The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

Assumptions

These are the basic assumptions which we have developed over the years about how things work. We have assumptions about the character of God, about how churches work, about people, and about life. These assumptions express how we see and understand the reality in which we work. They give a certain “slant” to our ministry, values and goals.

Assumptions about God

Our view of God in ministry must be a God who is FOR us, not mad at us (reconciliation); who has forgiven us (justification); who has received us (redemption); and who has changed us and is now helping us to realize it (sanctification).

Assumptions about the Christian Life

Worship accomplishes something no other feature of human experience can. It renews us, orients us to God, increases our receptivity to God’s work in us, strengthens us, unites us, and helps us forget about ourselves and focus on God as the essential reality in the universe.

We cannot escape the conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.

Suffering (i.e. trials, not necessarily illness) is a norm of life. Hardship produces perseverance and thus enhances Christ-like character.

We encourage everyone in the fellowship to be giving of themselves in some ministry on a consistent basis.

Giving generously and regularly to the work of God is a normal practice for the Christian. Having a heart of compassion for the poor, orphans and widows is normal for the followers of Christ.

Holiness and righteousness come out of knowing and living out of our identity in Christ, rather than out of outward adherence to laws and regulations.

Discipleship is the process of following Jesus--we are disciples of Jesus rather than of men. Discipleship happens through relationship with Jesus, obedience to Him, and modeling our life after his. As believers gather together for teaching, training and encouragement in either small or large groups this discipleship can be enhanced.

Assumptions about the Church and Church Life

The primary mission and issue of church life is to help build and extend the kingdom of God (God’s rule)--not self-preservation or the perpetuation of church structures or programs.

Church life should equip people to live in and help build the Kingdom as Jesus described it.

Three essential elements or disciplines necessary for anyone to grow in this fellowship are:

Involvement in a ministry on a regular, ongoing basis
Involvement with and commitment to a small group or Bible study
Consistent attendance at Sunday Celebrations

Each church is established by Christ for unique purposes and for a particular group, and should have differing forms of style and practice suited to that particular group. Relationships are what hold people together in fellowship in the local church.

Each person in the church is ultimately responsible for his or her own fellowship needs and follow-up. The church provides certain settings where this can happen.

Conflict with one another in the Body of Christ is part of the normal life of the church. Conflict within the fellowship is used by God to develop many positive qualities in Christians that are important and can’t be developed without conflict coming about. There is a right and a wrong way for Christians to deal with the conflicts that develop.

The local church needs to be able to grow. Without a consistent giving of time, money and energy the church will quickly become stagnant. The church needs to give itself away to the world. Also, to give consistently and generously as a church body to outside ministries and needs is a normal church priority.

Evangelism is primarily a function of sharing about Jesus in the course of everyday life. The prime locations for evangelism are our homes, businesses, schools, neighborhoods, small groups, and Sunday Celebrations.

Leadership is a functional reality, not an appointment, democratic decision or reward.

The primary job of the pastoral staff is to equip, train and encourage the people in ministry.

Assumptions about Ministry

Believers really want to obey Jesus. The issue of ministry is removing obstacles that keep people from being able to do what they want to do.

Quality leads to quantity in everything. The quality of faith leads to greatness of faith. The quality of care for people leads to more people, etc.

A commitment to excellence produces confidence in ministry and in care.

The primary source of ministry comes from personal devotion and prayer and should be a priority in our own lives and in our sharing with those to whom we minister.

The primary foundation for healing in all dimensions (spiritually, emotionally or physically) is LOVE, as outlined in 1Corinthians 13.

The Holy Spirit, with the church, is able, willing and free to break in and carry on His work in non-spectacular, non-manipulative and surprising ways.

You cannot manufacture the Holy Spirit’s genuine working.

Our aim is more to instill in people values that are consistent with the scriptures and that lead to chosen behavior consistent with the Bible than to enforce simple changing of behavior.

The grace and mercy of God changes people’s hearts more powerfully than human or religious regulations.

One of the easiest groups to meet is the poor. As we go to the poor we come into a Kingdom reality that releases God’s power and favor, thus causing momentum within the local church.