THE NON-NEGOTIABLES
Across churches and denominations, the diversity of expression is remarkable. Some congregations worship with pipe organs and ancient hymns; others lift up their voices with guitars and digital screens. In one church, the congregation may come dressed in coats and ties; in another, shorts and sandals. Some pastors wear robes; others preach in jeans. Cultural traditions, generational experiences, and local contexts all contribute to the distinct feel and rhythm of each faith community.
But underneath the diversity lies something more important: the non-negotiables.
Every faithful church, no matter its style, must stand upon foundational truths—must plant its flag upon those theological convictions that do not bend or drift with culture, preference, or time. They must be clearly defined, courageously upheld, and constantly remembered.
Think of it like this: Imagine swimming in the ocean. You swim along the shoreline, but after a while, you look back to the shore and realize—you've drifted. The current has pulled you away from your original spot. Without a fixed reference point on land, you wouldn’t have known how far you had moved.
This is what theological non-negotiables are for the Church. They are the fixed points on the shoreline. Without them, drift is inevitable.
At Grace Church, we are in a season of reflection and renewal. As part of our pastoral transition, we are preparing for Discovery Weekend, a guided time of congregational engagement, which will offer the opportunity for congregation-wide spiritual reflection, honest assessment, and collaborative vision-building. We will explore aspirational questions for our church, among them being: What kind of worship and preaching most draw us nearer to God? How can we best reach our neighbors with the Good News? What kind of pastoral leadership will faithfully shepherd us forward? Where is God calling us to act with mercy, mission, and boldness?
These are vital conversations. But there are some things we will not be discussing—because they are not up for debate. At Grace Church, our non-negotiables are clearly stated in our Constitution, in our Statement of Faith, and Article III, which defines the very purpose of our church: “The purpose of this church is to glorify Jesus Christ. Our mission is, as God gives us the means and direction, to make disciples of Jesus Christ: leading people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, teaching people all Christ has commanded, equipping believers for the work of service, speaking the truth in the context of love, and facilitating growth in all ways toward the likeness of Christ, who is the Head of the Church.” They are further reflected in in our written Convictions, which may be found here: https://www.gracebirmingham.com/convictions. These declarations are not just words on paper. They are our shoreline markers—our protection against drift. Ina secular age that constantly seeks to reshape the Church, these truths keep us rooted.
And while this article speaks of Grace Church, the call to define and cling to our non-negotiables is for every church and every Christian. For all believers, those shoreline truths include:
· The authority and sufficiency of Scripture in all matters of faith and life.
· Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
· The centrality of the Gospel—the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
These are not preferences. They are our identity. And though our churches may differ in music, liturgy, or community life, it is these truths that unite us, define us, and animate our mission.
So, as we reflect and discern together, may we do so with both open hearts and anchored convictions. Because a church that knows what is non-negotiable is a church ready to move boldly into the future, full of grace and truth.
In Christ,
Mort Taylor
