"TEACHING THE FAITH - LIVING THE LIFE - LOVING ALL"
Everything we do will be in the name of Christ and our ultimate goal is to lead people to become followers of the Lord and to become part of a local church; ours, or one near their home. We will work with pastors from all denominations to try and make this happen. Another side to this:
Assisting Area Churches
There are some fine churches in the Anderson area, along with other good ministries already reaching out to the low income communities. Sadly, many are declining in membership and funds, and are in need of the resources most of us in the Highway 81 North area can provide.
Priority Given to Preaching & Teaching
Our Church's priority in worship, found in Jesus' great commission, is preaching and teaching. The purpose of worship is twofold. We should encounter God sometimes in joy; sometimes in sorrow; sometimes in faith; sometimes in fear; but always with the assurance of his loving concern. And we should also leave the church committed to living the Christian life and sharing the love of Christ with everyone we meet.
Our Worship Services
Worship Style
We will combine dignity with a relaxed atmosphere, much like revival services in the past. Our music will include the best of the old and new, with congregational singing regularly led by a song leader instead of a group. Until our membership grows, soloists and duets, etc. from our area will be invited to sing in each service.
Prayer
Jesus called the Temple, the Father's house of prayer.
Prayers for the critically ill will be offered by name in public worship. Time will be given each week in the service for people to commune quietly with the Lord.
Guests Our Church Leadership
Visitors, as our guests, will not be recognized publicly. A person should be able to come to church without this.
Invitations
Invitation is a part of every true Christian service and sermon. People may come forward, but people may also join by talking with a pastor during the week, without having to walk an aisle. They will be recognized and welcomed into the Church in a future service, without having to come to the front, or stand in a line to be greeted.
Children's Church
When needed, we plan to provide a Children's Church.
Our Sunday School
When we are large enough to begin a Sunday School, we will provide denominational Bible study for those who desire it; but also short term classes in Christian faith and living. This includes subjects such as:
Our leadership and decision making will be a representative democracy, much like that set up by our country's Founding Fathers. A church elected Leadership Team (LT) will administrate the church with the Pastor as chairman. The team will be comprised of one man and one woman from each general age group, selected by the Church, along with various ministry leaders, and the ministerial staff.
This type of church government helps prevent either the Pastor or a group like the deacons from taking control of a church. It gives both men and women a voice in church affairs, and puts decision making into the hands of those men and women involved in the ministries.
Church Conferences
An annual church conference will be held to adopt the church budget and calendar. Special meetings will be called for major decisions such as:
- Borrowing money
- Changing locations
- Building Plans
- Employment and Dismissal of any ministerial staff member
- A matter the majority of the LT believes needs church approval
Committees
All committees (Service Teams) will be appointed by the LT, as needed, to help them accomplish their task. All Service Teams are responsible to the LT.
"A committee is the uninformed trying to get the uninterested to do the unnecessary. A camel is a horse, put together by a committee." -Vance Hanver