Ministry Philosophy

There are two basic principles that guide our ministry philosophy:

• The Church is at the center of God's redemptive work during this age, and God has revealed an administration for the Church (Ephesians 2:11–3:12)
• Every aspect of Christian ministry (evangelism, discipleship, missions, theological education, theology, etc.) needs to find its identity and purpose in building up the Church and to align itself with the revealed administration.

On a large scale, the administration of the Church organically links what historically has been seen as the universal Church and the local church. From a New Testament perspective, the term church is used interchangeably for both entities. So, aside from Western individualism, which is so pervasive in the Church, the Church functions in a spiritually connected state of local and global representation. The global Church is made up of local churches. Local churches are parts of the larger, global body.

Within this global and local organism, every function of the Church is addressed in the revealed administration of God. Briefly, this concept informs the above "institutions" of Christianity in the following ways:

Missions and Evangelism: Missions is the multiplication of local churches, not just the multiplication of individuals. Local churches have an obligation to network and support the ongoing sending of apostles (missionaries) for expansion into unreached areas and to provide a living testimony of Christ's love in their own local geographical area.

Theological Education: The context of theological education must be the multiplying and establishing of local churches. In that way, character, skills, and academics are integrated into a hands-on, apprenticeship type training and development under a qualified and proven minister of the gospel within a community context.

Theology: Theology has become institutionalized. It must be returned to the activity and sphere of local churches, and not as a field of Christianity delegated to scholars in institutions. For theology to become fresh, engaging, and applicable, it must again return to the living and ministering local church.

Discipleship: Discipleship is not a one-on-one function, but is a community exercise, building upon the strength of families, not just individuals, and is shepherded by a qualified team of spiritual leaders. Discipleship prepares all Christians for an active and integrated individual, family, and community walk and service to God and His people.