursuing.   This is unfortunate, as good candidates for church, ministry, and Christian jobs may never get to the interview stage.

Your resume for Christian jobs is a summary of your qualifications. Think of it as an expanded business card.  You use a business card to introduce yourself, or to leave behind as a reminder of who you are, and what and whom you represent.  In this case, the product/service you represent is you! 

Just as you would never rely on a business card to sell your product or service, you should never rely on your resume alone to get you the job. The resume is your  introduction  to prospective employers, telling them about your education, work experience, abilities, and accomplishments.  Ultimately, its job is to prove to a church staffing committee or a ministry recruiter that they should take the time to interview you. To accomplish this, your resume needs to clearly showcase that you can meet their needs and expectations. 

Many churches and ministries have reported receiving hundreds of resumes when they advertise church openings; therefore,  most churches and recruiters spend only 6-30 seconds skimming over the average resume . In that brief time, your resume will make either a positive or a negative impression on the employer.  These days, larger and even medium-sized churches also analyze resumes using automatic tracking systems (ATS) that scans for the needed skills or experiences.  For your resume to be considered, it must "hit home" immediately by including the keywords for which the software has been programmed to search.

An excellent resume when applying for Christian jobs and church openings clearly states your qualifications (in descending order of importance) for the position for which you are applying. You will need to spend several hours thinking, writing and rewriting.  There are no shortcuts to writing an excellent resume.  Since at times it will form an employer's first impression of you, it must be an example of your best thought and effort. 

Here are 14 Keys to Writing a Winning Resume For Christian Jobs

• Define your objective or branding statement . A resume for church and Chritian jobs will be most effective when it is focused. If you have determined a specific objective, include the job title or a brief statement describing the position desired. It is best to state your objective at the top of your resume.  Here are some examples of objectives that simply reflect the advertised job title:

Senior Pastor

Youth Pastor 

Associate Pastor 

There are some resume writing experts who recommend not having an objective on your resume.   If you choose to not have an objective, then we recommend that you use a branding statement  that can be centered at the top of your resume under your contact information.  Here is an example of a  resume with a branding statement .  And here are some examples of branding statements:

Experienced Senior Pastor

Senior Pastor with 11 years of increasing responsibility in congregational leadership

Human Resources Director with more than five years of experience

Experienced Human Resources Professional Focused on Employee Job Fit, Workforce Optimization, and Cost Saving Solutions

Proven Operations Manager

A highly motivated, experienced professional with skills in marketing, e-commerce, relationship-building, promotion and management.

• Choose the most appropriate format.  Depending on the church or ministry job for which you're applying, you will need to choose either a  chronological  or a  functional  format. A chronological resume is an arrangement of your qualifying experiences and training listed in reverse chronological order. A chronological format is most effective when you are applying for a position that is similar or directly related to the work you have done previously.

A functional resume highlights your skills and lists your qualifications in their order of importance regardless of the time of occurrence.  In a functional resume, you make use of the skills and duties from all of your work history (paid and/or volunteer), education and leisure activities which relate to and qualify you for the job objective.  Use the functional format if you plan a career transition, or if you do not have specific work experience related to the job you want.

While there is no perfect style or format for a resume, most people find having a template to start with makes resume writing much easier.  Here are templates that you can use to produce a Word doc resume:

Chronological resume template for recent college graduates.

Chronological resume template for experienced workers.

Functional resume template.

• Write 10-20 skill statements  that prove you can do the job you are targeting in your objective (or at least prove that you can learn how to do the job quickly). Regardless of which resume format you are using; you will attract employers by describing the skills you have that will produce the results they need. Ultimately, the only thing that interests the employer is the results that you can produce. The following bulleted items are illustrations of skill statements that demonstrate quantified and specific results.
• Launched quarterly evangelistic endeavors using activities such as “Neighbor Night," which ministered to over 500 neighbors.
• Restructured lesson plans and developed a parent participation strategy that resulted in a 79% success rate in a reading program for disadvantaged children.
• Successfully spearheaded a Capital Funds Campaign to retire mortgages totaling $400k on two buildings within a two-year period.

