1.                  Personal Faith in Jesus.

The testimony of Christians and the work of the Spirit led me to a personal confession of Jesus as God’s Son and my savior at the age of twelve.  From that time I have made a commitment to follow God’s direction in my life.

 2.                  Evangelism is the Mission of the Church. 

The proclamation of salvation in the person and work of Jesus Christ is the church’s mission–all other works it does are methods of carrying out this task.  This proclamation is central to what the church does inside and outside its membership. 

3.                  The Church is the Body of Christ. 

It must be seen first as an organism–then as an organization.  As Christians we are joined to Christ and one another in an organic and Spirit created fellowship.  What Christ has made us takes priority over all else. 

4.                  Every Christian has a Ministry. 

The Holy Spirit led us to faith and gives to each Christian certain gifts for ministry.  Our organic unity is brought to fruition as each Christian is equipped, trained and commissioned for ministerial functions in the fellowship. 

5.                  No One Christian does Everything. 

The Spirit’s blessings are given bountifully–to the entire body of believers.  They are distributed so that each can provide some unique service or ministry.  No one person ought or can do all forms of ministry. 

6.                  Spiritual Renewal needs Administrative Renewal. 

Both forms of renewal move forward together, or the absence of one hinders the other.  The Apostle Paul frequently addresses both issues in his letters and lists “administrators” as among the gifts of the Spirit. 

7.                  Renewal takes Time and Requires Sound Management 

The tools and understandings of management can be used in the Christian church.  This may require some careful translation, but the benefits make the effort worthwhile.

Copyright 2007 by The Mentor Group - All rights reserved. www.gospelcenteredgrowth.com