Affirmation of Faith
The creeds and confessions of the church shape our lives and express the faith and hope of the people of God through the ages. The Apostles’ Creed, the ancient baptismal statement of faith, is appropriately led from the font. The Nicene Creed, the most ecumenical of our creeds, is traditionally said when the Lord’s Supper is celebrated and may be led from the communion table. Other appropriate affirmations of faith may be found in Scripture and the Book of Confessions.
Notes adapted from Supplemental Liturgical Resource 1 (WJKP, 1984).
Excerpt from Worshiping God Together: A Guide for Children and Their Parents:
After we hear the good news, we say what we believe. Often these words come from the church’s creeds and confessions. In these writings, we remember and tell the world who we are, what we believe, and how we should live according to God’s Word.
Directory for Worship
The people also express the Word in response to the reading and proclamation of the Word through creeds and confessions. (G-2.0100.) The church confesses its faith in relation to
a. the Church universal,
b. its particular historic heritage, and
c. its local situation.
When the church confesses its faith during the celebration of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper the creeds of the universal Church should be used. (W-3.3603) The Word confessed is always judged by the living Word, Jesus Christ, as attested in Scripture.
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Book of Order, W-2.2009
The response to the proclamation of the Word is expressed in an affirmation of faith and commitment. A common affirmation may be offered by the congregation through singing a hymn or other appropriate musical response, or through saying or singing a creed of the church. The choir may lead the congregation with an anthem or other musical form of affirmation. An opportunity for personal response may also be provided during this time.
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Book of Order, W-3.3501
Find Affirmations of Faith from Biblical and Confessional Resources for Worship.
Sermon | Hymn, Song or Spiritual Psalm
