Our Mission Statement
Our Mission is to share the Gospel and see lives transformed thru God’s power; every age, color, race, ethnic, cultural & social background are welcome. To be a place where people are healed, have value, and find purpose. To be dispensers of Grace, and the Love of God through intense worship, teaching, training, service to our community and abroad; and to encourage unity in the body of Christ.
Our Purpose!
- To exalt the Lord by dynamic, Holy Spirit –inspired worship, praise, and prayer, and to give our time, talents and treasures (gifts) as an offering to the Lord.
- To equip the Church to fulfill her destiny through Godly vision, Biblical teaching, and pastoral ministries. In order to bring the believer into maturity and effective ministry through Christ. Resulting in a restored and triumphant Church.
- To join with other pastors and Full Gospel sharing churches with in our community in fulfilling the Prayer of Jesus in John 17 for Unity. Joining hands in fellowship and in laboring together to see revival come to Lane County and draw in the last days harvest.
- To extend the Kingdom of God from the church to our cities, our nations, and the world through aggressive evangelism, and to train leaders, send out missionaries, and mission teams, and plant other like –minded, Holy Spirit-led churches.
Who we are?
1. People of the Word and the Spirit a. Seekers of God b. People of prayer c. People who are growing in the knowledge of the Word and hearing God’s voice (who walk in theSpirit, who really walk in love –unity—and walk in the light)
2. A community outreach church a. Goal: to focus outward rather than all inward as a church and as individuals b. Hospitable church c. Love for missions d. Reaches out and locks arms with other localchurches
3. The power or strength of the church is the people in the church (with God’s help, of course) a. Discipleship is not an option –it’s a command b. Nurturing and releasing people into their gifting andplace in the body c. Investment in leadership development
Core Values
Pursuit of God - We believe man was created for God, not the other way around. The church does not exist to perpetuate programs, traditions or human agendas. Our priority is to pursue and follow hard after God, “to exalt Him, magnify Him, and make Him great in the eyes of the people that their faith may rest in the power of God, not the wisdom of men.” (Ps. 42:1-2; Ps. 63:1; Jeremiah 29:12-13a)
God, Himself – We believe in the Eternal Godhead who has revealed Himself as ONE God existing in THREE persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; distinguishable but indivisible (Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13-14).
God’s Holiness – We believe that the body of the believer in Christ, is the very temple and habitation of the Holy Spirit. We were not created to be used by sin, but to be used by God. Holiness is not legalism that is measured by outward appearance, but a true cleansing of the believer through the blood of Jesus Christ and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit that will manifest itself in Christ-like character and conduct that reflects His image. (Hebrews 12:14; I Peter 1:16)
God’s Presence - We believe that when we gather [to worship & hear God’s Word], that God Himself is present among us. Entertaining His presence, hearing His voice and giving Him preeminence in our gatherings and personal times with Him is our greatest passion. (Matthew 18:20; Psalms 16:11)
God’s Word – We believe in the plenary-verbal inspiration of the accepted canon of the Scriptures as originally given and that they are infallibly and uniquely authoritative and free from error of any sort in all matters with which they deal, including scientific and historical as well as moral and theological (II Timothy 3 :16; I Corinthians 2:13). We believe the Bible is God’s inspired word, the first and final authority in the life of the believer. Through the life of the Spirit, the Word is the single most powerful transforming agent for fallen man; regenerating our spirits, renewing our minds, fortifying our hearts. The Word of God is the greatest deterrent to the encroachment of sin, and an effective, offensive weapon against the enemy. It is to be studied, meditated on, absorbed, and broken down and given away. (II Timothy 3:6; ll Timothy 3:15-16; Hebrews 4:12)
Holy Spirit Activity - We welcome the moving of the Holy Spirit both in our personal and corporate (together in the church) life as believers. The baptism of the Holy Spirit, the operation of the gifts of the Spirit (both natural and super-natural) and the fruit of the Spirit is what He offers to us and develops in the life of the believer. (I Corinthians 12-14; John 7:37-39; Acts 1:8)
Value of People – We believe in the creation, test and fall of man as recorded in Genesis; his total spiritual depravity and inability to attain to divine righteousness (Romans 3:10-18). Therefore God loved us so much that gave His precious ONLY son to die for us that we can have eternal life with Him. (1 John 4:10-11) We believe that every person, Christian and non-Christian alike, is valuable to God and to His Kingdom. Because people are eternally valuable to God, they are to us as well. Responsible evangelism will always be our cause and ongoing discipleship will always be the goal and the core of the entire ministry.