As you can see, each skill statement starts with a transferable skill name:  launched, restructured, and restructured. These words connote action. The skill statement then describes how the transferable skill was used and, most importantly, what result was achieved.  Please note that while it is not always possible to quantify results, strive to give at least a subjective description of the results you produced. 

To analyze the skills that are going to be most important to focus on, use Indeed.com to research three to five Christian or church jobs you are targeting .  Identify the skills that are consistent within the job postings.  These skills are the ones that you will need to emphasize in your resume.  Besides the transferable skills (as noted above), also look for the knowledges a candidate needs and the personal skills (sometimes called “soft skills” such as diligent, hardworking, organized, outgoing, etc.) that the employer wants in the candidate who is hired.

Writing skill statements may take you two or more hours to complete.  But keep in mind that the work that you do in writing your skill statements will help you not only to write a good resume, but will also be valuable in interviewing, where it is important that you are able to prove you have the skills that are important to the employer. 

• Write a draft of your resume.  Once you have written your skill statements, you are ready to begin a resume draft by placing those skills in the chosen format. For a chronological format, your skill statements will go into a section entitled “Work Experience” or “Professional Experience.” For a functional resume, you can also use the title “Professional Experience” or “Relevant Experience. Use past tense for previous activities, experiences or acquired skills.  Use present tense to refer to ongoing or current activities. 

If you are using a functional format you will also want to have a “Work History” section to provide the names of the companies for which you have worked, where they were located, the job titles you held, and the dates you worked at each company.

• Develop a “Highlights of Qualifications” or “Summary of Qualifications” section to begin your resume . The purpose of this section is to gain the employer’s attention by highlighting some of your key qualifications for the position. This section can include such things as: total number of years of relevant experience; key accomplishments; content skills that you have (for example computer knowledge); and personal skills (such as hardworking, honest, flexible, loyal, etc.). Here are three examples:

OBJECTIVE:   Senior Pastor

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

• 15 years’ experience founding and leading churches that are focused on bringing people to Christ, growing members as disciples and showing the love of Jesus to the community and world at large.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver compelling sermons and lessons that help individuals apply God’s Word in practical ways to their lives.
• Proven organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills; able to motivate and train staff members to excel in the use of their gifts as servant leaders.  
• Strong ability to create compelling visions and goals for church growth and outreach.
• Faithful, loyal, passionate, empathetic, warm, friendly and sold out to Jesus Christ.

JOB OBJECTIVE:  Church Administrative Assistant

• Strong organization and planning skills.
• Excellent record of dependability and reliability.
• Effective telephone communication skills.
• Experienced in the use of computer programs including Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.

OBJECTIVE:   Office Manager / Program Manager for a Nonprofit Organization

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

• Ten years of administrative and management experience. Responsibilities have included human resource functions such as training, hiring/firing, and employee supervision/evaluation; facilities management; scheduling, time cards, payroll; accounts receivable and accounts payable; purchasing and inventory control.
• Fast learner, detail-oriented, able to prioritize effectively with little or no supervision. Enjoy working in busy environment with multiple task demands.
• Creative and flexible in organizing and planning. Excellent monitoring and follow-up skills.
• Strong people skills; highly effective in promoting a positive, productive work environment. Reputation for work excellence and high-quality service to customers/clients.
• Computer skills include Microsoft Office; Quattro Pro; ACT; Staff Trak.
• Place your name, address, phone, e-mail and LinkedIn  (with a customized URL)  at the top of your resume . Use a phone number where you can be reached or where a message can be left. An employer may not call a second time. Keep the message on your voicemail brief and professional. Use a professional email address such as  [email protected] . If you currently only have a more casual email address such as  [email protected] , create a new email account for your job search. If you have a customized LinkedIn URL you can also include this beneath your email address.
• Place your educational information strategically . Generally, your education should be first under your “Highlights of Qualifications” section only if it is your most important qualification to date for the job for which you are applying or if possession of a requisite degree (or degrees) is a requirement for your job target. However, as your education recedes in time, it also recedes as a factor in your current qualifications.

