|
Ministry Philosophy
Our
ministry philosophy is a set of convictions and values based upon the Word of God, for we believe that the Scriptures are totally reliable and sufficient to equip every believer for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
These Biblical convictions exist as timeless, trustworthy guides
for ministry to people. It is essential for everyone to evaluate their ministry and ensure that it squares with the Scriptures.
Therefore,
our aim is to pursue and develop:
GOD-HONORING MINISTRY
We believe Jesus Christ is the
only head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23). Therefore, our purpose is to serve Christ through obedience to His Word, the Bible, with the expressed goal of exalting
him in what we think, say and do. This motivation leads to a commitment to excellence in
our ministry to people (Colossians 3:23).
BIBLE-BASED MINISTRY
We believe the Bible is authoritative and sufficient to clearly guide us by precept, prohibition and principle (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Therefore, our purpose is to
obey and use Biblical truth in the making of all decisions for effective ministry to people.
PEOPLE-CENTERED MINISTRY
We believe
the Church – which refers to the universal body of believers and expresses
itself in local groups of believers – exists to serve people of all ages and
races, both saved and unsaved. We filter decisions through the grid of this question:
“How will this decision or activity enable us to serve and care for saved and unsaved people more effectively?
MISSION-FOCUSED MINISTRY
We believe God
has commissioned every believer to share the gospel message with pre-Christians
(Matthew 28:19-20). It is our responsibility to contact, communicate, and connect with
people with the expressed aim of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. This relational style of sharing the gospel is key to inviting people to admit their sin, see their need for the Savior, and
trust him alone for the gift of salvation and eternal life (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Ephesians 2:8-9).
GIFTS-BASED MINISTRY
We believe every believer
is entrusted with gifts or skills for service or ministry to people who may be
inside or outside the Church (1 Peter 4:10). God has charged every leader with the task of equipping believers from the Scriptures
so they better serve others (Ephesians 4:11-16). Every believer is expected and empowered by God to serve others.
GROWTH-ORIENTED MINISTRY
We believe God has chosen to use
the Church – that is, saved individuals who gather in local assemblies – to
reach out to pre-Christian people and share the gospel so that many hear the good news, trust Christ as Savior, and
then mature in Christ.
Therefore, we aim to be used by God for the two-pronged purpose of evangelism (sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with
pre-Christians) and edification (sharing the steps to spiritual growth in a believer’s relationship with God) (Ephesians 2: 1-5, 8-9; 4:11-13).
|
