The following statements undergird our philosophy of ministry:
God’s primary purpose in this age is to call out a people for His name, to unite these individuals together as members of a local church conforming them both individually and corporately to the image of Christ.
God’s primary instrument for accomplishing His purposes in the world is the community of believers, the church.
The primary task of the church is to make disciples.
A disciple is trusting Jesus as their sole means of salvation, is growing in grace, faith, knowledge and love, and is participating fully in a local community of believers.
Evangelism is but the first step in the discipleship process.
Evangelism is a by-product of effective discipleship.
Evangelism and discipleship are best accomplished through intimate loving relationships within a local community of believers.
The gospel is most effectively spread through natural networks of relationships.
The Holy Spirit is the only true evangelist.
Believing the gospel is the only means of realizing the blessings of God in salvation.
Effective leadership is essential to the success of the community of believers.
Biblical leadership implies service to the community of believers rather than authority over it.
The functions of leadership include:
- Caring for individuals within the community of believers.
- Protecting the community of believers from false teaching.
- Teaching the community of believers the truth of Scripture.
- Preparing the community of believers for the work of service.
- Nurturing the corporate life of the body of Christ.
Ministry is essentially personal in nature and relational in context — “one life touching another.”
Believers really do want to know the truth and follow Jesus.
Right behavior follows right thinking.
God is the only source of empowerment for the accomplishment of good works which yield eternal results.
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