We meet together for the purpose of fellowship, worship, edification, and the fulfillment the Great Commission. Our philosophy is based upon Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:11-16 and 2Tim.2:2. Mat.28:19-20 is the primary basis of this statement. Ephesians 4:11-16 and 2 Timothy 2:2 are an expansion and application of the Great Commission in the context of the local church.

1. Our primary commitment is to making disciples (Mat.28:19-20). The injunction of Christ to his followers is that as they are in the world they are to make disciples by teaching others about the Kingdom of God. This process begins by seeking the lost because of our burden and compassion for them (Mat.9:36-38). Seeking must be accompanied by communicating the gospel in word and deed (2Tim.4:5; Mat.5:16) to the end that they confess Christ and follow him (Rom.10:9). The discipleship process only begins with conversion. The new disciple must be taught so that he will be rooted in the faith (Col.2:6-7). Our initial goal is reached when the new disciple is baptized, identifies with the local assembly and becomes a reproducing disciple (2Tim.2:2).

2. It is our desire to develop every member into a minister of the gospel. The pastor is the leader and example of ministry. His ministry is characterized by servant-leadership (1Pet.5:2-3). Therefore, we define ministry as service to the Lord and others in and through the local church (Eph.4:11-16). The ministry is built upon the identification and development of the spiritual gifts of the members (1Cor.12:7). Individual spiritual giftedness is matched to the appropriate ministry opportunities. Responsibilities in ministry are clearly defined through individual job descriptions for all levels of staff & lay ministry. Essential to the development of the ministry is the personal accountability of all ministers (lay & staff) to their ministry leaders and corporate commitment to obeying the reciprocal commands of scripture:

• Build up one another (Rom. 14:19)
• Use hospitality to one another (1 Pet. 4:7-10)
• Admonish one another (Rom. 15:14)
• Love one another (Jn. 13:34)
• Speak to one another (Eph. 5:19)
• Receive one another (Rom. 15:7)
• Teach one another (Col. 3:16)
• Greet one another (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20)
• Exhort one another (Heb. 3:12-13)
• Be servants to one another (Gal. 5:13-14)
• Have the same care for one another (1 Cor. 12:24-25)
• Submit to one another (Eph. 5:21)
• Bear one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2)
• Forbear one another (Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:13)
• Be kind to one another (Eph. 4:31-32)
• Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16)
• Pray for one another (1 Pet. 4:7-10)
• Forgive one another (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13)

3. It is our desire to provide an atmosphere in which members can minister to one another and grow in grace (2Pet.3:18) through the development of small groups (Acts 2:42-47). The small group provides a context of intimacy which is conducive to spiritual growth and ministry. The focus of the small group is upon teaching, fellowship (caring, sharing), worship, adoration (praise & prayer) and witness.

4. It is our desire to encourage creativity among our members so that they will seek to use their spiritual gifts in new and innovative ways to minister to the body and reach the lost.

5. Excellence is the goal in all areas of ministry with the purpose of bringing glory and honor to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.