Our Theology & Convictions
Rooted in Scripture. Centered on Jesus. Committed to His Mission.
What we believe shapes how we live, how we make disciples, and how we work together for the renewal of Baltimore.
United Around Jesus and His Mission
BALM brings together Christians from different churches and traditions around a shared commitment to Jesus Christ and His mission. We believe the gospel transforms individuals, communities, and the way we live together.
Our theological convictions shape our commitment to disciple-making, developing leaders, cultivating multiplying churches, and serving our neighbors.
Jesus at the Center
Our identity, hope, and mission are rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
What Unites Us
Every Believer Called
Every follower of Jesus is invited to be formed by Him and participate in His mission.
Scripture as Our Foundation
The Bible shapes our understanding of God, discipleship, the Church, and our calling in the world.
The Gospel in Word and Deed
Proclaiming Jesus and demonstrating His love through mercy, justice, and service belong together.
Documents That Shape Our Movement
The Lausanne Covenant & Related Statements
OUR EVANGELICAL FOUNDATION
BALM stands within the broad evangelical and missional tradition expressed by the Lausanne Movement. Beginning with the Lausanne Covenant (1974) and developed through the Manila Manifesto (1989), Cape Town Commitment (2010), and Seoul Statement (2024), these documents affirm the authority of Scripture, the uniqueness and lordship of Jesus Christ, the call to make disciples of all nations, the ministry of the whole people of God, and the inseparable relationship between gospel proclamation and lives of mercy, justice, and faithful witness.
Baltimore Unbound Church Network (BUCN) Statement of Faith
OUR MOVEMENT VALUES
The Underground movement offers a vision of church that empowers ordinary followers of Jesus to live as missionaries in their everyday contexts. Its emphasis on simple, multiplying microchurches and shared mission informs our approach to disciple-making communities.
The Underground Manifesto
OUR NETWORK'S DOCTRINAL COMMITMENTS
The Baltimore Unbound Church Network (BUCN) articulates theological commitments that help guide its microchurch communities and leaders. These convictions provide a shared foundation for faith, leadership, and accountability within the network.
Metro Baltimore Seminary
OUR COMMITMENT TO THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION
Metro Baltimore Seminary (MBS) provides accessible, biblically grounded theological education that equips leaders for ministry in the local church and community. Through its partnership with MBS, BALM helps lead the Church Planting & Renewal and Urban Ministry tracks, integrating theological depth with practical ministry and disciple-making. This partnership reflects BALM's conviction that sound theology, spiritual formation, and mission belong together.
BALM values theological depth alongside cooperation across Christian traditions. We seek to remain rooted in biblical faith while creating space for churches and leaders to work together toward a shared vision: multiplying disciples and communities of faith throughout Greater Baltimore.