by Robert C. Frank
The Apostle’s Creed has been such an important part of the liturgy of many Christian denominations for so long that it is rarely noticed that part of the Creed is missing. The Creed carefully describes the birth of Jesus and then goes on to describe his death in considerable detail without saying anything about his life and ministry. Those early leaders had no way of knowing that Jesus’ unique form of ministry during his life would someday exert a strong influence on the development of civilization on earth.
In the following version of the second article of the creed used in some denominations, I have inserted an example of what might have been put in to make it more complete.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. During his life he became the ultimate servant leader, healing the sick, and teaching others how to work together to care for the needs of all people. Finally, he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
It is unlikely that the Apostle’s Creed will ever be changed, but we can honor Jesus in our modern world by continuing to remind ourselves how his unique ministry has influenced civilization as we know it. The book, Christ’s Team, and this web site as well as the www.likeateam.com web site provide information that will help readers understand the ministry of Jesus Christ as it is viewed from the 21st century.
Robert C. Frank
Author of Christ’s Team
