WHAT WE BELIEVE
Our Doctrinal Basis
AFES student groups are united by the gospel of Jesus as revealed in the Bible. Way back in 1936, a group of students formalised what we believe by writing the AFES Doctrinal Basis. This statement of beliefs has supported evangelical students as they seek to serve Christ’s mission on campus together.
Statement of Beliefs
Scripture
The divine inspiration and infallibility of Holy Scripture as originally given, and its supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
The Bible is God’s word, and was perfect in the way it was originally written. It’s our go-to guide for what we believe and how we should behave as Christians.
The Godhead
The unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in the Godhead.
When we talk about the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit, we’re talking about one God, but three persons; distinct, but united.
The Fall
The universal sinfulness and guilt of human nature since the fall, rendering all people subject to God’s wrath and condemnation.
People, by their very nature, are broken, corrupt and deserve God’s judgement.
The Virgin Birth
The conception of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit and his birth by the virgin Mary.
Jesus came to Earth as a man – still fully God, but also fully human. He was born to Mary, with no biological father.
Redemption
Redemption from the guilt, penalty and power of sin only through the sacrificial death, as our representative and substitute, of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God.
Even though we deserve God’s judgement for our rebellion against God, Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection mean we are redeemed and can have peace in our relationship with God.
The Resurrection
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Jesus really did rise from the dead – body and all – proving he’s the Lord over everything and giving us hope that lasts forever.
The Work of the Holy Spirit
The necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit to make the death of Christ effective in the individual sinner, granting repentance towards God, and faith in Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit turns back to God, gives us a trust in Jesus, and enables us to understand what he’s done for us.
The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
The indwelling and work of the Holy Spirit in the believer.
As we follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit enables us to grow, serve, and keep going in our faith.
The Return of Jesus
The expectation of the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus is coming back one day to set everything right and bring his people home.
In prayerful dependence on God, we proclaim Jesus Christ at university to present everyone mature in Him, by building student groups that evangelise, encourage, train and send.
Our VALUES
Lives transformed by God’s grace
We rest on the saving and transforming riches of God’s grace freely given through a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
The Bible shaping our mission, message, and methods
We value expository Bible teaching and study, biblical theology, and humble submission to the Bible to shape our mission, message, and methods of ministry.
National gospel unity and local distinctiveness
We value being a national movement united in the gospel as reflected in our Doctrinal Basis, and values the freedom to conduct our Mission with local distinctiveness.
Training by modelling
We value every activity in our mission as an opportunity to train others through modelling godly character, convictions and competency, particularly through apprenticeships.
Students and staff in partnership
We value students leading our mission through partnership with long-term, campus-based AFES staff.
Partnerships in prayer and finances
We value our partnerships in the cause of the gospel on campus with supporters, graduates, and churches.
Local churches
We value local churches as the broader expression of the body of Christ, and so we value every student and staff member having a love for, and a committed involvement in, a local church.
Commitment to Christ's global mission
We are committed to raising up and sending disciple-making disciples for global mission in partnership with local churches and mission agencies.