Core Beliefs
1. WE LONG TO SEE THE GLORY OF GOD DISPLAYED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH.
The book of Revelation gives us a glorious glimpse of worship in heaven where we see the angelic host singing “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come”, and the twenty-four elders raising their voice in chorus, singing “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:8b, 11). God delights in such worship. He desires that the whole earth be filled with His glory. All the redeemed of the Lord join in this great worship celebration. Indeed, Christ, by His atoning sacrifice, has “purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9b). Indeed, God is worthy of all praise for the greatness of who He is and for what He has done in His works of creation, providence, and redemption. Yet, in our sinful rebellion, it is our continual tendency to seek glory for ourselves. We do this by worshipping creatures and created things rather than the true and living God. But now, as God’s redeemed people, our burden is to see God alone receive the glory due His name (Romans 1:21-25). Indeed, our life’s mission is to know Christ and to make Him known to all those around us in an ever-widening circle to the very ends of the earth so that they too might know Him and join us in worshipping Him (Matthew 28:19-20).
2. THE GOSPEL MOVES AND SHAPES US.
The Gospel is the good news that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. The Gospel says that we are so sinful, lost, and helpless that only the life and death of the Son of God can save us. But the Gospel is not just the way to enter the Kingdom—it is the new way to do everything and to grow every step of the way. The Gospel tells us that we are more sinful than we ever knew, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared to hope. Therefore, the Gospel gives us enormous power to admit our flaws and sins. It gives us an entirely new self image that is not based in our performance or comparison with others. Therefore, we seek to continually preach the Gospel to ourselves, then to the Church and the world. When the Gospel is at work in us, it gives us new freedom, new power, and new relationships. It creates a Gospel shaped community in our midst. Through lives of daily repentance we will be delivered from self righteousness, pride, competitiveness, and party spirit. The fruits of repentance will be seen in personal change, Biblical conflict resolution, sacrificial love, compassion, intimacy and honesty.
3. KINGDOM CENTERED PREVAILING PRAYER IS CENTRAL TO ALL WE DO.
Nothing of significance happens in the Kingdom of God without prayer. In prayer we acknowledge our weakness and helplessness as we call out to the Lord for grace and power. Jesus tells us that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5); but that as we remain in Him and His words remain in us we will be blessed with dramatic answers to our prayers (John 15:7). Just as the early church was devoted to prayer (Acts 2:42), we are called to be a community devoted to Kingdom centered prayer (as opposed to survival or self centered prayer), that our lives might be God centered and that we might see His power displayed in transforming us and the world around us. Jesus teaches that persistence in prayer is critical—we can either pray or give up. (Luke 18:1) As we face enormous spiritual obstacles and powers, we know that the Kingdom will only move forward as God’s people cry out to Him. We are involved in intense spiritual warfare and our battle is not against flesh and blood, therefore we must put on the armor of God and fight in prayer. (Ephesians 6:10 20) As we do, we will see the forces of evil and darkness destroyed and the power of the Kingdom of God revealed.
4. THE HEART OF GOD IN THE GOSPEL COMPELS US BEYOND OURSELVES TO THE WORLD AROUND US IN MINISTRIES OF THE WORD AND DEEDS OF MERCY AND LOVE, OF JUSTICE AND TRUTH.
“Christ’s love compels us, and He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again” (II Corinthians 5:14,15). Therefore, we seek to bring the power of the Gospel through word, deed and community to our neighborhoods and communities in social healing, racial reconciliation, justice and cultural renewal by God’s power. We are called to be salt and light in our culture through our work, Christian ministries and all of our relationships.
We are to put feet on our faith, which carries us into our communities in practical ministries of mercy and love, of justice and truth. How else will the world know our great and gracious God, except it sees and hears Him through our lives? We are not just to be “in” our communities but “for” our communities. Ministries of word and deed need to complement each other, because “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).
The book of Revelation gives us a glorious glimpse of worship in heaven where we see the angelic host singing “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come”, and the twenty-four elders raising their voice in chorus, singing “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:8b, 11). God delights in such worship. He desires that the whole earth be filled with His glory. All the redeemed of the Lord join in this great worship celebration. Indeed, Christ, by His atoning sacrifice, has “purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9b). Indeed, God is worthy of all praise for the greatness of who He is and for what He has done in His works of creation, providence, and redemption. Yet, in our sinful rebellion, it is our continual tendency to seek glory for ourselves. We do this by worshipping creatures and created things rather than the true and living God. But now, as God’s redeemed people, our burden is to see God alone receive the glory due His name (Romans 1:21-25). Indeed, our life’s mission is to know Christ and to make Him known to all those around us in an ever-widening circle to the very ends of the earth so that they too might know Him and join us in worshipping Him (Matthew 28:19-20).
