Worship: Services are usually thematic using a published order of service. They include both contemporary and traditional elements. Once per month we have communion as part of the worship service—usually on the first Sunday of the month. Communion is open to all believers, but believers only. Services include participatory elements but are not completely informal.
Music: Church music includes both contemporary praise & worship songs as well as traditional hymns. Services utilize the available musical skills of the congregation including voice, piano and other instruments. We encourage the development of musical groups including choirs and bands.
Preaching: The pastor employs primarily an expository message style—developing the lessons and teaching from what the Bible says. The Bible is regarded as God’s infallible and inerrant Word. Some sermons have a more thematic style. Shorter messages tend to focus on Christian “Habits of Faithfulness.” Sermons average about 35-40 minutes in length.
Charismatic Orientation: It is our understanding that every Christian is gifted by the Holy Spirit to do “some little something” that is vital within the body of Christ—the church. We do not practice the public expression of sign gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy or healing as part of our regular services.
Group Structures: It is our belief and observation that Christians grow and mature best in small groups. We encourage every member and regular attender to participate in a group for growth, fellowship and accountability. Groups are designed according to interest, age, need, etc. For kids we have mid-week groups for learning the context of faith. Sunday School for all ages is designed to stress the content of what we believe—it is more classroom oriented.
Evangelistic Strategy: Individuals are the keys to reaching other individuals. We encourage members and attenders to pray and look for opportunities to share the hope within them regularly. Training is provided to help sharpen understanding for witnessing and apologetics. The church has established groups to touch people in the community at points of interest and points of need. Corporate special events are designed to make additional contacts in the community.
Ethical & Social Issues: People of every persuasion and belief are encouraged to come and see what we are about. The leadership and membership of the church are pro-life, believe that marriage is to be restricted to one man and one woman for a lifetime and that sexual activity should be safeguarded by a marriage covenant. The Bible is used as our textbook for discerning a proper stance for all moral, ethical and social issues we face in contemporary America.
