Benevolence
Under the deacons, there will be several benevolence
ministries to assist both the people within the congregation and to be used as
outreach programs. Food pantries, clothing distribution, and other basics will
be brought online as funds and volunteers become available. Practical help
ministries such as vehicle or home repair, lawn care, or other physical needs
should also be built.
Outreach
Programs
Although conventional, invitation-based outreach
ministries will be included, they will not be the primary focus. Individual
witnessing, concerts, comedy, and especially off-campus initiatives will be a
greater focus than special services.
An eye towards practical outreach programs, like
Adopt-A-Mom, Fishing Lessons (Job Training), and multichurch effort is
essential to the success of the Gospel in the coming difficult times.
Possible outreach programs will be explained in a
separate document and can be started based upon the availability of leaders,
funding, and facilities. Participation in outreach programs will be open to
members of any congregation who wish to use their talents, skills, and gifts.
Relationship
to Other Ministries
The unity of Body is paramount to the mission of the
church to build the Kingdom. To that
end, relationships will be developed with both like-minded ministries and those
who take different approaches. We will be an example of brotherhood,
reconciliation, and love between the diverse members of the Body of Christ.
Media Ministries
Multiple approaches to
media are essential to the communication of the Gospel and to the growth of a
ministry in this modern era. To that end, the church will create and/or support
multiple media ministries aimed at underserved communities. These may include:
Ø Internet
Radio: Due to the success of Holy Fire Radio to draw listeners, we will re-launch
the station under a new name with a new team. The music will be Christian hard
rock, metal, and punk to include independent, local, and regional bands of
sufficient quality. DJ's will be recruited and trained as will a station
manager to oversee the operations. Syndicated programs will be sought including
Full Armor of God program (Bro Scotland Kuba) and others of similar style. We
will encourage like minded ministries to be involved in the station as an
outreach. This cannot be a single congregation effort but needs to be an
example of unity for the rest of the church.
Ø Podcasts:
Jesus' Outsider will continue to broadcast and may increase to 5 days a week
based upon availability of host. Other leaders and gifted people in the church
will also be encouraged to do them with training if required.
Ø Video:
In addition to the services of the church, we will produce promotional videos
for internet distribution as a means to draw people to Jesus and to the
ministry. This may include a web-based television program produced internally.
Ø Outside
media ministries: we will offer financial assistance, encouragement, and our
expertise to other ministries using the same channels to reach their mission
field.
Media ministries are
under the supervision of the elders and will be a combined effort of the
Worship/Creative Arts and Outreach ministries.
In addition to the main
targets of our outreach efforts, we will be a home for the artistic, talented,
and media savvy to give them a positive outlet for their gifts. They will be
encouraged to strive for excellence in their craft. The church as a whole needs
their gifts as much as the more "conventional" gifts usually
recognized.
Concert Ministry
The church will host
and whenever possible host Christian concerts and other events that are in line
with the overall vision of the ministry. To that end, we will work with local
and national promoters to bring in acts that will enhance the outreach
ministries of the church. We will also partner with other local ministries for
joint sponsorship of events.
Besides concerts, other
programs and conferences will be considered based upon the needs of the
congregation, local community, and the neighborhood in which the Lord plants
the church. The can include but will not be limited to men’s or women’s
conferences, youth events, comedians, and dramatic performances or films. Each
event will be considered by the elders after review by the outreach ministry
department.
Summary
Overall, the church
will be a character and nature that will set it apart from most mainstream
congregations. Creativity, transparency, and openness will be encouraged. The
Gospel message will not be compromised nor will we turn a blind eye to sin, but
we will not judge someone because of the nature of their sin and indiscretion.
Leaders will be built
and encouraged to develop their gifts. Opportunities will be found for those
with a call on their lives to find mentoring, training, and to use those gifts.
The atmosphere will be
open, warm, and welcoming. There will be no dress code other than to encourage
modesty but style will never be an issue. Leaders will dress casually in their
own personal style for all services unless special occasions dictate otherwise.
The full intent of this
new church is to honor Jesus and follow His example of reaching out to sinners
often ignored by the mainstream church and communicate His Gospel in a language
and manner that they will understand and accept. This church will exist to
preach the Good News of Jesus to the unchurched in some of the most overlooked
and difficult to reach groups of people.
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