"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20"They spent their time learning the apostles teaching, sharing, breaking bread, and praying together. The apostles worked many miracles and signs and everyone felt great respect for God. All the believers were together and shared everything in common. They would sell their land and the things they owned and then divide the money and give it to anyone who had need. The believers met together in the Temple everyday. They ate together in their homes, happy to share their food with joyful hearts. They praised God together and were liked by all the people. Everyday the Lord added those who were being saved to the group of believers." Acts 2:42-47.
AS FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST we seek to accurately reflect him as we commit to:
Worship God Enthusiastically by attending worship services regularly, giving of our time, talent and treasure, integrating worship into our daily lives, and having a consistent prayer life that impacts our spiritual growth.
Connect with our Church Family regularly by being an active member in a Small Group, committing ourselves to maintaining biblically healthy relationships, and being a catalyst in helping others connect in the church.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR LIVING WORD MINISTRY
Because we are a collection of many diverse individuals, we all have slightly different ideas with regard to how we go about serving Christ. Just as our International Pentecostal Holiness Church ARTICLES OF FAITH help us define our shared beliefs, there are certain common values that unify our efforts and give us guidance in providing ministry. These guiding principles can be summarized using the following statements.
· A HEART FOR THE HARVEST: People who are living their lives separated from Christ are important to God and they are vitally important to us as a church.
· PASSIONIONATE FOR CHRIST: Full devotion to Christ is normal for every believer.
· BIBLICAL: The Bible is God's Word and is relevant to our contemporary culture.
· DEVOTED TO PRAYER: God's power for ministry is released through prayer.
· DILIGENT IN WORSHIP: Genuine worship can be meaningful and relevant to both believers and those who seek a relationship with God.
· ORDERED: Every believer should be serving in his or her spiritual gift area.
· CONNECTED WITH ONE ANOTHER: Life change happens best in small groups.
· EMPOWERING: Pastors are charged with the responsibility of mobilizing, equipping and releasing believers for ministry.
· COMMITED TO EXCELLENCE: Excellence honors God, reflects His character, and inspires people to invest in God's work.
· GROWING: Living Word Church should continue to grow until every person in Maiden, NC and the surrounding communities has heard the Gospel.
· HEALTHY: A healthy church is characterized by people who are redeemed and sent out for ministry.
· PERSONAL: Discipleship is best accomplished one life at a time.
