Click bullets for a printable version of essentials statements

Ministry Convictions -

The foundational beliefs that frame our faith.

printable version of our formal statement of faith

The leadership of Jesus Christ is supreme in all things. Colossians 1:15-18 (NCV)  No one can see God, but Jesus Christ is exactly like him. … All things were made through Christ and for Christ…. He is the head of the body, which is the church.... So in all things Jesus has first place. The Bible is our guide and authority.  2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness... The local church is central to God’s Kingdom purpose. Eph 5:27,27  ... Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, ...so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.  Our primary mission is reproducing disciples, leaders and churches. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  God’s Spirit produces fundamental change within a person. Romans 12:2 (NLT)  Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)  This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!  Reconciliation with God results in restoration of relationships. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.  Every person matters to God – physically, spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and socially. Luke 19:10 (ESV) For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost Luke 14:16-20, Luke 15

Ministry Values -

The guiding principles that motivate the ways in which ministry we will engage our mission.

The local church It is through the church that God has planned to bring the message of peace and hope to the world. We will cooperate with all those building Christ’s Kingdom, but will choose to partner with those who seek the health of local churches. Servant leadership God calls and empowers leaders for the common good of the church and its mission. Every ministry will include an identified leader(s). Team-based minsitry There is safety and synergy when we work together. Every ministry method will use a team-based approach. No one goes it alone. Healthy relationships People matter most. Therefore, we will practice the “One Another” commands so that each person may be lovingly valued, vitally connected, and effectively contributing to the community life of the church. External Focus The good news of the gospel and good deeds are inseparable. Each confirms and fuels the other. We will bring the good news to our community & world, and our works of care & compassion will be the bridge that connects us. Clear & connected organization Although the church, as a body, is an living organism, it is nonetheless organized. We will ensure that every ministry is clearly and effectively connected to our organizational structure. Quality that honors God and inspires people Within the scope of our resources and abilities will we give our best to every ministry task, realizing that it is God for whom we work.

Ministry Outcomes -

The ‘growth markers’ that gauge our mission achievement on an individual level. It is a simple portrait of a maturing disciple of Jesus.

Encounter God A personal encounter with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. A continued encounter through the means of the Bible, prayer and other spiritual habits. A corporate encounter weekly through congregational worship services, prayer events, etc. Grow in community Committed to mutual support, learning and accountability through intentional group experiences. A life-long learner, who seeks to grow in both the knowledge and grace of Jesus. A helpful guide to others on their journey of growth. \ Impact our world Consistent and meaningful contribution of time, spiritual gifts, and personal abilities in the ministries of the local church. Generous and sacrificial financial support of the ministries of the local church. As well as other ministries to which God leads them. Compassionately serving those “outside” of the church in the name of Jesus. Intentionally developing relationships with unbelievers, and boldly sharing their testimony of God’s grace in their lives.