There is one true church universal, comprised
of all those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
Therefore, the church is people.
I believe that Scripture commands believers to
gather together to devote themselves to worship, prayer, teaching of
the Word, observance of the two sacraments of baptism and communion,
fellowship, service to the body through the development and use of
their talents and gifts, and outreach to the world. Whenever and
wherever God’s people meet in order to fulfill any or all of these
practices, there is the local expression of the church.
I believe that under the supervision of
supportive leadership, its members are to work together in love and
unity, intent on the one
ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ.
I believe church is a way of life, not an
activity, event, building, or something we ‘go to’. It is a
commitment each person makes to a seven day a week, twenty-four hour
a day lifestyle. We do not "go" to church, we seek to ‘be’ the
church at all times, everywhere. Every Christian is called to this
lifestyle. We find support and encouragement for this lifestyle in
small groups.
I believe that members of Christ’s church should manifest authenticity and yearn for continuous growth. This includes personal authenticity, character, and wholeness. I believe in the equal value and worth of all people regardless of gender, or economic, racial or ethnic status.
I believe that the pursuit of full devotion to
Christ and His cause is normal for every believer. This value
includes the concepts of stewardship, servant hood, downward
mobility, and the pursuit of kingdom goals.
I value all
aspects of the church, including Christian ministry and its
missional expression, and believe that the church should operate as
a unified community of servants, with men and women stewarding their
spiritual gifts. This value includes the concepts of unity, servant
hood, spiritual gifts, and ministry callings.
I believe
ministry in the church is defined as such outreach and or service to
individuals or groups of people, motivated by the love of God, in
order to show God’s love in a practical way as modeled by the
practical ministry of Jesus Christ. Pastors/clergy are defined as
those who have such outreach and or service as the major focus of
their passion, time and activity.
I believe the church and
all its ministries should be led by men and women with leadership
gifts. This value includes the concepts of empowerment, servant
leadership, strategic focus, and intentionality. I believe all
believers in Christ are created to invest somewhere in the
disciple-making process.
Ephesians
4:25-26, 32; Hebrews 12:1; Philippians 1:6; 1 Kings 11:4;
Philippians 2:1-11; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Corinthians 12 & 14; Romans
12; Ephesians 4; Psalm 133; Nehemiah 1-2; Romans 12:8; Acts 6:2-5