Preaching Christ and Him Crucified
We unashamedly proclaim, and boast in, the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the most important thing we do! Preaching Christ crucified is what we are ALL ABOUT! Our identity, our worth, and our liberty are entirely rooted in Jesus Christ and Him crucified. To put it another way – Jesus Christ is not an app, He is our operating system. Or in the words of the apostle Paul, we have decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified! (2 Cor. 1:2).
Led by Elders
The Church is governed by The Good Shepherd Jesus Christ who, in His perfect wisdom, has appointed weak, imperfect, yet qualified men to feed, lead, and protect His flock (John 21:17; Eph. 4:11; 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1; Heb. 13:17). A plurality of elders are called and equipped by God – trained in the church – to lead and shepherd the church. The biblical principle of headship is central to understanding God Himself, and to understanding how He has structured and ordered His Church (1 Cor. 11:3). We see in Scripture that God ordains men to lead the church (1 Tim. 2:11-15), and where men fail to be present – predators prevail. The elders of the church are not so much given a badge to flaunt, as much as they are given a license to serve. A badge is often nothing more than a mere external symbol of authority (many times used to simply to lord it over people [Matt. 20:25]). However a license is something that remains hidden (perhaps partially because there’s that unflattering picture of you on it); it’s not something that you flaunt or display for all to see, but you use to serve people all the time (e.g. picking up groceries to feed your family, busing your kids to soccer practice, driving your wife to a nice romantic restaurant, etc.). Those who are called to the office of elder/overseer (1 Tim. 3:1) are to exemplify servant leadership (Mark 9:33-37; Eph. 5:25-27; Phil. 2:1-11). Before pursuing the office of elder, a man should meditate on the following passages of God’s Holy, Inspired, Active & Living, Inerrant Word: Ezek. 34; Mark 10:45; John 13:1-17; 21:15-17; Acts 20:28-31; Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Tim. 3; 4:16; Titus 1.
Psalms, Hymns, & Spiritual Songs
Our worship music consists of traditional hymns with more modern and eclectic arrangements. Our aim is to use music that is substantive, heartfelt, and “sing-able”. The Church is reliant upon The Holy Spirit in all her work and worship (Jn.16:7; 2 Tim. 1:14; Rom. 8:26). In full reliance upon The Holy Spirit we thoughtfully, genuinely, and candidly work and worship. The worship and work of the church is sweetly simple as we rely on God The Holy Spirit in childlike faith. The worship and work of the church is relevant and eclectic in the conviction, comfort, and clarity of The Holy Spirit. The most specific, regular, and primary work of the Holy Spirit is that of repentance – incessantly teaching us that the cross of Jesus Christ is our abiding place; He brings us to the end of ourselves, in order that we might find life and life to the fullest in Christ alone (Jn. 3:30, 10:10; Gal. 2:20). As G.K. Chesterton said, “How much larger, and more enjoyable, your life would be if your self could become smaller in it.” The Holy Spirit works in and through the Church to draw more and more attention to Jesus (and less and less attention to us). “If there is anything worthwhile happening in the Church these days, it’s because the Holy Spirit is always at work” (Burk Parsons).
Sustained by Prayer
The life of the church, on Sunday mornings and throughout the week, is marked by prayer. We do this because we recognize our limitations and our dependence on Jesus for all things good. Hand-in-hand with reliance on The Holy Spirit is accepting our limitations. It is a beautiful, and liberating, thing to acknowledge that you aren’t God! While there are many things God calls us to do, it is equally as important that we recognize that there are many things God is not calling us to do. For example, “We are powerless to put Christ in people’s hearts. Prayer (the privilege to ask God to put Christ in people’s hearts) is the most powerful thing that God has given us. Most people avoid prayer because they fail to realize that the only prerequisite is a sincere sense of their own helplessness. Many people simply prefer cynicism, and cynicism is a bad reaction to the reality of complete helplessness.” (Paul Miller). Authentic reliance on our fellow brothers and sisters in the body of Christ is a primary way in which we are called to accept our limitations and rest in the reality that we are not God (Gal. 6:2). We must be invested and involved in each others’ lives, eating meals in each others’ homes, gathering regularly in small groups to contemplate God’s Word and share life together. The more we see and savor Jesus and His bride, the more we will realize that our service is often – simply – a life of childlike faith, and faithful presence (2 Cor. 12:9; 1 Thess. 4:11).
