What We Believe

Doctrine of the Church of the Good Shepherd

You Are Welcome Here

At the Church of the Good Shepherd, we strive to live out our baptismal covenant in our shared life as a part of the Body of Christ.  We work to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.  We seek to serve Christ in all persons, and we strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being!  

We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. 

As Episcopalians, we have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; at all levels of our church. We believe that leadership and ministry are gifts from God and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of race, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

 

The Bible

Contains everything necessary for salvation
It is our foundation, understood through tradition and reason, containing all things necessary for salvation. Our worship is filled with Scripture from beginning to end.
"Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them"
Book of Common Prayer, p. 236

The Book of
Common Prayer

Our liturgy for worship and life.
The Book of Common Prayer is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations, but it is also the primary symbol of our unity. We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer.
View the Book of Common Prayer online here.
It is a most invaluable part of that blessed ‘liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,’ that in his worship different forms and usages may without offence be allowed, provided the substance of the Faith be kept entire
Book of Common Prayer, p. 9

The Creeds

The affirmation of our faith.
We will always have questions, but in the two foundational statements of faith – the Apostles’ Creed used at baptism, and the Nicene Creed used at communion – we join Christians throughout the ages in affirming our faith in the one God who created us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us.
The Creeds are statements of our basic beliefs about God
Book of Common Prayer, p. 851

Holy Communion

Do this in remembrance...
It goes by several names: Holy Communion, the Eucharist (which literally means "thanksgiving"), mass. But whatever it’s called, this is the family meal for Christians and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. As such, all persons who have been baptized, and are therefore part of the extended family that is the Church, are welcome to receive the bread and wine, and be in communion with God and each other.
The Holy Eucharist can be found on pp. 316-399 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood...
Book of Common Prayer, P.365

Holy Baptism

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...
In the waters of baptism we are lovingly adopted by God into God’s family, which we call the Church, and given God’s own life to share and reminded that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ.
The Rite of Holy Baptism can be found on pp. 297-308 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble.
Book of Common Prayer, p. 298

If you would like to learn more about the beliefs of the Episcopal Church, please visit episcopalchurch.org/what-we-believe. 

All are Welcome!

Everyone is welcome at the Church of the Good Shepherd. No matter your age, gender race, or orientation, you are welcome to join us by fully participating in every aspect of worship, fellowship, and service. In fact, you will not only be welcomed among us, your presence will be celebrated!
Worship With Us

Contact us

  • Address

    3809 Spring Avenue Southwest
    Decatur, AL 35601

Copyright © The Church of the Good Shepherd, Episcopal

3809 Spring Avenue Southwest, Decatur, AL 35603