2. THE GOSPEL MOVES AND SHAPES US.
The Gospel is the good news that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. The Gospel says that we are so sinful, lost, and helpless that only the life and death of the Son of God can save us. But the Gospel is not just the way to enter the Kingdom—it is the new way to do everything and to grow every step of the way. The Gospel tells us that we are more sinful than we ever knew, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared to hope. Therefore, the Gospel gives us enormous power to admit our flaws and sins. It gives us an entirely new self image that is not based in our performance or comparison with others. Therefore, we seek to continually preach the Gospel to ourselves, then to the Church and the world. When the Gospel is at work in us, it gives us new freedom, new power, and new relationships. It creates a Gospel shaped community in our midst. Through lives of daily repentance we will be delivered from self righteousness, pride, competitiveness, and party spirit. The fruits of repentance will be seen in personal change, Biblical conflict resolution, sacrificial love, compassion, intimacy and honesty.
3. KINGDOM CENTERED PREVAILING PRAYER IS CENTRAL TO ALL WE DO.
Nothing of significance happens in the Kingdom of God without prayer. In prayer we acknowledge our weakness and helplessness as we call out to the Lord for grace and power. Jesus tells us that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5); but that as we remain in Him and His words remain in us we will be blessed with dramatic answers to our prayers (John 15:7). Just as the early church was devoted to prayer (Acts 2:42), we are called to be a community devoted to Kingdom centered prayer (as opposed to survival or self centered prayer), that our lives might be God centered and that we might see His power displayed in transforming us and the world around us. Jesus teaches that persistence in prayer is critical—we can either pray or give up. (Luke 18:1) As we face enormous spiritual obstacles and powers, we know that the Kingdom will only move forward as God’s people cry out to Him. We are involved in intense spiritual warfare and our battle is not against flesh and blood, therefore we must put on the armor of God and fight in prayer. (Ephesians 6:10 20) As we do, we will see the forces of evil and darkness destroyed and the power of the Kingdom of God revealed.
4. THE HEART OF GOD IN THE GOSPEL COMPELS US BEYOND OURSELVES TO THE WORLD AROUND US IN MINISTRIES OF THE WORD AND DEEDS OF MERCY AND LOVE, OF JUSTICE AND TRUTH.
“Christ’s love compels us, and He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again” (II Corinthians 5:14,15). Therefore, we seek to bring the power of the Gospel through word, deed and community to our neighborhoods and communities in social healing, racial reconciliation, justice and cultural renewal by God’s power. We are called to be salt and light in our culture through our work, Christian ministries and all of our relationships.
We are to put feet on our faith, which carries us into our communities in practical ministries of mercy and love, of justice and truth. How else will the world know our great and gracious God, except it sees and hears Him through our lives? We are not just to be “in” our communities but “for” our communities. Ministries of word and deed need to complement each other, because “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).
5. CHURCH PLANTING IS OF FIRST IMPORTANCE TO SATURATE LONG ISLAND WITH THE GOSPEL.
To reach new people you need new churches. The New Testament shows the expansion of the church primarily through the starting of new churches. Individuals are changed by the Gospel, and then they go to others with that good news. As new people are reached in new places, new churches spring up. When the church in Jerusalem was scattered by the great persecution following Stephen’s martyrdom, “those who had been scattered preached the Word wherever they went” (Acts 8:4). Paul later devoted his ministry to planting new churches wherever there were groups of people who had not heard the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. He said, “It has always been my ambition to preach the Gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation” (Romans 15:20). To the church in Corinth he opened his heart when he wrote, “Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the Gospel in the regions beyond you” (II Corinthians 10:15,16). We believe this pattern still holds today. It must shape our ministry priorities for reaching Long Island.
6. CHRIST’S BODY, THE CHURCH, IS ONE. THIS COMPELS US TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHERS OF LIKE FAITH AND MINISTRY IN ORDER TO SEE OUR VISION COME TO REALITY.
Our Savior Himself compelled us to do ministry, not alone or in isolation, but in partnership with others of like faith, vision and ministry when He prayed: “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:20-23).
Our network has been given a vision for this region that compels us to work together with others in the Body of Christ. None of our congregations can accomplish it alone. The various parts of the body of Christ need each other (1 Corinthians 12). The body of Christ in the Long Island area is rich and diverse. Our vision can be realized only as “the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:16). Partnership within our network is essential, as are partnerships with other believers. Therefore, we want to cultivate communication and cooperation with other believers, and to work in alliances wherever appropriate.
7. ALL OF LIFE BELONGS TO GOD.
What a rich and enriching thought: in Christ, the most menial task and the most common man is holy in God’s sight and useful in His service. God works powerfully in and through the believer’s daily life, whether in the marketplace, the assembly line, or the sanctuary; whether over a meal, a Bible Study, or a backyard conversation. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31). “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men... It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 4:23, 24). This changes everything. Life is not cut into compartments, some for Jesus and His service, some not. Every man and woman saved by His grace is a man of God or a woman of God, and is in His service everyday in every way. So every arena of life is touched by God, and can be transformed by the Gospel. He has sovereign claim and influence upon all of life.
