The FACES of Ministry at HCBC A Summary of What We Believe
VForming caring relationship (Fellowship & Membership) To form caring relationships, aiming for harmony and unity in the church, by remembering each other in prayer; by aiding each other in sickness and distress; by focusing on love as Jesus’ central command; by refusing to gossip or speak ill of others – or even to listen to such things; by seeking reconciliation with other members when conflict or interpersonal problems arise; and by following the leaders (Romans 14:19; Acts 2:42-47; John 13:34-35; Ephesians 4:29; Matthew 5:21-26, 18:15-20; Ephesians 4:26-27; Hebrews 13:17).
VAmplifying Christ-like character (Discipleship)
To grow in Christ-like character by following Jesus in daily life; by studying the Bible; by attending church-sponsored growth events; by refraining from habits which defile the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit; and being accountable for any ongoing sinful patterns in one’s life (Mark 8:34-37; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:4; 2 Peter 1:5-10; Philippians 1:27; Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; Galatians 6:1-2).
VCommunicating the Gospel (Evangelism & Missions)
To communicate the gospel by praying for the church’s growth spiritually and numerically; by inviting the people who would otherwise not be interested to attend; by looking for ways to share one’s faith in Jesus Christ with others; by warmly welcoming those who visit; and by supporting and sending out missionaries (1 Thessalonians 1:1-3; Luke 14:23; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 15:7; Matthew 9:37-38).
VExalting God (Worship)
To exalt God by personally trusting and following Jesus Christ as one’s Saviour and Lord; by developing a growing personal relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and obedience; by educating our children in the Word of God and in Christian values; by attending church services faithfully, by striving for its advancement in knowledge and holiness; and by participating regularly in the observance of the Lord’s Table (Hebrews 10:23-25; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 13:3-5; Galatians 1:6-9; Psalm 1; 1 Peter 1:13-16; 1 Corinthians 11).
VServing others (Ministry & Leadership Development)
To serve others as ministers of Jesus Christ through the church by cheerfully and regularly giving back to God a portion of one’s financial blessings for the support of its ministry and general expenses, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel among all nations; and by developing a servant’s heart through discovering one’s gifts and talents and using them in the church and in the world; (1 Corinthians 16:2; Leviticus 27:30; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; 1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 4:11-12; Philippians 2:3-4,7).
VAmplifying Christ-like character (Discipleship)
To grow in Christ-like character by following Jesus in daily life; by studying the Bible; by attending church-sponsored growth events; by refraining from habits which defile the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit; and being accountable for any ongoing sinful patterns in one’s life (Mark 8:34-37; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:4; 2 Peter 1:5-10; Philippians 1:27; Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; Galatians 6:1-2).
VCommunicating the Gospel (Evangelism & Missions)
To communicate the gospel by praying for the church’s growth spiritually and numerically; by inviting the people who would otherwise not be interested to attend; by looking for ways to share one’s faith in Jesus Christ with others; by warmly welcoming those who visit; and by supporting and sending out missionaries (1 Thessalonians 1:1-3; Luke 14:23; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 15:7; Matthew 9:37-38).
VExalting God (Worship)
To exalt God by personally trusting and following Jesus Christ as one’s Saviour and Lord; by developing a growing personal relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and obedience; by educating our children in the Word of God and in Christian values; by attending church services faithfully, by striving for its advancement in knowledge and holiness; and by participating regularly in the observance of the Lord’s Table (Hebrews 10:23-25; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 13:3-5; Galatians 1:6-9; Psalm 1; 1 Peter 1:13-16; 1 Corinthians 11).
To serve others as ministers of Jesus Christ through the church by cheerfully and regularly giving back to God a portion of one’s financial blessings for the support of its ministry and general expenses, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel among all nations; and by developing a servant’s heart through discovering one’s gifts and talents and using them in the church and in the world; (1 Corinthians 16:2; Leviticus 27:30; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; 1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 4:11-12; Philippians 2:3-4,7).
- The Bible is true and that its teaching is the catalyst for life-change in individual lives and the church
- That people matter to God, and therefore they ought to matter to the church
- That the church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure
- That followers of Christ should manifest authenticity and strive for continuous spiritual growth
- That the church should operate as a unified community of servants stewarding their spiritual gifts
- That loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life
- That life change happens best through relationships
- Excellence honors God and inspires people
- That the pursuit of full devotion to Christ is normal for every believer
