As the GOSPEL continues to work in us individually and collectively as a MISSIONAL church, we believe that it will radically transform the contours and fabric of our lives individually, socially and culturally.
:: The Gospel transforms us into a people of MISSION ::
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” [John 20.21]
We serve a sending God and we will attempt to follow His example. We hold the conviction that the church is a sent community to bring the love of Christ in both word and deed. We desire to have an “outward face” in everything we do. Today America exists as one of the largest mission fields in the world, and Orlando is no different. Therefore what is needed are men and women that will approach the community of Orlando the way a missionary would approach the mission field they have been sent to. The culture must be observed, interacted with and understood in order to effectively minister in that area. People will be exhorted to think strategically about the contexts God has placed them in...be it neighborhood, schools, work-place, etc.
:: The Gospel transforms us into a people of TRUTH ::
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” [John 14.6]
We believe that truth is embodied in the person and work of Jesus, as told to us in the Scriptures. Though this message of truth will be contextualized, it will not be compromised.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. [2 Timothy 3.16-17]
:: The Gospel transforms us into a people of Holistic WORSHIP ::
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. [Isaiah 26.8]
Worship is our ultimate calling as Christians. The fact of the matter is that we should be worshipping God in all of life. God is seeking His glory. God desires worshippers, and more than anything we desire to be known as a body that takes seriously the calling to worship.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. [1 Corinthians 10.31]
We will seek to dispel the myth that there are some things that are sacred and some that are secular. We believe that everything, when rightly oriented, is a spiritual activity.
:: The Gospel transforms us into a people of Authentic COMMUNITY ::
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [Acts 2.42]
As a reflection of our Creator who exists in community as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we will intentionally create environments of community and belonging. We will attempt to validate people’s connectedness wherever they find it, while also encouraging them towards an authentic expression of sharing life with fellow journeyers in Christ. This will involve much sacrifice, authenticity and love.
:: The Gospel transforms us into a people of PRAYER ::
My house will be called a house of prayer. [Matthew 21.13]
As the Gospel takes root more deeply in our lives, we will be drawn to seek God through prayer. Prayer is a recognition that we do not have the answers. We seek the Creator in order to align ourselves with His purposes.
:: The Gospel transforms us into a people of UNITY ::
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. [John 17.20-21]
Believing that God is a God of order, harmony and beauty, we will work hard to stay unified and aligned. Lack of unity is chaos which tears the fabric of our lives apart. We want our alignment to speak to the power of the Gospel at work in our lives and in our community.
:: The Gospel transforms us into a people of MULTIPLICATION ::
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. [Ephesians 4.11-12]
The Kingdom of God is one of expansion and multiplication, both on the individual and corporate level. Therefore, we will intentionally multiply disciples, leaders and churches. Movement will be assumed. Static is not an option. Development of leaders through Gospel discipleship and apprenticing will characterize our church.