Beliefs

BELIEFS

Our Statement of Faith

The Council of African Independent Churches (CAIC) is founded on biblical principles and a shared confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Our beliefs are rooted in the truth of Scripture, and we are committed to upholding and living out these principles in all areas of our ministry and service. The following outlines our core theological beliefs, which guide our work and unite our fellowship.
 
The Bible
We believe that the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God, without error in its original writings, and is the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of humankind. It serves as the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

“We believe in one God, the Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

God
We believe in one God, the Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, sharing the same nature and essence, while fulfilling distinct roles within the Godhead.
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified, died, and was buried as the complete and final sacrifice for our sins. On the third day, He rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now sits at the right hand of God as our High Priest and Advocate.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (NIV)
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus Christ and convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Holy Spirit regenerates the believer, indwells, guides, instructs, and empowers the Christian for godly living and service. The Spirit also distributes spiritual gifts to believers for the edification of the Church and the fulfillment of God’s work.
Humanity
We believe that humanity was created in the image of God but fell into sin through disobedience, resulting in separation from God. Every person is born with a sinful nature and is in need of salvation, which can only be obtained through faith in Jesus Christ. Only through the regeneration by the Holy Spirit can spiritual life be restored.
Salvation
We believe that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection provide the only basis for the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. Those who place their trust in Christ are justified, regenerated, and adopted into the family of God, becoming heirs of eternal life.
The Church
We believe that the true Church is composed of all persons who are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and united through faith in Jesus Christ. The Church is the Body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The local church, as a manifestation of this universal body, is responsible for preaching the gospel, administering the sacraments, and providing fellowship, teaching, and discipline.
The Return of Jesus Christ
We believe in the personal, premillennial, and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ. This blessed hope has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer, inspiring us to live in readiness and anticipation of His coming.
Future Events
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all people: the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord, and the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment. We affirm the reality of heaven and hell, where eternal destinies are determined by one’s response to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Communion
We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a sacred memorial service, instituted by Christ Himself, commemorating His death and anticipating His return. It is a symbolic act that reflects the believer’s union with Christ and with one another in the body of Christ. Only true believers should partake in this observance.
Living Out Our Beliefs
At CAIC, our beliefs are not just statements of faith, but guiding principles for how we live, serve, and minister in our communities. We are committed to upholding the truth of Scripture in every aspect of our work, from our worship services and teaching programs to our community outreach and social initiatives. Our goal is to bring the transformative power of the gospel to every area of life, helping individuals, families, and communities grow in faith, hope, and love.
Join Us in Faith
We invite you to explore and embrace these beliefs as part of your spiritual journey. Whether you are seeking truth, growing in your faith, or looking for a community that stands firmly on the Word of God, CAIC offers a place where you can belong, believe, and become all that God has called you to be.