We Believe... Scripture is God's word spoken to man. Yes, it was recorded by men, but as they were inspired by God. And there is nothing that compares to the pure word of God. Also, scripture stands alone as the final authority and guide for the church and individual's purpose. Therefore, since scripture stands in such a great place of authority we looked nowhere else to determine our mission statement...
Loving God and Loving People... The reason we settled on this simple statement of mission is found in the words of Jesus according to Matthew 22:36-40. " Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
When we grasp these two principles of love they will prompt in us everything else we are called to do. Jesus reminds us that "all the law and the prophets hang on these two commands." In other words, everything we are to be and do as the church is rightly motivated from our love for God and love for people. For example, out of our love for God we will spend time with Him in prayer, worship, study of His word, and genuinely desire to live our lives according to His ways. Out of our love for people we will reach out, serve, give, teach, fellowship and minister in any and every way possible. So, this mission statement summarizes our beliefs and helps us to remain focused on our purpose of Loving God and Loving People.
We Believe in Salvation... God alone can and has paid for our salvation through the suffering of the cross. Our good deeds, intentions or lifestyle cannot make us right with God or keep us right with Him. However, God's plan for our lives is that we live according to His ways.
We Believe in the Unity of Believers... We are not the only ones. It is important to recognize that different parts (People) of Christ's body have different God given functions, and that we need all the parts functioning in unity. However, this is not an umbrella for rebellion, selfish ambition or an independent attitude We need all the parts of Christ's body functioning in unity.
We Believe in the Power of Believers... God has filled believers with His Holy Spirit (Himself). And we are to rely on His leading and abilities so that the works of Christ are continued in this world.We Believe in the Ministry of Believers:All believers are called to be ministers. The word minister means "to serve" and everyone has a purpose within God's earthly kingdom.
Celebration Worship Center is an Assemblies of God church. For more information on the Assemblies of God, please visit their website at www.ag.org.