The church is called to be full of prayer, and as she prays the body of Christ is knit together. Perhaps the most noticeable aspect regarding the full prayer life of the church is the diversity that God knits together in the community of believers. The early church – much like the culture at large – had a hard time adjusting to this Kingdom of Heaven/Christ-centered paradigm (Acts 6:1; Gal. 2:11-14). However, God is serious about building a robust family, and that is going to mean dramatic change regarding some of our deeply rooted prejudices, and preferences. The church is called to unite prayerfully (differences and all). Mercy ministry is most thoroughly and fittingly born out of a prayerFULL community (Acts 6:1; Gal. 6:10). We engage and minister to one another as family, and we seek to serve our neighbors and the community of East Charlotte – including the widows, the orphans, the oppressed poor, the foreigners and the refugees in East Charlotte – farming (2 Th. 3:10) and feasting (Lk. 14:12-13) with folks as family.
Life Together by the Word
The Word of God governs the life of the Church. Our worship is immersed in Scripture and our time together throughout the week must be rooted in the Word. The Church recognizes & submits to the absolute, inspired, inerrant, active & living Word of God (Isa. 40:8; 55:11; Lk. 16:29; Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12). The Word of God is primary, and the Word of God is primarily a Person. We are committed to, and enthusiastic about, preaching Christ crucified (1 Cor. 1:23; 1 Cor. 2:2). We are committed to, and enthusiastic about, the Jesus as the Word of God incarnate; the Bread of Life (Jn. 6:48). Our diet of the Word of God is essential, and if we fail to eat we will die (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4). Moreover, the Word of God Himself instituted a regular meal that – along with, and in light of, the written Word – is central to the vitality and fellowship of the Church. This meal is never to be marginalized, for in it the Gospel is visibly preached. All the activity of the Church is founded upon the Word of God. The Word of God regulates the life of the Church. Everything is rooted in, and rests upon, the all-sufficient authority of the Word of God (Gen. 1; Acts 6:1-6; 17:11). “I simply taught, preached, wrote about God’s Word… the Word did it all” (Martin Luther).
We are a church that strives to marinate in the claims of Scripture, and rest in the credibility of those claims; and subsequently live confidently and courageously in ways that are consistent with sound doctrine (Eph. 4:14; Titus 2:1). Sound doctrine informs and shapes the practical and essential life of the church, so we keep a close watch on ourselves and on our teaching because by doing so we will save both ourselves and our hearers (1 Tim. 4:16).
Laboring Together in the Name of Jesus
Because Jesus came as a suffering servant, the Church must labor in His service. We must mercifully serve each other and the world around us. The Church operates based on what “makes sense” according to the principles and economy of the Kingdom of Heaven, as opposed to what “seems sensible” to the temporary whims and preferences of the world. The Church is called to be an embassy of the coming Kingdom. The church is to demonstrate for the world “The New Normal” as she begins to live in the reality of the New Heavens and the New Earth. The Church is to signal something to the dark, evil, spiritual forces, and the world at large …that Christ’s Kingdom has been inaugurated, and it is unavoidably being imported into the present – with the promise of its fulfillment. Every member of the church is an ambassador of the King of kings, and as His ambassadors we represent Christ wherever we live, work, and play. As Christ’s ambassadors we are called to know our neighbors in an authentic sort of way, and relate to them as Christ relates to people. We are called to go and make disciples of all nations, and the nations have come to East Charlotte (Matt. 28:18-20). As Christ’s ambassadors we are ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-21). We are called to deal with people more than “issues.” Practically speaking this means we must be a church that practices hospitality toward people from different cultural backgrounds; a church that invites folks from any and every culture into our homes. The Church is called to more than “mere charity”; the community of believers is about more than simply “ministry TO others” …we are called to serve with and amongst each other in familial life together. As the apostle Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”
Loving People in Need of Christ
Remembering the great mercy and grace we have received from Jesus, we reach out to share His love to people in our lives who do not yet know Him. Jesus calls us to Himself and says, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25-28). Jesus’ food was to do the will of His Father (Jn. 4:34), and the will of His Father was to serve, and sacrifice for, sinners – and this, Jesus considered to be a joyful thing set before Him (Heb. 12:2). Service is the economy of the Kingdom of Heaven …the greater you are the more you serve. When Jesus marries us to Himself, He takes over. We decrease, Jesus increases (Jn. 3:30). We are crucified with Christ. It is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. And the life we now live in the flesh we live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us (Gal. 2:20). In Christ we are reoriented, and we are made bondservants – selflessly employed to serve others, considering them more significant than ourselves (Phil. 2:3).
Jesus has given the keys of the Kingdom to His Bride and Body – the Church (16:19). Essentially this means that we sincerely care for the members of the of the body of Christ. Caring for people means that we love them too much to leave them to be devoured by their sin, and therefore discipline is an indispensable mark of a true church. The primary aim of discipline is repentance. The authority of the church to exercise discipline is superintended by the Holy Spirit, who works to markedly revive sinners and lead them to repentance (not emotional frothiness). The reality is that without loving discipline (Heb. 12), and without repentance, there is neither rest nor peace (Isa. 30:15). Our restlessness is a result of our rejection of discipline, and preferring instead to tread our own erroneous path. In our immaturity – that insidious sin – we insist on forever declaring ourselves an exceptional victim. We shall never enter God’s rest until we set aside our childish ways, and accept our Heavenly Father’s discipline (1 Cor. 13:11).
