Our Philosophy of Ministry
Real
Everything begins with the gospel. Starting with the gospel allows us to see every aspect of ministry flow out of Jesus’ great mission for the church in a way that clearly reflects His gospel’s simplicity.
As we introduce individuals to relationship with God we build authentic, relationships with each other: The life in Christ is a life in community with other believers. This community is a place of encouragement, care, and accountability. The community of God welcomes all people regardless of race, color, or gender. We hold that the basic building block of this community of faith is the family. While still honoring the individual as complete in Christ, we desire to build Christ-centered families.
Simple
Faith is simple. However, in a world filled with noise and confusion, sometimes it’s the simplest things that are drowned out. We think that the potency of the message is directly tied to the purity of the message.
We submit to God as revealed in the written word. The Bible is God’s self-revelation of His Character and His Plan for the redemption and life of His people. We hold the Scriptures to be inerrant, authoritative, and sufficient for life and godliness.
Therefore, the Word of God guides each of us into a life of personal holiness in character, purity, and love.
Faith
i.e. coram deo: life as worship
These essential truths transcend every area of life (faith and practice).
Our faith is not compartmentalized into something we do on Sundays; it radically affects who we are. Jesus Christ is our model for ministry. The plan for the redemption of the world, as given by Christ, is to make disciples.
Practically, this philosophy is both a disciple-making process and a lens with which we may view ministry.
In disciple-making it will mean that we are focused on introducing people to authentic relationship with Jesus, we teach them to know and love the truth found in God’s word, and help them practice faith in every day life as they worship God, serving him with their lives.
As we view and measure ministries it means that we will be decidedly:
Relationship-Oriented
Doctrinally-Driven
Faith-Focused