A Brief Explanation

Growing in Christ. Sharing His Love.

“Growing in Christ” is the process of becoming stronger and more mature in faith.  It means to develop spiritually as individual Christians and as a church so that we embody the character and ministry of Jesus Christ (Eph 4:11-16).  Just as a tree grows deep roots to uphold sprawling branches, we grow deeper spiritually to stretch wider in outreach.

“Sharing His Love” is the practice of loving others with the very agape love that Christ gives us (1 Jn 4:7-12).  Agape love is not emotional affection but an act of the will to benefit others, including family members, friends, neighbors, strangers, and even adversaries.  Since the love we receive from Christ is costly and undeserved, the love we extend to others is costly and undeserved.

We seek to grow in Christ through vibrant worship and deep discipleship.  We seek to share His love through warm fellowship and broad mission work.

“Vibrant Worship” is the glorification of God and the sanctification of humanity that sends us on mission to the world (Is 6:1-8).  In other words, it is a time when we praise God, grow in holiness, and are empowered to do God’s work in the world.  We worship together on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.

“Deep Discipleship” is following Jesus Christ intensely through diligent study, denial of self, and daily spiritual living (Lk 9:23-24).  We study the Bible communally on Sundays and Wednesdays in order to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior (2 Pt 3:18).  We engage in personal Bible reading and prayer throughout the week so that we can walk with Christ and do God’s will in our lives.

“Warm Fellowship” is the unity of diverse individuals who care for one another through friendship in the faith (Phil 2:1-2) and use personal gifts and talents to build up the church (1 Cor 12:4-27).  We share fellowship at Wednesday evening meals and Sunday Morning Bible Study groups.  We also share fellowship by working together in ministry teams, committees, and other groups within the church.

“Broad Mission Work” is spreading the love and gospel of Christ outside the church.  It involves loving our neighbors, making new disciples, and seeking justice for the disadvantaged (Mt 22:37-39; Mt 28:18-20; Am 5:21-24).  We do mission work locally, regionally, and internationally through ongoing projects and short-term mission trips.