In reverse chronological order, list the institutions you attended, their locations and dates of attendance or graduation. (If it has been more than 10 years since you received your last degree, you may not want to list dates.)  It is not necessary for a college graduate to indicate the high school attended, unless there is some aspect of that experience that particularly supports your objective.  Include degrees received, academic major(s) and/or areas of concentration. Job applicants with limited work experience may also want to mention such things as special academic honors, student activities, certificates, etc.

• Include other information only if it is relevant to your job target.  Other factors that can be included are professional memberships, publications, special honors, qualifying licenses, interests, civic activities, etc. Remember, however, that you only want to include information that helps prove you can do the job. The resume is not a forum for telling your life story.
• When editing your resume , remember the following: there is no perfect format so choose the one that best represents you for your specific job target; there should be a reason for everything you include; after your objective, organize information in descending order of importance; use correct spelling (have someone proofread your final copy even if you are a good speller); do not abbreviate; avoid jargon, and, as a general rule, limit your resume to one or two pages.
• Make your resume visually appealing . Highlight key information by using boldfaced type or CAPITALIZING or  underlining  it. Bullets (large dots) are effective in drawing the employer's attention and eye to competencies, accomplishments and/ or achievements. Use white space for eye appeal and easy reading.
• Check your resume for ATS Do’s and Don’ts.  While you want your resume to look good, you also need to be aware of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These days your resume may automatically land in the employer’s ATS.  Your resume then has information scanned, "parsed" or pull out by the ATS.  It then produces a digital candidate profile where the church staffing committee or recruiter can search the ATS by keyword and get a list of resumes that best match the qualification that the employer is seeking.

There are specific things you can do to help ensure that the ATS places your resume into the “yes” pile for the church staffing committee or recruiter as they search for the right candidates to interview.

• -Avoid abbreviations. Most ATSs aren’t programmed to recognize abbreviations like MDiv or DDiv.  Instead, you will want to spell out abbreviations and then use the common acronym in parentheses.  For example (MDiv) Master of Divinity.
• -Do not use lines, multiple columns or tables in your resume. While some ATSs can read lines and table, there are others that can't, so it is better to play it safe.
• Avoid stars, diamonds, and check-boxes; instead, use standard bullets. (In Microsoft Word, the bullet options are found in the “Paragraph” section of the ribbon.) -Standard bullets can actually help the ATS to read the information in your resume.
• -Use standard fonts like Arial, Cambria, Calibri, Verdana and Times New Roman. Your resume is not the place to use fancy fonts.
• -Check your grammar and spelling. Of course, you want to do this regardless, but it is important to know that an ATS will recognize spelling and grammar mistakes.  Use the Word document spell and grammar check, but also carefully read your resume at least twice for mistakes.
• Get feedback from the right people.  It is tempting to ask several people you know to give you feedback on your resume. In reality, this can confuse you and lead to an ineffective resume.  There are really only three people that you should ask to review your resume:  One, someone who knows how applicant tracking systems work.  Two, someone who is a grammar and spelling expert.  And three, a  certified career counselor/resume expert  who reviews and writes resumes for clients. 
• Custom tailor your resume in 5 minutes or less  for the jobs for which you are applying. A one size fits all resume will not be successful in landing you interviews. So, how do you custom tailor your resume?  The best place to start is by analyzing the job description.  Identify the transferable skills along with the content skills (knowledges) and personal skills (soft skills) that the church or ministry is seeking. Next, in your summary of qualifications, make changes so that your resume reflects that skills and knowledges that the church is seeking.  A tool that you can use online for this analysis is  jobscan.co . 
• Are you feeling stuck writing your resume?  Do you want to maximize the effectiveness of your resume for producing interviews? Consider hiring a career counselor to critique your resume or build a professional resume for you.  Learn more and schedule a career services consultation.

Using these 14 keys will maximize the effectiveness of your resume for Christian jobs, ministry openings, and church jobs. By having taken the time to target each of your resumes for jobs of interest, you will stand out from most other resumes.  The goal of your targeted resume is to gain an interview, and by having named and organized your transferable, personal and content skills, you will be able to better articulate and prove how you can meet the churches or ministries needs during the interview!