Generations – We believe that Jesus placed great value on children; setting them as His Kingdom’s greatest example of faith, humility and as being the ones through who praise is perfected. We believe that children and youth have the same capacity to understand spiritual truth, pray, worship, feel God’s presence, hear His voice, flow in the gifts of the Spirit and lead others to Christ. We believe that parents are appointed by God to pass on a godly heritage and that the church is work to strengthen marriages and build up the family. We are also committed to evangelizing, teaching and discipleship all age groups within the church and in the community, and to invest time and the best of our resources in their training and development. (Mark 10:14-16; Matthew 21:16; Psalms 78:1-4; Revelations 12)
Faith - We believe that faith is the means, by which we enter into grace, obtain salvation, become justified, and possess the promises of God. Without faith, anything we attempt to do in God and for God (even prayer itself) is absent of life and power; rendered ineffective and displeasing to God. With faith all things are possible to the one that believes. By it we our journey in Christ is begun, sustained and consummated. (Hebrews 11:1-12:2; Ephesians 2:8-9; James 2:18-22)
Worship & Prayer - We believe that nothing touches God’s heart like worship and nothing moves His hand–but prayer. Worship & prayer is to be the motor or powerhouse to our church life. Worship is birthed in the heart and spirit of the believer, expressing itself through soul and body. Biblical expressions of praise and worship such as singing of both rehearsed and spontaneous songs to the Lord as well as clapping, bowing, raising hands and dancing are to be continually offered to Him who is worthy. Individual praying and fasting and prayer for the whole church will always be a continuing emphasis. (Hebrews 13:15; Ephesians 5:18-19; II Chronicles 7:14; James 5:16)
Tithes and Offerings – We believe in the Tithe (first ten percent of our income) that belongs to the Lord, offerings that are given willingly and alms that are given to the poor. We believe tithing is a recognition that everything we have comes from God. The practice promotes personal discipline and thrift, testifies to our faith, promotes God’s work in the world, and alleviates human need while releasing blessing into the life of the giver. While we do not believe tithing to be a condition for salvation, we do believe that giving in faith is a very important biblical model, one which should set the minimal standard for Christian giving for people in all income ranges. We also believe that the proclamation of the Gospel is the first and greatest responsibility of the Church and, therefore, actively support missionaries both locally and abroad who give stringent account and are being affective and bearing fruit in their ministry. We believe that God does prosper every believer when financial seeds are sewn into the Kingdom of God, and that the benefits that are reaped will be found in physical health, stability, financial, wisdom and understanding, success, joy, peace, etc…and the benefits are perpetual and generational. (Deuteronomy 8:18; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:6-15).
Communion – We believe in the Table of the Lord, commonly called Communion or the Lord’s Supper, for believers (I Corinthians 11:28-32).
Relationships – We believe genuine love and caring relationships are key to the life of every endeavor. Refusing to give audience to a spirit of complaining, we will instead be courageous in solving every problem in a way that honors God and builds biblical character. We value healthy relationships by protecting the unity of the Spirit in our church. (James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 3:8-9; 1 Corinthians 13:8; Romans 16:17; Ephesians 4:3)
Unity – We believe in unity of spirit and principle, not in conformity. Unity may express itself in a variety of ways but still maintain the same principles and convictions so as to flow together in accomplishing the vision of the church. We are committed to bridging the gaps between generations, social classes, denominations, ministries and other like-minded churches. (Psalm 133; John 17; I Corinthians 1:10)
Authority – We believe that Jesus clearly points out that spiritual authority is exercised in an entirely different way from worldly authority. We believe that the more that there is submission to God, and His Word, and His ways in the life of the believer, the more the devil will flee from him. Authority grows both in the natural and in spiritual levels at the same time and pace that submission and humility grows in the life of the believer. (Heb. 13:17). Authority is granted by God to those who have yielded themselves to serve under His authority. Leaders are to lead by example, the Word of God, integrity of character, by submission to one another and to the leading of His Spirit, this is key to obtaining powerful spiritual authority both in the natural and in the spiritual realms. . (Matthew 20:25-28; Mark 10:42-45; Heb. 13:17; I Corinthians 16:15-18; l Timothy 5:17-18; Thessalonians 5:12-13; Titus 2:15)
Sin – We believe in the reality and personality of Satan and we also believe in the eternal judgment of Satan and his angels (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10-15). Satan tempts us to sin and follow his evil ways, and in giving into sin we have turned away from God. Sin separates us from God, because God is Holy. We believe that God made man with a free will and the possibility of voluntary forfeiture of right relationship with God. It is our responsibility as believers, to warn sinners of their spiritually dangerous position and challenge people to seek the Lord, and learn what it is to live holy lives that will please God (Carelessness can lead to apathy, apathy to neglect, and neglect to a conscious decision to sin. We often refer to this spiritual decline as backsliding). Here are a list of what sin is: this includes (but not limited to) gossip, selfish manipulation, sorcery and divination, witchcraft, drug addiction, drunkenness, self-indulgence, rebellion against authority, hedonism, pornography, and sexual immorality, adultery, deception, stealing, murder, etc… (Proverbs 14:34; Matthew 6:14-15; 12:31, 32; 18:23–35; Romans 1:24–32; Romans 2:23; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:12 – 23; 1 John 3:4-8)
Salvation – We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of men, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, very God and very man. We believe Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day, and personally appeared to His disciples (I Corinthians 15: 1 4; Romans 4:25).We believe in the bodily ascension of Jesus to heaven, His exaltation and personal, literal and bodily coming again the second time for the Church (John 14:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18). We believe in the salvation of sinners by grace, through repentance and faith in the perfect and sufficient work of the cross of Calvary by which we obtain remission of sins (Ephesians 2:5-9; Hebrews 9: 12, 22; Romans 5: 11). We believe in eternal life for believers (John 5:24; 3: 16) and eternal punishment for unbelievers (Mark 9:43-58; II Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20: 10-15). See also these scriptures: (Luke 1:26-35; John 1:18; Isaiah 7: 14; 9: 16; Mark 16:16; John 10:9; Acts 4:12; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24; Romans 6:22-23; Romans 10:9; ll Timothy 3:15; 1 John 1:9; Titus 3:5)
Water Baptism – We believe in the necessity of water baptism by immersion in the name of the Eternal Godhead in order to fulfill the command of Christ (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:37-39; 19:1-6).
