Our Philosophy of Ministry:
Our church ministries will reflect the size and make-up of our congregation. While many larger churches can segment their congregation according to age, gender, and geography, we see benefits to a "holistic" approach, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together. We are one church, where the young can learn from the old, and the elderly can be encouraged and helped by the young. If we all go our separate ways and only relate to those who are like us, we will have limited opportunities to grow and minister to others. Our faith and life will be straight-jacketed by our artificial boundaries, and the church will be poorer because of it.
True, many people are attracted by the mega-churches with their multiplicity of ministries and their segmented groupings. They have something for everyone, and it is great to be a part of a large group or movement, or to find people with whom we have much in common. We appreciate that, and look forward to developing our own ministry in a rich variety of ways. However, there is something vital and important about smaller churches, where people are noticed and missed when they are absent, where those who do not have "super" gifts can still have a place to serve, and whose ministries will be welcomed and appreciated. Every individual matters to us. We overlook no one. You may be just one in a million in a mega-church, but to us you are important because we know you and love you. We think that is the way it ought to be.
What is more, mega-churches may thrive on a generic gospel, a gospel that entertains and gives no offence, a gospel that skims across the surface of Scripture but doesn't penetrate into its subterranean depths. There is more to a scenic lake than the pretty clouds and the reflection of the trees along its banks. There is an unimaginable variety of life under the surface, and much to see in the woods themselves. While a small church is not a theological seminary, and there are limits to what it can do, a small church can be more focused, and perhaps more faithful, in proclaiming the message of Scripture. We are committed to confessional reformed orthodoxy, to the Calvinism that reshaped Europe and the early North American continent. While much of the western world has departed from this and embraced socialism and humanism, and even while much of the professing Christian church has become enamoured with religious humanism and social Darwinism, we will proclaim that Jesus is Lord, and seek to turn our culture and world back to truly and thoroughly Christian faith.
So what does this mean with regard to our church ministries? It means first that our ministries will be governed by the demands of the gospel. They are not designed for mere entertainment or a social outlet, but to disciple our members and friends into Christ-like living. They will be centers where faith in Jesus is impressed on all, believers and unbelievers alike.
Further, it means that if we don't have a specific group for you at this time, it doesn't mean we have no desire to minister to you. In fact, our ministry is fundamentally a ministry of the gospel particularly as that is given in the worship services and continuing fellowship of the church. This is where ministry takes place in its most fundamental and life-shaping form. Worshiping God in the presence of his people will minister to the needs of every individual, no matter what your age, gender, social background, or political persuasion.
In that light, we look forward to ministering to one another in the bonds of Christ's love.