© Article copyright by Kevin Brennfleck and Kay Marie Brennfleck,  ChristianCareerCenter.com ,  PastorJobs.Net ,  ChurchJobsOnline.com ,  ChristianJobFair.com ,  CareerFitTest.com  and  LiveYourCalling.com . All rights reserved. The above information is intended for personal use only. No commercial use of this information is authorized without written permission.

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Statement template bundle, how will we write an honest statement of faith, 2. know what you believe, 3. decide what areas are essential, 4. use the scripture, 5. affirm and deny, 21+statement of faith templates in pdf | doc, 1. statement of faith template, 2. university formal statement of faith, 3. standard confirmation statement of faith, 4. baptist church statement of faith template, 5. religion statement of faith example, 6. personal statement of faith story template, 7. professional mission statement of faith, 8. pastor’s personal statement of faith template, 9. simple statement of faith format, 10. order of worship statement of faith template, 11. printable short statement of faith, 12. spiritual statement of faith template, 13. sample christian statement of faith, 14. community church statement of faith template, 15. job application statement of faith in pdf, 16. evangelical statement of faith template, 17. statement of faith declaration in doc, 18. life group statement of faith template, 19. basic statement of faith employment, 20. proposed revision statement of faith template, 21. standing committee statement of faith in pdf, 22. statement of faith resume template, statement templates, 22+ statement of faith templates in pdf | doc.

The sample statement of faith guarantees that the parental authority over the education of their children is valued and strengthened, displays the basic presupposition that the inerrant Scriptures truthfully reveal God as the Creator of all things, teach all subjects as a part of a combined whole with the Scriptures at the center, assist every person to study and develop his relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ the Son. You can also see more on  Financial Statement Templates.

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Writing a Personal Statement of Faith

October 14, 2017.

For a non-Presbyterian leader , preparing such a document  may sound like torture.  But, after 40 years of serving churches as a parish minister, I appreciate the importance of doing this.  Ministers, after all, preach to people.  Week in and week out we write down and proclaim what ought to be the most important truths there are.  It should not surprise readers that much can go amiss with the responsibility that goes with preaching.  The minister reads a compelling book or sees a stirring film; the ideas from business management, psychology, or politics flow into the minister’s head; and effortlessly we slip from exposition of the biblical text into sneaking into the sermon some tidbit from Dr. Phil or Richard Spencer.  It’s important that the minister believes in God, knows why Christ came, or has an idea what the Church’s mission is.

Additionally, no one other than the pew-sitters are monitoring what the minister is doing week in and week out.  Years of weekly teaching and preaching can slip by without any continuing education or check-up on the preacher’s personal faith and creed.

Against this, we Presbyterians ask of each other, usually at times when we’re changing churches, to write up a statement of our own personal creed.  Such writings usually take up about one page and consist of tightly worded sentences about the high points of Christian faith—the Trinity, Church, sacraments, Bible, Christ’s nature, human nature, sin, mission, and Last Things.

The Examination

Once the statement is written , some church nominating group or Presbytery committee will hold a half-hour conversation with the author of the statement.  These are commonly called “examinations.” These can be tense—especially if the writer of the statement is non-conforming or creative in his or her beliefs.

The first time I drafted a statement of faith was during my last year of seminary.  It takes seminary students months of drafts under the coaching of  their sponsoring Presbytery in order for the statement of faith not to become a 5 alarm career wrecker.  The purpose of the faith statement is to involve candidates and seasoned church leaders in one more inquiry about a minister-to-be’s suitability to be loosed on a congregation.

Other Statements

My second statement of faith was a lengthy one, which I wrote for my doctoral work.  There was no pressure here because no one was hiring me.  The point of writing up that faith statement was for me to become freshly conscious of what I believed.

