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1. The starting point of our ministry is God, not
human activity.
Therefore, our motive will be to glorify God in everything that
we do. We will not seek to simply provide endless activities to
occupy the time and energies of people for the sake of activity
alone. We will not promote a religious versus secular mindset.
God desires to be central in all that we think, say, or do, regardless
if we are at church, home, work, school, etc. (Rev.
4:11; Ps.
1:1,2; Ps.
127:1)
2. The guide of our ministry is the Bible, not
human wisdom.
Therefore, we will gladly submit ourselves to the Word of God
as our sole source of authority to operate as a church. The scriptures
will be the basis of our doctrine, teaching, preaching, worship,
and service. The traditions of men, the trends of society, and
the consensus of the crowd will not sway us from this conviction.
(Ps.
119:105; Matt. 24:35; 2
Tim. 2:15)
3. The focus of our ministry is people, not programs.
Therefore, people are considered the most important resource
in our church body and will be cared for, loved, and edified thus
creating an atmosphere where people are nurtured and enriched,
in a constant endeavor to become Christ-like. Schedules, calendars,
plans, and projects are only a means to this end, not ends in
themselves. Our people are not just tools to accomplish "religious
labor." Each one has been created in the image of God and
deserves the dignity associated with that identification. (1
Jn. 2:10; Jn.
15:12)
4. The goal of our ministry is fully devoted followers
of Christ, not simply converts.
Therefore, we view the world as people alienated from the only
true and loving God who loves each one intensely, whom we intend
to value and love them as God does. Their spiritual status before
God demands that we practice intentional and relational evangelism
on a regular basis, which must lead to conversion and then active
participation in a fruitful ministry as a disciple of Christ in
the local church. (Matt.
24:19, 20; Rom.
12:1, 2)
5. The environment of our ministry is Koinonia,
not individualism.
Therefore, we will partner together to create ministry synergy.
We will function as the body of Christ using our individual spiritual
giftedness to advance the ministry and purpose of the church as
a whole. No one is exempt from the accountability inherent in
the relationship to the members of the body of Christ with each
other. No single ministry will stand alone in its purpose. (Acts
2:42; 1
Cor. 1:9; Eph.
3:9; 1
Jn. 1:7)
6. The strength of our ministry is relationships,
not acquaintances.
Therefore, we will emphasize and facilitate the development of
personal relationships among our members. Our church will be made
up of friendships and not just friends. We identify God’s
design of the Christian home as the model for developing "church"
family relationships as well. Open, honest, and transparent relationships
give life to the body. Nurturing and admonishing one another in
love is considered as normal as it is essential. Each member of
the body is to multiply the joys and divide the sorrows of the
other members of the flock. Small group dynamics create the best
environment for the body to care for itself. Our church calendar
must reflect this value. (Rom.
5:20; Eph.
2:5, 8; Heb. 13:9;
Gal.
2:21)
7. The quality of our ministry is excellence, not
mediocrity.
Therefore, with the abilities and resources God has entrusted
us with, we will put forth our best effort in planning and preparing
our programs, materials, and facilities. God is excellent in His
very nature. The quality of our ministry will reflect Him. We
will not knowingly continue ministry expressions that lack this
desired quality. Those who serve will be qualified, trained, and
evaluated to ensure that our servants are growing in excellence
as well. (Phil.
1:10; 3:14; 2
Tim. 2:15)
8. The emphasis of our ministry is grace, not law.
Therefore, we will infuse the principles of grace into every
aspect of ministry. We will believe God to write His law upon
our hearts. Man-made rules, personal preferences, and religious
traditions will not be used to motivate people with guilt. Understanding
that grace brings liberty, we will not allow our church to be
entangled with either legalism or lustful license to indulge the
flesh. By grace we serve one another. (Eph.
2:8, 9; Jn.
1:17;
Col.
4:6; Eph.
4:26-29)
9. The future of our ministry is in the development
of spiritual gifts,
not in reliance of natural abilities.
Therefore, we will aid every member in discovering and fully
utilizing their spiritual gift(s) to advance the purpose of our
church. God has sovereignly bestowed supernatural abilities to
each of His children in order that each one may serve in a meaningful
way within the body, be led by leaders, taught by teachers, etc.
The visible prominent gifts will not be viewed as more essential
than the less visible, behind-the-scenes gifts. (Rom.
12:1-8;
1
Cor. 12:1-31; Eph.
4:7-16)
Together
Everyone
Accomplishes
More
10. The need of our ministry is stewardship, not
money.
Therefore, we will expect that fully devoted followers will give
themselves and their resources gladly and generously. Income and
expenditures will not be the driving force of our programs or
ministry emphasis. We will trust God to provide the resources
and to do His will and His work. (1
Cor. 4:2; Phil.
4:19)
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