About

Philosophy of Ministry

A Philosophy of Ministry is a set of unalterable principles (non-negotiables) that determines how we will function in ministry
- These non-negotiables are the biblical convictions that determine and control our approach to ministry
- No discussion of explicit or implicit teachings from Scripture can stand outside of the proper exegetical and hermeneutical control

A Philosophy of Ministry develops a unity of direction
- A Philosophy of Ministry filters down through the rest of the congregation to form a consistent approach to ministry
- It also works to encourage consistent communication of our purpose and overall direction

God is holy, righteous, and just (Exodus 34:6-8; Isaiah 6:1-3; Jeremiah 9:24; Romans 11:33-36; Revelation 4:8-11)
The original and ultimate authority resides with God and God alone (Genesis 1-2; Psalms 62:11; 2 Chronicles 20:6; Romans 13:1; 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:8; Philippians 2:10; Jude 2:5)

Inspiration—verbal, plenary inspiration. (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21)
Inerrancy—it contains no errors. God conveyed truth to divinely chosen individuals. And what they wrote did not stray from the original formulation of truth as it existed in the mind of God. (Psa. 19)
Authority— once an accurate and sound interpretation of Scripture determines the mind of God on any matter, we must be committed to compliance with His will. (Psa. 119)
Sufficiency— nothing else is needed accept the word of God to determine the mind of God for individual Christians and the church. (2 Pet. 1:3-4; Psa. 19; 2 Tim. 3:17; Heb. 4:12)
Relevancy—Scripture is totally relevant for every situation. (Psa. 19; 2 Tim. 3:17; Psa. 119:105; Isa. 40:8)

Even though humans were created in God’s image to glorify God, because of sin, they seek to glorify themselves (Romans 3:23). Even the good they do for others, if it is not devoted to Christ’s honor, it is not regarded by God and only serves to increase condemnation before Holy God, since it is done in idolatry.
In the natural state, unregenerate mankind is:

Unable to understand or accept the things of God (1 Cor 1:18; 2:14)
Man is depraved (Rom 1:21, 28; 3:11)
His understanding is darkened (Eph 4:17-18)
His heart is continually and exclusively evil (Gen 6:5)
His heart is deceitfully wicked (Jer 17:8-10)
His goal in life is selfishness and only evil continually (Gen. 6:5)
Man was created to glorify God, but because of sin, he seeks to glorify himself (Rom. 3:23)

The church exists to worship and glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31; Heb. 13:15)
The church exists to provide a context of loving fellowship with one another for the purpose of mutual edification (Eph. 3:16-19; 4:12-16)
The church exists as a training center whereby people can grow through the application of teaching and the utilization of their spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12-14; Rom. 12; Eph. 4)
The church exists to be a light in this dark world, for the evangelization of God's elect (Mat. 5:13-16; 28:19-20; Titus 2:11-15)

Leaders must reflect the character of Christ to be models for the flock (1 Thes. 2:4-12; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-5)
Leaders must adequately equip their people to do the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:12)
Leaders must provide ample opportunity for the equipping of the congregation to do this work (Heb. 10:24-25)

We will use a set of core principles to evaluate our existing and potential ministry opportunities.

These principles could be summarized in the following ways:

Simple: We commit that we will not create or permit any ministry initiative that requires a significant setting up of programs or organization to promote a numerical expansion in our fellowship. All formalized ministry will be evaluated and permitted only if it is not irreducible.
Efficient: All formalized ministry should be evaluated for its ability to be Biblically wise and profitable for the purpose to glorify God, building up the saints, provide truth for the lost, etc.
Excellent: We commit to executing our ministry with excellence in every way, to the best of our ability. We also commit to strive for greater excellence over time, as it becomes the servants of Christ our King.
Organic: We commit only to an organic ministry grown patiently, as God wills it, trusting Him through His Holy Spirit and His Word to give the increase.

- Without pretensions:

We commit to a humble disposition as leaders and congregation, never promoting ourselves as individuals or collectively. We also commit to speaking the truth in love to one another while remaining sensitive to the maturity of the hearer (Galatians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 13)
We commit to a Christ-centered, Bible driven culture. It is our desire and goal to promote a no-nonsense, seriously minded, joyful congregation who loves the Lord, reads, studies, and enjoys the Bible, and it’s doctrines, and serves others faithfully and regularly. We believe this is the key to fulfilling the mandate given by Christ to “make disciples”.
We commit to an appreciation for the historic, Protestant, Christian heritage. We believe the greatest deterrent against error of belief and practice, second only to the Scriptures, is the historic creeds and confessions, and the historical material surrounding their development. As such we intend to reference them regularly in our study, discipling, and teaching ministry.