Oswego Alliance Church is a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) denomination. This denomination began in 1887 through the work of Dr. Albert Benjamin Simpson. Initially intended as a missionary resource for mainline denominations, today the C&MA includes over two million people in 75 countries.
The Christian and Missionary Alliance is an evangelical denomination with a major emphasis on world evangelism. It maintains a “big tent” stance in reference to many doctrinal matters, encouraging believers of diverse backgrounds and theological traditions to unite in an alliance to “Know and Exalt Jesus Christ and to Complete His Great Commission.”
Since its beginnings, the C&MA gradually expanded to 1,100 missionaries in 49 nations and churches in 66 countries and territories. While the denomination establishes churches among unreached people groups, the C&MA is also involved in many specialized missions such as communications, medical services, translation, relief work and developmental aid.
With churches in every state, the C&MA totals about 350,000 Christians in nearly 2,000 American churches. One quarter of the congregations is intercultural in character, attracting immigrants and minority groups with strong cultural heritages. Affiliated institutions include four colleges, a seminary, a publishing house, four retirement centers, a variety of camps and two development / investment organizations.
The Four-Fold Gospel
The cross, laver, pitcher and crown are the four symbols that join to illustrate the central theme in the Christian and Missionary Alliance, that is: Jesus Christ our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer and Coming King. The globe represents our mission in the world.
Christ Our Savior
The Cross stands for the salvation made available to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Christ Our Sanctifier
The Laver symbolizes sanctification, a daily cleansing from sin and the empowerment to live as God intends through the indwelling Christ.”His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who is called us by His own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)
Christ Our Healer
The Pitcher speaks of oil, a symbol of divine life and physical healing that come from Jesus.”And prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.” (James 5:15)
Christ Our Coming King
The Crown symbolizes the return of Jesus Christ to the earth a King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”You will see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:62)
Our Worldwide Mission
The Globe reminds us of our responsibility and privilege to take the message of Christ’s love to the whole world.
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)