I wrote my third statement of faith in order to gain membership in the Greater Atlanta Presbytery.  I needed to pull that document in a flurry of activity.  First of all, the Greater Atlanta Presbytery’s need for a faith statement came to me as a surprise.  I received a phone call from a presbytery representative and learned that Atlanta’s Examination Committee needed a finished statement of faith by the end of that day.  This rush was to meet the meeting deadline for a gathering of the entire presbytery.  Desperately, I fished out the old statement, the one which I had used thirteen years before for the doctoral program.  It was much too long.  I didn’t even read it carefully.  I hastily hacked whole paragraphs out of it and emailed it.

That year, 2003, when I relocated to LaGrange, Georgia, the Greater Atlanta Presbytery was a high functioning and fastidiously proper place under Ed Albright’s leadership.   Atlanta is the Presbyterian church’s largest presbytery and in some ways the gravitational center of the denomination.  I was learning something new about the former southern Presbyterian church.  Atlanta had an entire, blue-ribbon committee of lay elders, ministers, and seminary professors to examine incoming ministers.   Notably, the well-known theologian, Shirley Guthrie, who literally had written the textbook used by seminary students, titled  Christian Doctrine,   also served on that committee.   I was to defend an expired, hacked up statement of faith in this company in order to be accepted into presbytery membership.

As meeting participants milled around minutes before we convened I noticed Dr. Guthrie standing at the conference table, arms acting as pillars holding his body up and pored over my statement.  He groaned as he read.  He growled to himself.  Then he mumbled audibly to no one in particular: “This is great—this is just how I’d write a statement like this.”

Hearing this, I was buoyed by an intoxicating sense of relief as the formal meeting started.  I answered all the questions with my arm draped around the empty chair next to me, unafraid to say that I didn’t know something or that sometimes I didn’t hue religiously to orthodoxy.  There was a lot of laughter during the hour as examiners admitted that they didn’t know some things themselves.  I was admitted to the Greater Atlanta Presbytery.

Tips for Faith Statements

Over the last four decades, I’ve usually been the one reading someone else’s statement and asking the questions.  I’ve learned a couple of things that ought to be included in this post, in case some reader is laboring with his or her own statement of faith.

• In presenting a statement of faith to any committee in a process that matters to you, don’t try to be creative. Don’t try to be the first to restate the nature of Christianity in, say the language of a 6 year old, or in some completely contemporary idiom.  I’ve seen such efforts and they greatly lengthen the conversation by those who are approving you.
• Always address these topics: Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Church, Sacraments, Mission, Evil, Last Things, Scriptures, salvation. Omissions will be noticed.  You don’t want to be in a public conversation about your statement of faith and have someone say something like: “Why did you leave out Jesus’ cross?”
• The sequence that you present these topics will greatly influence how the whole thing turns out. You’ll need to sort out what comes first.  Creation?  God? Spirit?  It’s not as easy as one thinks before they try to work out the whole picture.

Personal Statement of Faith

Douglas decelle.

