A creed is a formal statement of essential beliefs. The word “creed” comes from the Latin “credo” meaning, “I believe.” This guiding set of principles, doctrines or convictions for a group functions as a confession or commitment to this core philosophy. The earliest creed comes from the Apostle Paul, who challenged early believers in his writings to confess “Jesus is Lord.” One of the most widely used creeds is the Nicene Creed, written in 325 AD, that affirmed basic Christian beliefs such as the deity of Christ and God as triune.

Today you might also be familiar with the Soldier’s Creed, a fundamental statement of ethics and values for the US Army. It contains phrases including, “I will never quit. I will never accept defeat. I will never leave a fallen comrade.”

For our Men’s Tables, we have formed “The Brothers’ Creed”. It’s a simple statement of beliefs we share at the Men’s Table. This may be useful for your men to adopt as a part of your Table commitment.

THE BROTHERS’ CREED

We gather under the authority of Scripture
and the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

We commit to pursue truth,
walk in integrity,
and grow into men of courage and compassion.

We choose brotherhood over isolation,
accountability over comfort,
and obedience over excuses.

We will pray for one another,
speak truth in love,
and bear each other’s burdens.

By God’s grace and the Spirit’s power,
we will become the men God calls us to be.

Scriptures Supporting The Brothers’ Creed

Authority of Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16–17 — “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Lordship of Jesus Christ

Philippians 2:9–11 — Every knee will bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Luke 6:46 — “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”

Integrity and Truth

Proverbs 27:17 — “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Ephesians 4:25 — “Speak truthfully to your neighbor…”
Psalm 15:1–2 — The one who walks blamelessly and speaks truth from the heart.

Brotherhood and Accountability

Hebrews 10:24–25 — Spur one another on toward love and good deeds… not giving up meeting together.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10,12 — Two are better than one… a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
James 5:16 — Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another.

Courage and Obedience

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 — “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
Joshua 1:9 — “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you.”
James 1:22 — Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.

Bearing Burdens and Prayer

Galatians 6:2 — “Carry each other’s burdens…”
Colossians 4:2 — “Devote yourselves to prayer…”

Dependence on God’s Grace

2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you…”
Philippians 1:6 — He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.

More on the Men's Table

The Brothers' Creed

A creed is a formal statement of essential beliefs. The word “creed” comes from the Latin “credo” meaning, “I believe.” You can adopt The Brothers’ Creed as a statement of belief for your Men’s Table.

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Leading a Table

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Tables in the Bible

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Wrangling a Table

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Growing a Table

Men come to a table each week when their voices are heard. Participation drives attendance. A table leader’s most important leadership development task during the week is not preparing for their table discussion. Rather, it’s connecting personally with men.