Biblical Leadership Equipping School for Servants (BLESS) aims to offer Certificate in Christian Ministry for incoming Pastors and Servant leaders who are Christ- centered, Compassionate and Competent.
While the courses will prepare qualified enrollees for ordained ministry in the Christian Reformed Churches in the Philippines (CRCP), they are also open to other members and churches.
BLESS aims to teach essential Reformed teachings and ministry skills in advancing their capacity to accomplish their tasks, provide a forum where present and potential leaders may fellowship and share together their concerns, questions and mutually explore answers to current issues from the Scriptures supplemented by the explanations from our accepted doctrines, and servant leaders receive a standardized pastoral and leadership knowledge required by our denomination through a comprehensive curriculum and certifications
During Synod 2021, Classis Metro Manila Central submitted an overture to set standards for establishing classical theological institutions and that these institutions shall be accredited to qualify students for ordination. Below is a copy of the said overture. This overture was accepted and approved by the Synod.
Our Statement of Faith identifies the main themes of our beliefs. We believe they are rooted in the Word of God. We teach these to our members to help them understand, appreciate and explain our faith more clearly. Interestingly, we share these beliefs with other Christians and Christian churches which trace their doctrinal roots to the 16th century Reformation when Biblical truth, faith and practice were recovered.
There is only one true, living, and all powerful, eternal God, the Creator and Ruler of all. Yet He has also revealed Himself to us in three persons as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three possess the same divine nature and character, working in perfect harmony as one, to order all things according to God’s sovereign rule for His glory. See Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14.
Jesus Christ, the pre-existent Son of God who became man when he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin is that Savior and Redeemer. Being both a sinless man and fully God, He alone is able to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice and sufficient payment for all our sins by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead to overcome the power of sin and death and prove His redeeming work was effective. He has returned to the Father to prepare a place for His people and intercede for them. He is the way to the Father, the source and embodiment of truth and life. See Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; 53:1-12; John 1:1-5; John 14:6,10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15;7:25; I Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11.
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present already during creation. He has been and is at work to teach man about God and His will, convict him of sin, judgment and righteousness, and make him aware of his need for Jesus Christ. He dwells in every follower of Jesus to enable him to experience His presence, understand spiritual truths and apply them purposely in his life and relationships. He has also given gifts for the edification of the church and fulfillment of the Great Commission. See Gen 1:1-2; II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12; 3: 16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1; 2Cor 12-14.
The Bible is God’s inspired word for all mankind and especially for His people. Written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Scripture provides us a completely reliable, accurate and trustworthy account of God’s nature, character, purpose and dealings with mankind and His people. It is the final source of all truth and authority for the church and for every Christian belief and conduct. See II Timothy 3:14-17; II Peter 1:20,21; Psalm 19:7-12; Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5.
We are all made in the image of God able to reflect His character and accomplish His will. But man was corrupted by deception, his own disobedience and rebellion toward God. Called “sin”, this condition has made us miserable, condemned and subject to the wrath of God. By ourselves, we are totally unable to save ourselves and be right before God. For man to be reconciled with God and get out of his misery and guilt, he needs a qualified Savior and able Redeemer. See Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2.
Salvation is totally by grace and can be received as a free gift from God through faith. This means man cannot do anything to save himself from the power and penalty of sin which separates him from God. Only Jesus Christ could save us through his life, death and resurrection which we may claim through faith. A believer’s salvation is kept by the grace and power of God alone and not by any of his effort. We receive our new life in Christ when we fully trust Him as our only Savior and Lord. As a grateful response for His redemption, we live for His pleasure and serve for His glory. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-10; John 14:6, John 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:21. John 10:29; II Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10-14; I Peter 1:3-5, Mat 5:16; 1Cor 10:31.
The Church is a people called and being gathered by God from all the nations to be the living Body of Christ on earth. Jesus is the head and the source of its life and He has committed Himself to her for eternity. We believe that all true believers are part of the universal church. We are exhorted to actively participate in her local manifestation so that together, we can grow, worship God in spirit and truth, grow in faith, love and hope which are in Jesus, fellowship with one another, proclaim the gospel, make disciples and contribute towards the transformation of the society for God in the leading of the Holy Spirit. See Ephesians 5:23; Romans 12:4-8; I Corinthians 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:1-16; Colossians 1:15-20, Mat 28:18-20.
Every believer is both a child of God and His servant or minister. Ministry is not limited to a few believers nor in the confines of a local church. Whatever we do, wherever and however we honor God, is a ministry. The church is the depository of the Gospel and prime equipper of God’s people for service, but His people can serve Him in various areas and capacities in and beyond the four walls of the church. We serve the Lord Jesus as His ambassadors in their homes, schools, business, arts and entertainment, mass media, government and other venues both locally and abroad. Under Christ’s kingship we are called to be lights and salts of the world and disciple all people’s groups. We do good works and serve excellently out of love for God and our neighbors by the grace which God Himself supplies. See Mat 5:13-16; 28:16-20; 1Cor 10:31; 1Cor 12-14; Eph 2:8-10; Phil 4:13.
According to God’s kingdom plan, Jesus Christ will return to earth bodily, visibly and gloriously to fully establish His eternal kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy over all creation. It includes His total and final victory over sin, death and Satan, the judgment for those who do not believe and submit to His Lordship, and the glorious reward for those who believe and serve Him and love His appearing. There will be a new heaven and a new earth where God will dwell with His people, and in that glorious setting, there will be no more tear, death, mourning, crying or pain, no curse, unclean thing, nor even night. The glories of the nations will be there and His servants will both serve Him and reign with Him forever and ever. See Acts 1:6-11; Mark 13:24-27; Revelation 1:7; I Peter 4:5; Matthew 24:29-31; 25:31-46, John 3:36; Col 3:23-24; 2Tim 4:6-8; Rev 21:1-4; 24-26; 22:5.
CRCP – Classis Metro Manila Central
Contact Number: 0995 015 8555 | Landline: (02) 87148 1856
Email: registrar@blesscrcp.com