…Another way to articulate our distinctives is to simply say that we are ALL ABOUT:
S H E P H E R D S
S P I R I T – F I L L E D
A C C E P T L I M I T A T I O N S
A M B A S S A D O R S
P R A Y E R F U L L
P R I M A C Y O F T H E W O R D
D O C T R I N E
D I S C I P L I N E
SHEPHERDS
The Church is governed by The Good Shepherd Jesus Christ, who – in His perfect wisdom – has appointed weak, imperfect men to feed, lead, and protect His flock (John 21:17; Eph. 4:11; 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1; Heb. 13:17). A plurality of elders are called and equipped by God – trained in the church – to lead and shepherd the church. The biblical principle of headship is central to understanding God Himself, and to understanding how He has structured and ordered His Church (1 Cor. 11:3). We see in Scripture that God ordains men to lead the church (1 Tim. 2:11-15), and where men fail to be present – predators prevail. The elders of the church are not so much given a badge to flaunt, as much as they are given a license to serve. A badge is often nothing more than a mere emblem of authority (many times abused and used to lord it over people [Matt. 20:25]). However a license is something that remains hidden (perhaps partially because there’s that unflattering picture of you on it); it’s not something that you flaunt or display for all to see, but rather it is regularly used to serve people all the time (e.g. picking up groceries to feed your family, busing your kids to soccer practice, driving your wife to a nice romantic restaurant, etc.). Those who are called to the office of elder/overseer (1 Tim. 3:1) are to exemplify servant leadership (Mark 9:33-37; Eph. 5:25-27; Phil. 2:1-11). Before pursuing the office of elder, a man should meditate on the following passages of God’s Holy, Inspired, Active & Living, Inerrant Word: Ezek. 34; Mark 10:45; John 13:1-17; 21:15-17; Acts 20:28-31; Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Tim. 3; 4:16; Titus 1.
SPIRIT-FILLED
The Church is reliant upon The Holy Spirit in, amidst, and during anything and everything she thinks, feels, says, and does, all-day everyday, all of the time (Jn.16:7; 2 Tim. 1:14; Rom. 8:26). In full reliance upon The Holy Spirit we thoughtfully, genuinely, and candidly work and worship. The worship and work of the church is sweetly simple as we rely on God The Holy Spirit in childlike faith. The worship and work of the church is relevant and eclectic in the conviction, comfort, and clarity of The Holy Spirit. The most specific, regular, and primary work of the Holy Spirit is that of repentance – incessantly teaching us that the cross of Jesus Christ is our abiding place; He brings us to the end of ourselves, in order that we might find life and life to the fullest in Christ alone (Jn. 3:30, 10:10; Gal. 2:20). As G.K. Chesterton said, “How much larger, and more enjoyable, your life would be if your self could become smaller in it.” The Holy Spirit works in and through the Church to draw more and more attention to Jesus (and less and less attention to us [Jn. 3:30]). “If there is anything worthwhile happening in the Church these days, it’s because the Holy Spirit is always at work” (Burk Parsons).
ACCEPT LIMITATIONS
Hand-in-hand with reliance on The Holy Spirit is accepting our limitations. It is a beautiful, and liberating, thing to acknowledge that you aren’t God! While there are many things God calls us to do, it is equally as important that we recognize that there are many things God is not calling us to do. For example, “We are powerless to put Christ in people’s hearts, and we cannot read minds or make choices for people other than ourselves. It is oppressive to us, and offensive to God, to inflict ourselves with ventures suited for God Himself. We must bear in mind that prayer (the privilege of admitting our desperate dependence, and relying upon, and resting in Christ alone) is the most powerful thing that God has given us. “Most people avoid prayer because they fail to realize that the only prerequisite is a sincere sense of their own helplessness. Many people simply prefer cynicism, and cynicism is a bad reaction to the reality of complete helplessness.” (Paul Miller). Authentic reliance on our fellow brothers and sisters in the body of Christ is a primary way in which we are called to accept our limitations and rest in the reality that we are not God (Gal. 6:2). We must be invested and involved in each others’ lives, eating meals in each others’ homes, gathering regularly in small groups to contemplate God’s Word and share life together. The more we see and savor Jesus and His bride, the more we will realize that our service is often – simply – a life of childlike faith, and faithful presence (2 Cor. 12:9; 1 Thess. 4:11).