Healing & Deliverance – We believe in the healing of the body by Divine Power, or Divine healing in its varied aspects as practiced in the Early Church (Acts 4:30; Romans 8: 11; I Corinthians 12:9; James 5:1 ). We believe it is the right of every believer to ask the Lord in faith believing for healing and deliverance from sin, sickness and disease, and the power of the strongholds of Hell. (Isaiah 61:1; Mark 6:13; Luke 4:18, 41; Ephesians 1:7)
Accountability - In keeping with the Great Commandment, we believe every member should commit to a lifestyle of consistent spiritual growth with honest accountability. A genuine love for God is always the first priority. Every Christian should yearn for continual spiritual growth. Therefore discipleship through small groups, accountability, and open honesty is critical to maturing in our faith. (Mark 12:29-31; Acts 2:44-47; l Peter 2:2; l Timothy 4:7-8; Proverbs 27:17)
Discipleship - We believe in bringing all believers into spiritual maturity and releasing them into effective ministry was exemplified in the ministry of Jesus and passed on to the Church in the “Great Commission.” We are committed to teaching, training, equipping, commissioning and releasing people into their ministry. (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 14:26-27, 36; Ephesians 4)
Spiritual Growth – We believe in the Spirit-filled life, a life of separation from the world and perfecting holiness in the fear of God as an expression of Christian faith (Ephesians 5:18; I Corinthians 6: 14; 7:1). We believe that God is worthy of our very best. Therefore, a growing “spirit of excellence” should permeate the Christian life, and every activity in the church body. Not perfection but “excellence” with consistent evaluation (through qualified leadership, not of a critical spirit) and a willingness to be flexible and to improve for the sake of the Kingdom of God. These are distinctive signs of individual growth and maturity; as well as in ministries on a broader scale. (Psalm 78:72; Daniel 5:12; Colossians 3:17; Ecclesiastes 10:10)
Serving – We believe that every member is a minister who has been given gifts to be discovered, developed, and deployed. We are a gift-based, volunteer driven church. Each believer will find his greatest joy and fulfillment when serving in his spiritual and natural gifts and passion. Every believer is created for ministry, gifted for service in ministry, authorized for ministry, and needed for ministry. (Mark 10:45; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12:14-20)
Team Ministry – We believe that doing church as a team is God’s design for effective ministry. Spirit empowered serving with the willing-hearted involvement of every person is vital to God’s plan being accomplished. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 2:4-9) We also believe in the establishment of a leadership model that follows the example of the earliest churches with multiple elders and whose job it was to pastor the flock (cf. Acts 20:17,28; 1 Pet. 5:1,2).
Evangelism – We believe that the most effective evangelism happens through people inviting people. We believe that a life will reach a life. Each believer develops genuine relationships with friends and family and extends an invitation to them. Evangelism gets to be a normal, natural lifestyle of winning others to Christ, one by one. (Proverbs 11:30; John 1:43-45; John 4:28-30)
Drama & the Arts (including Dance) - We believe that the simple presentation of Jesus Christ in creative ways will impact and transform lives. Relating to our culture through the redeeming of the arts while remaining true to the Scriptures is a balance we will always keep. This way allows us to present the Gospel in such a way that reaches the heart. (I Corinthians 9:22-23; Acts 17:22-34)
Missions (local & abroad) – We believe that the proclamation of the Gospel is the first and greatest responsibility of the Church. It is only through the simple message of Christ’s substitutionary death for our sins and his resurrection to give us His life that spiritually blind eyes are opened, and those who receive it in faith are transferred out of the Kingdom of Darkness and into the Kingdom of Light; from (spiritual) death unto life. We will use all means and every opportunity to publish, proclaim and live out the Gospel to our community, and around the world through sending, giving (tithes and offerings) and going. (Romans 1:16-17; Matthew 24:14; Mark 16:15-16)
Training & Equipping – We believe in identifying and training emerging leaders who are fully committed to Christ and who will reach their generation with the Gospel. God is raising up men and women who will take the baton of godly character, authentic faith, and servant-hearted leadership into the next generation. (2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:5-9; Psalm 78:6-7)
See also Fundamental Truths (Assemblies of God) @ http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths
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City of Destiny Church