The ministry to
those who confess faith in Jesus as their Savior is to deliver believers into
the fullness of the Gospel in truth, in the Spirit, and according to love. We
shall advance the belief and practice of the first century followers of Jesus as indicated by the plain testimony of
scripture. .
In reclaiming apostolic Christianity, the church confession of the
faith shall oppose the distortions of orthodox (accepted) theology that became
the prevailing Christian tradition and remains commonplace in popular
Christianity. We are to present Christ as evident in the Scriptures rather than
with the overlay of false abstractions with which Jesus was later vested in
post-apostolic times. Moreover, our testimony to the faith shall contest the
many widespread heresies, orthodox and otherwise, that have compromised
Christianity throughout history. Correct teaching of the Gospel with proper
emphasis shall be ministered to our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout
the world. The church shall become a powerhouse for the truth of God’s word
rather than of the traditions and philosophies of men. Indeed, the church is to
contest traditional strongholds, as it becomes a vehicle for the restoration of
Christianity. As believers are sanctified in truth and liberated from the
bondage of false religious systems and worldly philosophy, we shall champion a
revolution in the restoration of true Christian doctrine.
Our
ministry to Christians at large shall also be for restoring the fullness of the
Spirit as manifest among believers. A revival of apostolic Christianity must
include spiritual renewal wherein the supernatural power of God is wrought in
believers. The church shall embody new life in the Sprit rather than a dry form
of religion.[1] We shall encourage all to believe not only in word but also in
power and in the Holy Spirit with full conviction.[2] Indeed, we seek to impart
the Gospel not as opinion but rather as conviction with a righteous fear of God.
The Gospel shall be realized with a sense of awe as the hand of the Lord is with
us and his presence is made manifest among us.[3] The church shall advance the
supernatural work of God including the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the exercise
of spiritual gifts (especially prophecy), healings and deliverance, as well as
other signs and wonders wrought by the Spirit. We shall also act to provoke
Christians into greater zeal as we contend against influences toward becoming
worldly, lukewarm and complacent. As the first Christians were aflame for God,
this ministry shall impart regeneration and revival in the Holy Spirit.
The church is also to minister the model of fellowship and abiding
in love taught by Christ and his apostles. In love we shall reach out to
Christians and encourage uncommon unity in the bond of Christ. We shall minister
brotherly love as we encourage Christians to be joined together in true
community. Indeed this church shall work to bring estranged believers into the
body by offering the bond of love in community.