God the Son Christ the Key The Christian life begins for me and for all humankind when we answer Jesus’ invitation to follow, learn, and abide forever in his company.  The life that Jesus lived in First Century Palestine, and continues to live, overflows with revelation, not only of God’s character, but also of the nature and purpose of human life.  Jesus Christ is the lens, through which followers see God’s intention for all that God has created.  Jesus’ original disciples were the first to recognize that their master embodied the presence and character of the God of their nation, Israel.   In Jesus’ rise from the dead, the disciples realized that Jesus’ teachings were divinely-certified and that indeed a fresh phase of God’s reign had commenced.  Ultimately, Jesus’ followers then and now began to recognize their Lord as God—as the God of Israel–in their presence.   In Jesus we see that God is good, true, and beautiful and is the only sovereign who if fair and life-giving. Jesus nevertheless was equally a person.  Jesus’ example of living both in service to others and in intimacy with the Father and Spirit  discloses God’s design for each person’s life.   What we see in Jesus’ manner of living, confrontation with evil, return from the tomb, and continual reign is the breathtaking first example of the kind of existence that all persons as bearers of  God’s  image and likeness may live. God the Spirit Church Jesus built and left in the world a community of followers.  Jesus’ presence with these followers continued and continues today through the Holy Spirit—God’s spiritual, or non-physical  presence.  Again Jesus’ program of traveling with and teaching his community describes the shape of the disciple community today and through history.  Jesus’ work of proclaiming the reign of God, calling disciples, being a blessing to all peoples, and confronting evil continues in the church.   There is a sense that the Spirit-empowered community of disciples can be equated with Christ’s presence in the world. Scriptures After Jesus’ public ministry in Palestine, his followers wrote an array of books and letters about him and the new life he gave them.  As these documents circulated in the ancient disciple communities, a distinct group of them came to be recognized as particularly inspired and inspiring.  Those writings—the New Testament–impressed themselves upon generations of Christians in many places as unique Spirit-rich vehicles for conveying God’s character and will.    A similar process had been underway with Israel’s scriptures, which were also seen in the Christian community to be of usefulness comparable to the New Testament.   The resulting collection of writings—our Bible—continues today as uniquely reliable in conveying God’s Word to all who by the Spirit’s guidance, encounter it. Sacraments As with the Community and Bible, I, with the entire Church, experience Christ’s Spirit-presence in the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  These are acts within the worshiping community which remind and place disciples into fresh intimacy with Jesus’ life, death, resurrection.  As Jesus, for example, descended to earth, died and was lifted back into the Father’s presence, so the baptized person dips down into water and emerges again as a sign of that person’s connection with Christ.  Likewise, the bread broken and wine poured are reminiscent of Jesus’ broken body and bleeding in his crucifixion.  By Christ’s Spirit, these acts have consistently been experienced by the Church to carry his presence with greater intensity into the community which, through them is refreshed and empowered. God the Father Creation The stage on which Christ, his disciple community, and the whole of humanity live out their existence is the world.  God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–created the world.  Making the world was a monumental act of love and the resulting work is brimming with God’s goodness, truth, and beauty.  God’s presence, guidance, and preservation of Creation is essential to its design.  The world’s goodness and beauty continues abundantly and testifies to the splendor of the God who brought it into being.  We may infer from God’s love for and nurture of what he has made that nothing, nor anyone which God has created will be surrendered to evil, ugliness, or untruth.   And by God’s providence, yet to be understood, the new life which flows through the life, sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ will enfold all that is. Evil Within creation, and of human instigation, rebellion has broken out in opposition to God and God’s rightful reign over what God has made.   The rebellion, at its core is a struggle over who reigns.  It’s a struggle over what values will be prized, who will possess power, who will be lauded, and who will be enriched.  The struggle is insidious and entraps me, together with others and even groups of people in a destructive opposition to God and all the good that flows from God. Jesus’ public ministry took place in the midst of this struggle.  Jesus was recognized by the power opposed to God as one with God and as a result Jesus was captured and murdered.  As with everything that Jesus does, even his death was Spirit-transformed into something good and beautiful.  First, Jesus’ rose from the dead and forgave his disciples who were complicit with his death.  Then, with time, the drama of Jesus’ execution, return from the grave, and resumption of heavenly reign, has come to be understood by his followers as a splendid new phase of God’s triumph.  I and all disciples experience this triumph personally in the reconciling and renewing power that Jesus’ sacrifice and rise from the dead holds for me. Kingdom Jesus’ core message was that God’s reign had, and was, and would continue to be established in Creation.  The deep struggle—even spiritual struggle—by dark powers over God and his yearning for his creation will eventually end in their defeat.  God’s goodness, truth, and beauty will assume its rightful place presiding over all that God has made, including all peoples.  Somehow by God’s wisdom and guidance, all peoples, creatures, and all things will be incorporated into Christ’s community of followers and will enjoy with him everlasting fellowship and joy.

One Reply to “Writing a Personal Statement of Faith”

Well, I made it. I was received by the Peace River Presbytery on November 14, 2017. Their Committee on Ministry did not require a personal interview with me. Instead they accepted me on the basis of the above statement, a brief life highlights summary, and a certification of my good standing with the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.

Doug DeCelle

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Statement of Faith as required job application document

Anyone know what sort of information this sort of document should include?

