Who we are
Antwerp International Protestant Church is an accurate name.
We are international, with people from around 40 nations making up our community.
We are Protestant, meaning that our faith and practice are based on the principles of the Protestant Reformation. "Protestant" includes many branches: Baptist, Pentecostal, Anglican, Presbyterian, Reformed, etc. We have members from all of those backgrounds.
We are a church, a community built on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
We define our identity as a church under three statements
We Are Growing in the Good News of Jesus Christ
Christ-Centered
We want to know Jesus Christ and become like him. We seek to live the beautiful life that Jesus taught and modeled for us.
Grace-Focused
Spirituality goes wrong when it focuses on rules. It also goes wrong when it says just follow your heart. Our spiritual life is based on something different than either of these: the grace of God, given through Jesus Christ.
Devoted Life
The free gift of Jesus Christ calls us to give our lives fully to him. Through various spiritual practices, we are all on the journey to become more like Christ.
We Love One Another as the Church
Diverse
The people of the church come from many nations. We come from many religious and philosophical beliefs. All are discovering grace and truth in Christ.
United
We are diverse, but united as one through the Spirit of God. To maintain unity, we practice patience, forgiveness, and love.
Hospitable
People joining for the first time feel welcomed and loved as if they are with a new family. Members of the church share life together.
We Reach Out to the World in Mission
Intellectual
We seek to explain why the Christian faith is good and true. We respectfully discuss other views of the world. Skeptics and seekers are always welcome.
Compassionate
Members of the church show compassion to people in need in Antwerp and around the world.
Pursuing God's Glory
In the end, it's not about us. It's about God. How wonderful that God loves us!