The following statements are an attempt to address the issues regarding facts, intentions, emphases, and priorities in the body life and ministry here at Christ Community Church:
Christ Community Church is a non-denominational fellowship under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in Holy Scripture. We have adopted the Westminster Confession of Faith, along with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, as the doctrinal standards of this church, subordinate to the Word of God. The leadership is receptive to the possibility of placing itself under the authority of, and affiliation with, other believers who have a compatible vision for sound doctrine, a zeal for Biblical instruction, and a reformed body life.
You may expect the fervent quest for Biblical truth in the Reformed tradition with emphasis upon precept upon precept expository preaching, derived from careful exegesis, which provides introductory, intermediate, and advanced learning opportunities for all ages and stages of growth in Christ.
You may expect a consistent emphasis upon the practice, instruction, and dedication to corporate and individual prayer, with the intent of being a faithful house of prayer (Matthew 21: 13; Philippians 4:6, 16).
You may expect the encouragement of all ages to seriously engage in the memorization of and meditation upon portions of Holy Scripture (psalm 19:14; Psalm 119:97,99; Proverbs 2:1).
You may expect the selection of the primary minister and teachers to be on the basis of their understanding of their roles as servants and stewards of God's Holy Word and the proclamation of sound doctrine as taught by Holy Scripture. Although the primary minister would be innately sensitive to participation in fellowship and interest in the lives of the saints, his time for adequate study to provide sound Biblical teaching would be protected for the performance of his primary assignment. Most of the responsibilities for visiting, counseling, governing, and other needs of the body will be met by the leadership and gifted members (1 Corinthians 3: 11 - 4:2).
You may expect that Christ Community Church is devoted to knowing the Word of God, obeying it, and teaching it -- not as an end in itself, but as worship of our Savior and Lord. Therefore our goal is to meet every believer at their point of need in Biblical instruction in -order to produce mature disciples within their particular spheres of influence (Ezra 7:10; 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 2:2).
You may expect encouragement to diligently read and otherwise pursue the messages of reliable teachers such as the Church Fathers, the Reformers, the Puritans, and contemporary teachers prayerfully chosen.
You may expect ongoing encouragement that, through your prayerful quest for Biblical truth, you would seek a deeper and deeper awareness of who God is in His attributes, along with a deeper and deeper awareness of your own condition in the face of a Holy God (psalm 100:3; Romans 3:10-11, 23).
You may expect no sense of exclusion in fellowship at Christ Community Church along the lines of economic, educational, racial, cultural, social status, or position. The common bond is exclusively in the desire to be in enthusiastic pursuit of building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ through maturing together in the securing of Biblical knowledge that renews minds and transforms hearts (Deuteronomy 1: 17; Acts 10:34; 1 Corinthians 3: 1 0-15).
You may expect an awareness that in all expressions of "worship" we are to glorify God alone in response to what He has provided and is providing us by His grace and mercy. In this response to the Only One worthy of such honor, we will carefully avoid centering attention or focus on any worship leaders by discouraging behavior that would be detracting from the honor of the King. This will guide us to worship the Creator instead of the creation or the creature. The preaching, teaching, form, order, praise, and prayer content and performance will be in accordance with God's Holy Word and the Westminster Confession of Faith. In music and praise, we will embrace both traditional and contemporary with the criteria for selection being that they are consistent with the teaching of Holy Scripture and that they are appropriately connected with the emphasis of the message proclaimed from the pulpit. Reciting together traditional creeds and prayers will be included. All aspects of instruction and worship will reflect the supremacy of Christ and the power and centrality of the Cross (John 4:23; Hebrews 3:16).
You may expect to find at Christ Community Church an acceptance that the gifts of the Spirit are available and essential for the life and ministry of the church today (1 Corinthians 7:7; 1 Peter 4: 10). Both ministry and sign gifts are to be divinely initiated by the Sovereign God alone, thus caution and spiritual discernment must be exercised to determine whether or not their source is the flesh or the evil one (Hebrews 5: 14). Every truly regenerate believer is the recipient and possessor of the gift of the Holy Spirit and His presence is revealed by His ftuit (Galatians 5:22-23). Care will be given to always view the gifts of the Spirit as an instrument of enhancement to the life and worship of the believer and not the object of worship (1 Corinthians 3: 11).
You may expect to be encouraged to regard Sunday School attendance as essential for you and your family's spiritual development (1 Peter 2:2).
You may expect instruction for your family regarding the distinction between the world's philosophies (such as relativism, pluralism, and secularism) and the absolute truths of the wisdom as set forth in God's Holy Word (Colossians 2:8).
You may expect emphasis upon training and experience in lifestyle evangelism. God saved us to participate in the expansion ofRis Kingdom, thus it is essential that the church provide both the training and opportunity to proclaim the Gospel with power and clarity. It is a command from God, not a request (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8).
You may expect that a more mature and experienced believer will be available for oneon-one disciplining to enhance your spiritual growth, and that you will be receptive to similarly participate in the maturing of others (Matthew 28: 19-20).
You may expect an enthusiastic commitment to both local and foreign missions and ministries. This participation will include financial, prayer, and manpower support (Acts 1:8).
You may expect that ministry through small groups will be established according to the needs of the believers. These meetings will be led by one who has attained to the level of teacher in the process of maturity (Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 10:25).
You may expect a representative Government that is designed as described by Holy Scripture and the Westminster Confession of Faith. Ruling elders elected by the congregation will govern along with teaching elders. As the need arises, deacons may be approved and elected as well (Acts 6:1-4).
You may expect encouragement and exhortation to identify and exercise your gifts of ministry in order to fulfill your role as servant and steward in the expansion of God's Kingdom. This act of obedience will further enhance the goal of the maturing of the saints. It is the role of Christ Community Church and its leadership to provide the opportunity to exercise gifts of ministry (1 Corinthians 12:31; 1 Corinthians 14: 1).
You may expect loving, supportive, restorative discipline from the church in the event of behavior that violates the teaching of Holy Scripture and that fails to glorify God (Habakkuk 1:12; 2 Timothy 3:16).
You may expect loving, supportive, restorative assistance in the event of spiritual, financial, or emotional calamity (Galatians 6:1-2).
You may expect, as an inquirer into possible membership at Christ Community Church, that in-depth classes regarding our core values, doctrine, ministry, worship emphasis, and other matters of interest. Attendance will be required prior to a commitment of either party regarding membership.