Ministry Philosophy

Most important in our understanding of worship is the role of the Lord in our gatherings. Among other things we call them "Divine Services" with the belief that God comes to minister to us. We believe that all good things in the Christian life come to us from God, beginning with salvation itself. Apostle John wrote (1 John 4:9-11),

"In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Repentance and Forgiveness

We come with repentance to be reassured of forgiveness and with anticipation that the Lord will meet us in the service through Word and Sacrament and the Gifts of the Spirit which flow out of those means of grace. Out of such blessing from the Lord will come our response of love to Him and to one another.

The Lord's Supper

At the Holy Eucharist, the Lord Jesus offers His Body and Blood— not in a gross, cannibalistic way— but in a sacramental way, in, with, and under the bread and wine, to impart His blessing as we remember His death for us. Please feel free to contact us to ask any questions you may have. Because we have a high view of the Lord's Supper, we are increasing the frequency of celebrating it, having just added communion on the third Sundays of each month, so that now we have opportunity to commune on the first and third Sundays. Also we are beginning training of healing teams, deacons, who will be set apart for celebrations at other times.

When we look to God then an age-integrated approach to worship flows quite naturally out of that. It has happened more than once, for example, that a youngster prophecied correctly and powerfully in a service. His word was not received because the child held some office in a hierarchy of the church leadership, but because it was biblically acceptable and the Holy Spirit bore witness in the hearts of the hearers. Children are welcomed to lay hands on the sick, serving as conduits for God's power.

This also sets some foundations in place for us when it comes to the role of music. Music is not "entertainment bait" to draw in a certain group. Rather, it is done for our audience of One, God Himself. Nevertheless, God wants to be worshiped in music that makes sense to us. Music also provides the backdrop for the ministry of the Spirit, both in the individual worshiper as well as the gathered flock.

We do not view our services as either "seeker-friendly" nor exclusively "member-friendly" but deeply desire them to be "God-friendly." When the Holy Spirit is welcome in a place, everyone will be blessed regardless of their membership status in our church.