Editor’s Note: Shane Claiborne was one of the initial signers of the Confession, as was Lisa Sharon Harper and several other friends of RLC.
A significant movement is emerging within the evangelical community, fueled by a collective aspiration for spiritual rejuvenation and a cohesive response to contemporary challenges. At the heart of this movement lies a newly established “Confession of Evangelical Conviction,” which articulates seven fundamental beliefs and has garnered the endorsement of more than 300 evangelical pastors and leaders, representing a vast network of churches and millions of evangelicals nationwide. This Confession, supported by 39 direct Scriptural references, urges the church to prioritize faith over fear, denounce various forms of political idolatry, and affirm that Christ alone is Lord.
Released on September 5, the Confession aims to serve as a theological and scriptural foundation for an extensive week dedicated to worship and prayer for Revival in America. More than ten thousand evangelical churches have pledged their participation in this week of worship and revival. These congregations will collectively offer praise and prayers from over 4 million evangelicals through sermons, communal confessions, prayers, and music that resonate with the Confession, invoking the Holy Spirit to instigate revival within the evangelical church.
This Confession and the accompanying congregational response have sparked the most extensive and unified evangelical movement and commitment in decades, showcasing the diverse and rich fabric of the evangelical church in America. Its signatories represent major evangelical umbrella organizations, esteemed evangelical colleges and seminaries, publishing houses, parachurch entities, international relief organizations, and Christian media. Participants span various denominational and theological backgrounds, uniting evangelicals from large megachurches and smaller congregations, as well as diverse cultural and racial heritages, from all regions of the country, united by a profound love for Jesus Christ and a dedication to his teachings.
The Confession emerged from discussions across the evangelical community. Over 20 evangelical pastors, leaders, and professors from Christian colleges contributed to the original draft, drawing on the evangelical church’s tradition of crafting declarations and confessions that address pivotal moments, like the current challenges the church in America faces as it grapples with the temptation of political idolatry and the divisive, fear-inducing spirits that jeopardize the church’s witness.
This initiative is further enhanced by a range of innovative resources aimed at inspiring and equipping both individuals and congregations. These resources comprise:
- A new worship album: Crafted by a group of Christian artists, this album encapsulates the essence and themes of the Confession. It is now available on Spotify and all major music platforms.
- Animated series: Produced by Phil Vischer, the renowned creator of VeggieTales, this series offers an engaging and accessible means to delve into the principles outlined in the Confession.
- Devotionals: Created by InterVarsity and other contributors, these devotionals provide daily reflections designed to enhance understanding and promote personal application of the Confession’s teachings.
The “Confession of Evangelical Conviction” is a rallying cry, inspiring evangelicals to live out their faith with authenticity, courage, and love in all aspects of life. It is more than just a statement – it is a movement that ignites hearts and minds, calling believers to put their convictions into transformative action.
Visit www.evangelicalconfession2024.com to learn more about the Confession, read the complete text, view the list of signers, and explore the accompanying resources.
