WHO AND WHAT WE ARE:
Church: (Gr. Ekldesia): "those who have been called out."
We are a New Testament Church with a New Testament Pastor living a New Testament lifestyle
in New Testament victory. We are not unrelated individuals gathering at a teaching center to
be taught by a teacher. We, the New Testament Believers, are the church. We gather at a building
to be taught, fed, nurtured, strengthened and pastored. We are part of no denomination; but we
accept, love and welcome all denominations.
Family Church: A church with ministry to the entire family. Family, not in the sense
of "a married couple with two children and one dog"; but family in the sense of having ministry to offer
to all people of all walks of life and all backgrounds, in every station of life, every marital status, every
age group and every stage of spiritual development. We welcome and accept all and exdude none. We
are a local body of Believers covenanted in family relationship to one another.
Grace: "God’s willingness to use His power in your behalf even though you
don’t
deserve it"; "God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense"; "the unmerited, unearned,
undeserved favor of God".
Opposite of works, legalism, bondage and aitiflcial religious standards. We operate on the premise
that, while God demands holiness and obedience from every Believer, with His promises being
conditional, none of His benefits can be earned apart from His grace. On matters regarding Bible
standards of conduct, we preach, believe, and live by the Bible, without condemning those who fall
short. On matters of personal conviction, we each live by our personal conviction and allow others to
do the same.
Briefly stated: to reach Abilene and the Big Country with the Word of Faith.
More speflically:
1. Reach the lost of this area with the saving message of Jesus Christ.
2. Disciple the saved into a life of faith, victory, maturity, holiness and
intimacy with the Savior.
3. Minister to the whole person--spirit, soul, and body--with a balanced diet of the whole truth of the
written Word.
4. Expose church members to all the five-fold ministry gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11 to the end of
attaining unto the full stature of Christ.
5. Cooperate with and assist other churches and ministries, both locally and globally, as the Lord
directs and enables, to the extent their vision and outreaches agree with the Bible.
6. Encourage all, condemn none; help all who will receive our help to become fully mature, fully
consecrated doers of the Word walking in faith and victory in every area of life.
THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH:
The church and the Pastor exist for one purpose: to meet the needs of the people. The formula for Grace
Family Church is as follows: The function of the Pastor is to meet the needs of the people. The church
(organization and structure) is the vehicle or channel through which the Pastor meets the needs of the
people.
"We are reaching the Big Country with the Word of Faith!"
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