Anyone know anything about statements of faith on a job application? The prompt is: a statement of Christian faith regarding your Christian commitment

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Jobs at Religious Colleges

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My first year of graduate school, I gave the worst advice possible to a peer applying for an assistant professor’s job at a college founded by my religious denomination, the Mennonites. Although my colleague knew nothing about the Mennonites, nor believed himself religious in any way, he thought he could convince the institution’s hiring committee that he was the right candidate for the position. "No problem," I remember telling him as he contemplated the short essay he needed to write. "Just let them know you honor the Mennonite value of peace and justice. Explain that you grew up in a Christian home. Mention something about your continued appreciation for those who are religious, even if you are agnostic." I might as well have told him to grow a beard and learn some Pennsylvania Dutch, for all the good my suggestions would have done him. I honestly don’t remember whether he eventually took my advice or applied for the position. If I could recall his name, I would probably contact him to apologize profusely about raising his hopes with shoddy advice for a job that — given his profile — he would have never been offered anyway. Now a decade and more into life as a faculty member at a Quaker institution, I have a clearer sense of what it means to apply for a job such as mine. Being raised in a religious home does not automatically qualify someone for employment at a college similar to my own, nor does merely "honoring" or "appreciating" the values upon which the religious institution was founded. Instead, job applicants to religious institutions — especially those who continue to believe religious faith an integral part of their curriculum — need to show they not only understand the university’s mission, but are truly willing to affirm its doctrines and have those doctrines inform their faculty work. Judging from conversations I’ve had at academic conferences and on higher education online discussion forums, I imagine some folks are already calling foul. An institution’s decision to hire only those who affirm its doctrinal statements seems downright discriminatory to some; to others, a university curriculum shaped by religious doctrine appears contrary to the educational enterprise, and to the fundamental nature of academic freedom. But institutions do indeed have this right legally, and academic freedom has its limitations in every institution, not just those founded on religious principles. Thus, job hopefuls who might argue they would "never apply to a college requiring me to sign a faith statement" — an assertion I’ve heard often — need not read further, because (of course!) you are free to make that choice, just as institutions are free to disregard those candidates who chafe against their doctrinal statements. For people interested in a job at a religious institution, though, my primary word of advice is similar to that for any job applicant to a faculty position: have a fundamental understanding of the university to which you are applying and its mission, as well as a willingness to shape application material to reflect an ability to fit within that institution’s values. This seems doubly important when seeking a job at a religious university, where the missions and values are often founded on the institution’s denominational heritage. Learning a little something about that heritage is important, too, especially once you land a phone or on-campus interview. If you are applying to a Friends institution like mine, for example, this probably does not mean knowing about the schisms that split the 19th-century Quaker church, or memorizing church polity, or even recognizing the many diverse conferences to which Quakers belong. You may not even need to know that the Quaker Oatmeal logo has nothing to do with the Society of Friends — though understanding the difference will probably help. On the other hand, you may want to learn a little about George Fox, our university’s namesake and founder of the Quakers, and be able to articulate a few Quaker distinctives, and be open to discussing some of the ways Quaker thought and practice might shape campus culture. If you disagree in principle about some Quaker ideologies — if, for example, you think women are not called to be church leaders, or that pacifism is a moral value best held by cowards — you might want to explain how you will respect and uphold the institution’s values, despite your differences. This will obviously take some time investment on the job seeker’s part, but applications tailored to a university’s mission and values will definitely stand out, increasing the chance that a hiring committee will consider your material more closely. When you’ve landed a phone or on-campus interview, understanding the ways an institution’s doctrinal statements shape its educational programs as well as its campus ethos will be even more crucial, as will acknowledging the important distinctions between one religious institution and another. Because, of course, no two institutions, even within the same general religious tradition, will be the same. Applying to George Fox University will mean something far different than applying to Swarthmore or Bryn Mawr Colleges, even though those institutions also have Quaker roots. Similarly, some universities within the Lutheran or Roman Catholic traditions hold their church doctrines loosely, and don’t require faculty to sign statements of faith pledging fidelity to a particular world view, while others hew closely to the religious beliefs upon which their institutions were founded, and require their faculty members to do the same. As you negotiate the application process, then, it’s important to acknowledge — and even speak with confidence — about those differences. When you are applying to a religious institution, you might also want to investigate whether faculty members have to sign a faith statement, and whether you would feel comfortable doing so. Such faith statements differ vastly from institution to institution: some might require faculty members to affirm theological doctrines, like a belief in predestination; some might require professions of fidelity to a church and its polity; some might simply require faculty members to acknowledge, but not necessarily agree with, the faith heritage upon which the college was founded. A job applicant may need to interrogate herself about whether she could sign such a statement with integrity and walk away from those searches where the answer is "no," as painful as that might be in this very tight job market. Although a university’s faith statement may make it seem as if it seeks a monolithic type of professor, this is emphatically not true for most places. Diversity of belief is still valued in most places, and being able to articulate how your beliefs could enhance a department’s work can make you stand out as a candidate. For example, a few years ago, one of our applicants emerged as the clear choice because she revealed, in her application material and face-to-face interviews, that her understanding of Catholicism fit well within our Quaker ethos, and that her research in Irish and women’s studies showed integration of her belief system with her discipline. These days, she’s successfully integrated Quaker, Irish, and women’s studies into a monograph about Virginia Woolf’s Quaker aunt, and is a prized member in a department full of Protestants who appreciate the ways her world view enhances and shapes their own. Of course, there are institutions that only hire faculty from their own denominational heritages, or who put strict limitations on requirements for employment. In one dramatic instance, a former faculty member at George Fox terminated an on-campus interview at a famous East Coast evangelical college when the department chair demanded she return to her hotel room and change from slacks to a dress, the appropriate apparel for any female faculty member at the institution. Unfortunately, such restrictions exist at some universities, and it’s important to comprehend what you’re facing as a job seeker before wading in to the application process too deeply. Knowing something about the campus ethos before you invest time in interviewing — visiting the college website, asking on forums about the university’s reputation, networking with others who are familiar with the institution — can probably save you the grief of showing up for an interview in an apparently unholy pair of slacks, or even of applying for a department whose members not only hold beliefs vastly different than your own, but refuse to see value in accepting those who are different. As with any faculty position, the application and hiring process in religious institutions comes down to fit, something I address here. A hiring department needs to know its faculty members can fit within its faith tradition and the doctrines driving its mission; but at the same time, applicants need to know themselves whether they will fit comfortably within a department. After all, when we offer you a job, we are extending a 10- or 20-year, or even careerlong commitment to you, to your work, and to the gifts you can offer our students. More than just appreciating or respecting the university’s values, we need to know that you can live them, and that you can live sympathetically with us — and our values — too.