8. EQUIPPING AND MOBILIZING EVERY MEMBER FOR MINISTRY IS NECESSARY.
We believe in “every member ministry.” Real people are the raw material God develops and uses to do His ministry in a broken world. It is the risen Christ who gives spiritual gifts to those He saves and transforms, that they might serve Him. He gives leadership gifts within the church “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up... From Him the whole body, joined & held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:12,16). It is not optional for us to develop people in the Gospel for ministry; it is essential. No mobilized members means no meaningful ministry. The building of a glorious spiritual house takes many “living stones”, not just a blueprint and a work crew (cf. I Peter 2:4, 5). Real people saved by a real Christ are the only resources for real ministry, as they are gifted by the Spirit and developed by the church. Every believer has been given permission and potential for ministry by King Jesus Himself.
To fulfill our calling we must develop and empower leadership at every level. Every leader learns this the hard way: you are just one limited person. You are just a man, just a woman. You can only touch a few lives and do a few things. When Moses tried to be “The Man,” the only leader of a redeemed but unruly Israel coming out of centuries of slavery, he burned out. His father-in-law, Jethro, watched him work, and gave him wise advice: “What you are doing is not good.... The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.... But select capable men from all the people...and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens....That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this... all these people will go home satisfied” (Exodus 18:17-23). Leaders multiply at every level.
To reach new people you need new churches. The New Testament shows the expansion of the church primarily through the starting of new churches. Individuals are changed by the Gospel, and then they go to others with that good news. As new people are reached in new places, new churches spring up. When the church in Jerusalem was scattered by the great persecution following Stephen’s martyrdom, “those who had been scattered preached the Word wherever they went” (Acts 8:4). Paul later devoted his ministry to planting new churches wherever there were groups of people who had not heard the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. He said, “It has always been my ambition to preach the Gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation” (Romans 15:20). To the church in Corinth he opened his heart when he wrote, “Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the Gospel in the regions beyond you” (II Corinthians 10:15,16). We believe this pattern still holds today. It must shape our ministry priorities for reaching Long Island.
6. CHRIST’S BODY, THE CHURCH, IS ONE. THIS COMPELS US TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHERS OF LIKE FAITH AND MINISTRY IN ORDER TO SEE OUR VISION COME TO REALITY.
Our Savior Himself compelled us to do ministry, not alone or in isolation, but in partnership with others of like faith, vision and ministry when He prayed: “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:20-23).
Our network has been given a vision for this region that compels us to work together with others in the Body of Christ. None of our congregations can accomplish it alone. The various parts of the body of Christ need each other (1 Corinthians 12). The body of Christ in the Long Island area is rich and diverse. Our vision can be realized only as “the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:16). Partnership within our network is essential, as are partnerships with other believers. Therefore, we want to cultivate communication and cooperation with other believers, and to work in alliances wherever appropriate.
7. ALL OF LIFE BELONGS TO GOD.
What a rich and enriching thought: in Christ, the most menial task and the most common man is holy in God’s sight and useful in His service. God works powerfully in and through the believer’s daily life, whether in the marketplace, the assembly line, or the sanctuary; whether over a meal, a Bible Study, or a backyard conversation. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31). “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men... It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 4:23, 24). This changes everything. Life is not cut into compartments, some for Jesus and His service, some not. Every man and woman saved by His grace is a man of God or a woman of God, and is in His service everyday in every way. So every arena of life is touched by God, and can be transformed by the Gospel. He has sovereign claim and influence upon all of life.
8. EQUIPPING AND MOBILIZING EVERY MEMBER FOR MINISTRY IS NECESSARY.
We believe in “every member ministry.” Real people are the raw material God develops and uses to do His ministry in a broken world. It is the risen Christ who gives spiritual gifts to those He saves and transforms, that they might serve Him. He gives leadership gifts within the church “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up... From Him the whole body, joined & held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:12,16). It is not optional for us to develop people in the Gospel for ministry; it is essential. No mobilized members means no meaningful ministry. The building of a glorious spiritual house takes many “living stones”, not just a blueprint and a work crew (cf. I Peter 2:4, 5). Real people saved by a real Christ are the only resources for real ministry, as they are gifted by the Spirit and developed by the church. Every believer has been given permission and potential for ministry by King Jesus Himself.
To fulfill our calling we must develop and empower leadership at every level. Every leader learns this the hard way: you are just one limited person. You are just a man, just a woman. You can only touch a few lives and do a few things. When Moses tried to be “The Man,” the only leader of a redeemed but unruly Israel coming out of centuries of slavery, he burned out. His father-in-law, Jethro, watched him work, and gave him wise advice: “What you are doing is not good.... The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.... But select capable men from all the people...and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens....That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this... all these people will go home satisfied” (Exodus 18:17-23). Leaders multiply at every level.
