About Us

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Our Doctrinal BAsis

AFES student groups are united by the gospel of Jesus as revealed in the Bible. Way back in 1936, a group of students formalised what we believe by writing the AFES Doctrinal Basis. This statement of beliefs has supported evangelical students as they seek to serve Christ’s mission on campus together.

Statement
of Beliefs

Scripture

The divine inspiration and infallibility of Holy Scripture as originally given, and its supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

The Bible is God’s word, and was perfect in the way it was originally written. It’s our go-to guide for what we believe and how we should behave as Christians.

The Godhead

The unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in the Godhead.

So when we talk about the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit, we’re talking about one God, but three persons. Distinct, but the same.

The Fall

The universal sinfulness and guilt of human nature since the fall, rendering all people subject to God’s wrath and condemnation.

People, by their very nature, are broken and deserve God’s judgement.

The Virgin Birth

The conception of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit and his birth by the virgin Mary.

Jesus came to Earth as a man – still fully God, but also fully human. He was born to Mary, with no earthly father.

Redemption

Redemption from the guilt, penalty and power of sin only through the sacrificial death, as our representative and substitute, of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God.

Even though we deserve God’s judgement for all the wrong things we do and the good things we don’t do, Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection mean we are redeemed and can have a relationship with God.

The Resurrection

The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Jesus really did rise from the dead – body and all – proving he’s the Lord over everything and giving us hope that lasts forever.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

The necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit to make the death of Christ effective in the individual sinner, granting repentance towards God, and faith in Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit helps us turn back to God, trust in Jesus, and understand what he’s done for us.

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

The indwelling and work of the Holy Spirit in the believer.

When we follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit moves in. He helps us grow, serve, and keep going in our faith.

The Return of Jesus

The expectation of the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus is coming back one day to set everything right and bring his people home.

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OUR MISSION STATEMENT

In prayerful dependence on God, AFES proclaims Jesus Christ at university to present everyone mature in Him, by building student groups that evangelise, encourage, train and send.

AFES VALUES

Lives transformed by God’s grace

AFES rests on the saving and transforming riches of God’s grace freely given through a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

The Bible shaping our mission, message, and methods

AFES values expository Bible teaching and study, biblical theology, and humble submission to the Bible to shape our mission, message, and methods of ministry.

National gospel unity and local distinctivness

AFES values being a national movement united in the gospel as reflected in our Doctrinal Basis, and values the freedom to conduct our Mission with local distinctiveness.

Training by modelling

AFES values every activity in our mission as an opportunity to train others through modelling godly character, convictions and competency, particularly through apprenticeships.

Students and staff in partnership

AFES values students leading our mission through partnership with long-term, campus-based AFES staff.

Partnerships in prayer and finances

AFES values our partnerships in the cause of the gospel on campus with supporters, graduates, and churches.

Local churches

AFES values local churches as the primary expression of the body of Christ, and so values every student and staff member having a love for, and a committed involvement in, a local church.

Commitment to Christ's global mission

AFES is committed to raising up and sending disciple-making disciples for global mission in partnership with local churches and mission agencies.

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