Exalt…the Risen Christ

Each week, whether in a traditional or contemporary atmosphere, we expect to meet Christ in worship. We gather with great expectation, knowing the Holy Spirit will move powerfully amongst the people and fill them with contagious joy.

Yes, we embrace a church…

n       Where Jesus Christ is our focus,

n       Where each person is a priest offering up his or her sacrifice of praise,

n       Where all aspects of worship are done with excellence, theological integrity and cultural relevance,

n       Where the music fires the heart in the act of adoring God,

n       Where open sharing reflects our love for others and for all of God’s creation,

n       Where there is so much laughter and joy, heartfelt affirmation and praise, that those who are not believers are moved to say, surely God is among them,

n       Where people have such an intense hunger for God’s Word that they will go the extra mile to respond to the Gospel’s call.

n       When people respond to God’s love by generously giving of their tithes and offerings.

For this to happen, we seek to establish a setting and mood for worship that causes all present to quickly conclude, there’s a place for me here. This setting includes a sanctuary that has artistic beauty expressed through powerful Christian symbols, a bright look, and a state-of-the-art sound system offering worshippers a choice of contemporary or traditional worship styles.

n       At some times, our celebration and joy of being in God’s presence is enhanced by the majesty and theological richness of traditional liturgy, prayers and hymns. Choirs of varying ages and styles prime the heart for hearing the message of truth of God’s Word. The sacraments are experienced and the lost meet Christ for the first time.

At other times, our contemporary praise and worship of God is marked by a free-flowing mix of praise choruses and hymns. A gifted and passionate Leader of Worship, sensitive to the worshippers’ needs ensures a seamless quality to worship. Utilizing a Praise Team, short dramas, video clips, prayers for one another, and special music, worshippers are escorted on a spiritual journey which leads them to the unfolding of a Biblical truth revealed in God’s Word. Sacraments are expressed in new ways. Many meet Christ for the first time.

Evangelize…the Lost

Following in the footsteps of Christ who said, I have come to seek and to save the lost, we dream of a church where members invite others to know Christ. Our motivation comes in knowing that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Offering hope in ever-expanding circles, we dream of a church which is equipped to take the Gospel first to people in Seminole, Florida, then to the surrounding communities, as well as to the ends of the earth. This calling is accomplished through…

n       Pastors who have a passion for declaring the truth of God’s Word in daily life and from the pulpit,

n       Lay people who share their faith with visitors, the sick, and the lonely,

n       Generous giving which designates 20% of the church’s budget for missions,

A mission ministry which supports missionaries and missions, locally and around the world, through prayers and financial gifts—ultimately striving to encourage lay persons to involve themselves in service to Jesus Christ.

Engage…the Hurting

We dream of a church where we are not only telling Good News, but being Good News to the surrounding community. As we seek to be salt and light to those around us, we communicate that God’s church is a place of acceptance, love, hope, and forgiveness.

To accomplish our calling…

n       We dream of birthing new outreach programs targeted at real needs in our community such as—Latchkey Kids, a Counseling Center, Seniors rehabing injuries, Youth seeking wholesome recreation, a full-time Christian Preschool, and victims of debilitating diseases, Guardianship Training Program, and Battered and Abused Women,

n       We dream of providing a Family Life Center where our ministry can offer healing, hope and a bridge to Christ and His church,

n       We dream of addressing the social and moral dilemmas of our day by offering positive models of hope to show the world a better way—the way of Christ our Lord.

Educate…God’s People

Believing that God reveals Himself to us through the Bible and through His Holy Spirit, we know that God’s people need opportunities which help them examine and experience God’s word for their life. Therefore…

n       We dream of a School of Discipleship where new Christians are introduced to Christ and mature Christians gain a deeper knowledge of God and how they can be more faithful disciples,

n       We dream of a church where people are brought to spiritual maturity through Bible study classes, small groups, seminars, retreats, sermons and serving people’s needs,

n       We dream of a church where excellence is sought in caring for the educational and social needs of our youngest members to our senior members. Children gain a firm biblical foundation as they participate in a steady stream of fun, wholesome and Christ-centered activities. Parents find a place of insight, encouragement and support for their task of being parents. Couples catch a new vision for their marriage, rekindle their love and connect with other couples who share these goals. Seniors make new friends and learn from outstanding Bible teaching.

Encourage…to Maturity

Believing that God desires that we practice spiritual disciplines on a daily basis, we dream of a church where the membership is involved in regular small groups offering prayer, encouragement, accountability, fun and friendship. We dream of accomplishing this through…

n       Different types of Small Groups—Spiritual, Task Oriented and Support Groups,

n       Recovery Groups that minister to the real needs of those in the community of faith,

n       Healing services that focus on Christ, the Great Physician, and the power of prayer,

n       A prayer center which provides a peaceful and inspiring environment for prayer which is open twenty-four hours a day for those needing prayer. Throughout the week, many come to the prayer center to pray. These prayers become an indispensable part of congregational renewal,

n       A pastoral care team of approximately fifty lay people equipped to minister to a wide variety of spiritual and physical needs so that recipients will proclaim, the people of Faith Church overwhelmed me with love, support, encouragement and hope—their help made a big difference!

n       Church Officers who are well equipped and highly motivated in all of their duties and responsibilities,

n       A cadre of committed, well equipped, and highly motivated lay people who serve at every level of ministry.

And Finally…

This vision for a ministry is sustained by our God who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think!