Chi Alpha’s Five-Fold Philosophy
As ministers of reconciliation, we are a community of God’s college-age people: a community of worship, a community of fellowship, a community of discipleship, a community of witness, and a community of prayer. We include the concept of “community” in all of these because of the high priority we put on coming together as a group for Biblically commanded activity. We will use the term community to stress our position that we can be more visible and effective as a group than as isolated individuals. As students graduate, Chi Alpha recognizes the mission continues beyond the campus.
Community of Worship
As a “community of worship,” Chi Alpha must establish ministry to God as the highest call of Christians. We recognize we were created by, and are now reconciled to God to bring glory to Him. As Christ’s family gathered, we become the dwelling place of God for the very purpose of ministry to Him as His priests and for proclamation of His greatness to the world. We believe the presence of God is made real among us when Christians are spiritually empowered in worship (Psalm 22:3; Isaiah 43:7; Ephesians 1:10-22; I Peter 2:4- 10; Acts 1:8).
Community of Fellowship
As a “community of fellowship,” we are in joint submission to Jesus’ command, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:54). “This how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (I John 3:16). By this we also know the believer cannot live in isolation, but as a member of the Body of the elect. This entails assessing one another’s needs and responding with intercessory prayer and deeds of caring– “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).
Community of Discipleship
As a “community of discipleship,” we are committed to pursue the fulfilling of the Great Commission given by the Lord Jesus Christ, to “disciple” all nations (Matthew 28:20). Therefore our discipleship will have a strong focus on global evangelization, starting from our own ‘Jerusalem’ (the campus) and going to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). It is our conviction that discipling is best accomplished in the relational context of the mature believer helping to nurture younger members of the community in small group situations, even as Jesus discipled the Twelve, and as the disciples went from house to house. By this process each member is thus given the basic knowledge and skills necessary to grow toward maturity in Christ and is equipped for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16). We desire to follow the instructions of Paul to Timothy, “These things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (II Timothy 2:2).
Community of Witness
As a “community of witness,” we are Spirit-empowered to display to the campus community what it means to be the people of God, proclaiming the gospel, and calling others into relationship with God. We affirm the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to live a life characterized by dynamic faith and expectancy in the supernatural enabling them to boldly witness about the truth and transforming power of the Cross. We take seriously the fact that the Great Commission is central to God’s agenda in history and is a task He intends us to complete (Matthew 24:14).
Community of Prayer
As a “community of prayer,” Chi Alpha must establish intimacy with God as the highest privilege of Christians. We recognize the importance of confession, affirming the lordship of Christ, the fatherhood of God, and the conviction of the Spirit (Philippians 2:9-11; John 16:8). We acknowledge to God sins which make us ineffective in our spiritual walk and pray for each other for forgiveness and restoration (Hebrews 12:1; James 5:13-16; Psalm 139:23-24). In supplication we acknowledge God as our source and supplier (Philippians 4:6-7,19). We bring our requests to God expecting Him to fully supply our needs. We look to God for daily guidance, open to His revelation.