CGU Guiding Principles

One in Christ: We believe in the motto "Christians only, not the only Christians." Thomas Campbell wrote, "That the Church of Christ upon earth is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one; consisting of all those in every place that profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him in all things according to the Scriptures."

Unity of the Spirit: We believe Jesus intends for His followers to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." And to "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" Eph. 4:2-3. 

Locally Focused: We believe our efforts toward unity will be more successful when we are locally focused. Proximity gives us consistent opportunities to build relationships based on love, respect, and our common bond in Jesus our Lord.

The Gathering: We embrace the following idea: "The goal of the gathering is the gathering, but the outcomes belong to God." We are not seeking to create another global institution but encouraging something organic led by the Spirit of God. We are not promoting mergers, planting new congregations, or cooperative events. God may work in ways that bring about these, but we leave those outcomes to Him.

Doctrine and Practice: Titus 2:1 says, "But as for you, teach what is consistent with sound instruction," and 1 Timothy 4:16 says, " Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching." And yet, scripture reminds us, "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall" (Rom. 14:1-4). CGU is not seeking to be the arbitrator of the right doctrine or practice. We hold that these matters are best left to one's convictions and to local congregational governance. Far too many have divided over opinions of what is essential - over who is in and who is out! Unity cannot exist without diversity, and there will be diverse views about doctrine, practice, and ideologies. Therefore CGU seeks to model how to have civil dialog in the face of diversity. The motto, "We are free to differ but not divide" reminds us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry" (James 1: 19), and "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Rom. 12:18).

His Righteousness: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor. 5:21). We are not made right by perfect obedience to the "Law of Christ" or by a continual search for an ancient order of worship or practice. We are, however, justified, sanctified, and made righteous by our faith in the work of Jesus on the cross (Rom. 1:17; Col. 2: 12). Rightness does not produce righteousness. However, "The righteous will live by faith." As we live by faith let our attitude be filled with grace and humility as we bear with one another in love (Col. 3:12).