AMBASSADORS
The Church operates based on what “makes sense” according to the principles and economy of the Kingdom of Heaven, as opposed to what “seems sensible” to the temporary whims and preferences of the world. The Church is called to be an embassy of the coming Kingdom. The church is to demonstrate for the world “The New Normal” as she increasingly lives in the reality of the New Heavens and the New Earth. The Church is to signal something to the dark, evil, spiritual forces, and the world at large …that Christ’s Kingdom has been inaugurated, and it is unavoidably being imported into the present – with the promise of its fulfillment. Every member of the church is an ambassador of the King of kings, and as His ambassadors we represent Christ wherever we live, work, and play. As Christ’s ambassadors we are called to know our neighbors in an authentic sort of way, and relate to them as Christ relates to people. We are called to go and make disciples of all nations, and the nations have come to East Charlotte (Matt. 28:18-20). As Christ’s ambassadors we are ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-21). We are called to deal with people more than “issues.” Practically speaking this means we must be a church that practices hospitality toward people. The Church is called to more than “mere charity”; the community of believers is about more than simply “ministry TO others” …we are called to serve WITH and AMONGST each other in familial life together. As the apostle Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”
PRAYERFULL
The church is called to be full of prayer, and as she prays the body of Christ is knit together. Prayer is never not about people. Though we may pray about various circumstances, situations, and sundry things – we do so because we are people …we do so because we are uniquely made as image bearers as the only living and true triune God. And God’s desire for His people is that they would be united for His glory (Jn. 13). In John 17:22-23 Jesus prays, “The glory that You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one even as We are one, I in them and You in Me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them even as You loved Me.” The early church – much like the modern day world – had a hard time adjusting to this Kingdom of Heaven/Christ-centered paradigm (Acts 6:1; Gal. 2:11-14). However, God is serious about building a robust family, and that is going to mean dramatic change regarding some of our deeply rooted prejudices, and preferences (Matt. 5:44). The church is called to unite prayerfully (differences and all). A good way to examine whether or not you are actually following Jesus and growing in grace (2 Cor. 13:5) is to ask the questions, “Who am I unwilling to pray with?” “Who do I neglect to pray for?” Moreover, grace-centered and mercy-oriented ministry is most thoroughly and fittingly born out of a prayerFULL community (Acts 6:1; Gal. 6:10). We engage and minister to one another as family (i.e. a united body), and we seek to serve our neighbors and the community of East Charlotte – including the widows, the orphans, the oppressed poor, the foreigners and the refugees in East Charlotte – farming (2 Th. 3:10) and feasting (Lk. 14:12-13) with folks as family.
PRIMACY OF THE WORD OF GOD
The Church recognizes & submits to the absolute, inspired, inerrant, active & living Word of God (Isa. 40:8; 55:11; Lk. 16:29; Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12). The Word of God is primary, and the Word of God is primarily a Person. We are committed to, and enthusiastic about, preaching Christ crucified (1 Cor. 1:23; 1 Cor. 2:2). We are committed to, and enthusiastic about, the Jesus as the Word of God incarnate; the Bread of Life (Jn. 6:48). Our diet of the Word of God is essential, and if we fail to eat we will die (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4). Moreover, the Word of God Himself instituted a regular meal that – along with, and in light of, the written Word – is central to the vitality and fellowship of the Church. This meal is never to be marginalized, for in it the Gospel is visibly preached. All the activity of the Church is founded upon the Word of God. The Word of God regulates the life of the Church. Everything is rooted in, and rests upon, the all-sufficient authority of the Word of God (Gen. 1; Acts 6:1-6; 17:11). “I simply taught, preached, wrote about God’s Word… the Word did it all” (Martin Luther).
DOCTRINE
The church must marinate in what God has revealed to us in His Holy Word, and rest in the truth, goodness, and beauty of that revelation. We will live confidently and courageously only insofar as we rest and rely upon sound doctrine (Eph. 4:14; Titus 2:1). Sound doctrine informs and shapes the life of the church, so we keep a close watch on ourselves and on our teaching because by doing so we will save both ourselves and our hearers (1 Tim. 4:16).
DISCIPLINE
Jesus has given the keys of the Kingdom to His Bride and Body – the Church (16:19). Essentially this means that we sincerely care for the members of the of the body of Christ. Caring for people means that we love them too much to leave them to be devoured by their sin, and therefore discipline is an indispensable mark of a true church. The primary aim of discipline is repentance. The authority of the church to exercise discipline is superintended by the Holy Spirit, who works to markedly revive sinners and lead them to repentance (not emotional frothiness). The reality is that without loving discipline (Heb. 12), and without repentance, there is neither rest nor peace (Isa. 30:15). Our restlessness is a result of our rejection of discipline, and preferring instead to tread our own erroneous path. In our immaturity – that insidious sin – we insist on forever declaring ourselves an exceptional victim. We shall never enter God’s rest until we set aside our childish ways, and accept our Heavenly Father’s discipline (1 Cor. 13:11).