Dr. Luke L. Keefer, Jr.
In 1999, the late Brethren in Christ theologian and church historian Luke L. Keefer, Jr., presented his essay "The Theological Foundations for Brethren in Christ Core Values" to the participants in the Consultation on Core Values. In it, he argued that four foundational convictions undergird the BIC theology: conversion, the transforming experience of salvation; community, the discipling people of God; Scripture, the normative authority of truth; and the Holy Spirit, the dynamic presence of God in our lives. From these four convictions, Keefer contended, the BIC could build a set of core values "which make these convictions more definitive and more user friendly" (p. 17).
Keefer's words were instrumental in shaping participants' thinking as they reflected on and helped to develop the BIC core values statement. At this year's study conference, we will reflect on the Keefer thesis and probe its value for our church community two decades later.