Preamble
It is our firm conviction that any Philosophy of Ministry must have at its source the Word of God. The following Philosophy of Ministry is meant to be an honest and clear response to what the Lord Jesus Christ says about Christian ministry and how His church should function as His body.
We believe that the Lord has given His church very clear instructions concerning how he wants His people to function as the Body of Christ. We recognize that His ways often run contrary to the cultural and social norms we are accustomed to. Since it is His church, we are not free to do as we please, or to bend to the pragmatic spirit of our age, or to cater to the whims and pressures of our society and culture. In this philosophy of ministry we have purposely avoided as much as possible all man-made innovations, trendy church novelties, and cultural influences that are contrary to our Lord’s instructions.
We believe that only when we are obedient to the Lord of the church will the Lord bless His body. The warning is clear. If we ignore His instructions He will ignore us
(I Corinthians 14:38). Therefore we gladly submit to Him as the only Lord of the Church.
Concerning Christian Ministry
We understand the term “ministry” to refer to any fruit bearing activity in the life of the people of God. Ministry comes in many shapes and sizes and is as unique as the individual or individuals involved in it.
We recognize that we are called by our Lord to bear fruit, fruit that will last (John 15:16). It is by bearing fruit that we glorify God (John 15:8), and it is by bearing fruit that we are shown to be his disciples (John 15:8).
Our Philosophy of Ministry is based on the Biblical truth that we can do nothing apart from “abiding in Christ” (John 15:1-8). We understand Christ’s words to “abide in Him” as a command to maintain our confession of His Lordship and His unique saving work on the cross as well as a call to walk in close daily communion with Him. This “communion” is best demonstrated by a life of unceasing prayer, continual interaction with and obedience to God’s word, and frequent fellowship with God’s people (Acts 2:42-47). A church that truly abides in Christ will be a church that brings forth her fruit in season (Psalm 1).
Concerning Church Leadership
We believe that the biblical model for church leadership is demonstrated in a plurality of male elders that oversee, teach, and shepherd the flock of God in the local church (I Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:5-9).
Although it is sometimes necessary for a new congregation to begin with one man leading the congregation and acting as both elder and shepherd by himself, it would be expected that as a church grows it will most certainly recognize several men (as Elders and Deacons) for these crucial leadership and ministry roles.
We believe that the Scriptures are clear concerning the qualifications of an elder and deacon, and that these servant/leadership roles are restricted to the scripturally qualified male members of the church (Titus 5:1-9; I Tim. 2:11-2; 3:1-13).
Concerning Church Gatherings
We believe that the biblical example and apostolic pattern for church gatherings teaches that church gatherings are to be interactive and Spirit led where each member builds up the Body of Christ through the gifts and workings of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 11-14).
The elements that make up a biblical gathering of the church include preaching and teaching, the reading of Scripture, prayer, singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, prophecy, revelations, and other manifestations of the Holy Spirit for the common good
(I Cor. 12:7) and the strengthening of the Church (I Cor. 14:26-27).
According to the Scriptures our meetings are to be orderly gatherings, and although there is freedom of the Spirit within these meetings, the Scriptures also give us definite commands that must be followed (I Corinthians 11-14).
