ABWE, a global Christian missions organization committed to Christ’s mandate to make disciples of all nations, has announced the adoption of a revised doctrinal statement, effective January 1, 2025. This significant update comes as part of a broader effort to reaffirm ABWE’s unwavering commitment to historic, biblical orthodoxy and address contemporary cultural and theological challenges.
The updated doctrinal statement is the culmination of a two-and-a-half-year review process, engaging pastors, theologians, missionaries, and ABWE’s Board of Directors to ensure that the new language reflects both doctrinal clarity and a readiness to respond to modern cultural shifts. The revisions aim to strengthen ABWE’s theological foundations while preserving its evangelical and Baptist distinctives as the organization approaches its 100th anniversary.
A Firm Foundation in Scripture
For over 2,000 years, the church has been entrusted with guarding the “good deposit” of faith delivered once for all to the saints (2 Timothy 1:14; Jude 3). ABWE’s revised doctrinal statement reflects this legacy by upholding the timeless truths of Scripture, reaffirming the mission’s foundational theological commitments, and addressing pressing issues such as the nature of God, biblical marriage, and the necessity of evangelism.
“Our new doctrinal statement strengthens our stance on essential truths and equips our workers to faithfully proclaim the gospel in today’s changing world,” said Paul Davis, president of ABWE. “In a time when doctrinal clarity is often compromised, ABWE remains committed to defending the ageless truths of Scripture and providing the necessary theological grounding for effective ministry.”
Key Updates to the Doctrinal Statement
The revised statement includes several major updates aimed at providing clarity and addressing current theological trends:
- Strengthened Language on Essential Doctrines: The revised language provides a robust articulation of doctrines such as the Trinity, the exclusivity of Christ, and the authority of Scripture. Statements now clearly affirm the co-equality and co-eternality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the necessity of conversion through faith in Christ, in contrast to a surrounding cultural climate of relativism and radical subjectivity.
- Addressing Contemporary Challenges: Updates respond to current issues, including the biblical definition of marriage and sexuality, and the influence of false teachings. The statement emphasizes marriage as designed by God to be a lifelong covenant between a biological man and a biological woman and the integrity of Scripture’s teaching concerning sexuality.
- Renewed Emphasis on Evangelism and the Great Commission: For the first time, the doctrinal statement includes a dedicated article on the urgency and necessity of evangelism. This addition reinforces ABWE’s historic commitment to proclaiming the gospel and prioritizing the task of making disciples in a cultural context increasingly uncomfortable with the exclusivity of the gospel message.
- Expanded Flexibility on Secondary Theological Matters: To promote unity among mission-minded believers, the revised statement allows for respectful diversity on secondary issues within areas like eschatology while affirming essential doctrines like the literal return of Christ and the reality of heaven and hell. This approach enables ABWE to collaborate with like-minded churches and individuals who share the organization’s core convictions.
Responding to Theological Trends and Modern Needs
The revisions were made to address various theological trends that have emerged in recent years. For instance, the statement now incorporates clearer language to counter broader movements in the church away from orthodox Trinitarian theology. The updates also reflect ABWE’s commitment to Christ’s triumph over spiritual forces, which is particularly relevant for ministry contexts in Latin America and Africa where overt spiritual warfare is commonplace.
Additional updates clarify the roles of the church, the ordinances, and the effects of sin. The statement also affirms the special creation of Adam and Eve, reinforcing a biblical view of humanity that counters secular narratives.
Resources to Support the Updated Statement
The updated doctrinal statement is accompanied by a variety of resources designed to help ABWE’s missionaries and sending churches better understand and teach its contents. These resources include a catechism for doctrinal study, memorization verses, and an eight-part video series titled Foundations of Faith and Missions, aimed at equipping believers to articulate core Christian doctrines effectively.
A Continued Legacy of Faithfulness
As ABWE approaches its centennial in 2027, the updated doctrinal statement reflects the legacy of its first missionary, Dr. Raphael Thomas, whose bold stance for gospel proclamation against the modernist and social gospel movements of his day led to the founding of the mission, prioritizing faithfulness to Scripture over innovation. The organization remains committed to upholding biblical orthodoxy in the midst of a changing world.
“Our founders were blessed not because of novelty but because of their unwavering dedication to proclaiming God’s Word,” said Davis. “We must continue to build on that foundation and defend it against the challenges of our time, trusting that Christ is honored by our zeal for his truth.”
The revised doctrinal statement and additional resources will be available for public review on October 30, 2024, at abwe.org/doctrinal-statement.
For more information, please contact:
Alex Kocman
Director of Communications and Engagement, ABWE
Email: alex@abwe.org
Phone: 717-909-2336