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Statement of Faith

Please read the statement below before proceeding in the application process.

Choices Pregnancy Centers require all applicants to review, agree with and agree to adhere to our Statement of Faith before proceeding in the application process:

We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God  (II Timothy 3:16).

We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy  Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His  miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory (John 1:14).

We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is  absolutely essential and that this salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and not as a result of good works (Romans 3:23, 6:23 and Ephesians 2:8-9).

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is  enabled to live a godly life and to perform good works (Galatians 6:9).

We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; those who are saved unto  the resurrection of life and those who are lost unto the resurrection of damnation  (John 5:28-29).

We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. We believe the way  God has chosen to accomplish His purposes is through His Church, the body of Christ,  working together in local congregations in every community, but also working as ONE  BODY everywhere (I Corinthians 12:12).

We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of  inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically  or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death (Psalms 139).

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as either male or  female. These two distinct, complementary sexes together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.

We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one  woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Genesis 2:18-25). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (I Corinthians 6:18; 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4).

We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, sexual  gratification engaged with a person under the age of 18, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, or use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Matthew 15:18-20; I Corinthians 6:9-10).

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and  dignity. (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31) Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed  toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture and are not  the doctrines of Choices.

I have read Choices’ Statement of Faith and agree with  and agree to fully adhere to the above statements.