Our Philosophy of Ministry

Gateway Elim, Ammanford

The Praise of God’s Glory

God has very clearly expressed His purpose for His Church in the scriptures. The fundamental statements that express God’s desire for the Church are embodied in the following verses:

Matthew 28:18-20 New International Version ‘Then Jesus came to them and said “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given unto me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”……

Ephesians 1:12 New International Version ‘…in order that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be for the praise of his glory.’

Ephesians 2:10 New International Version ‘For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which He has prepared in advance for us to do.’

Ephesians 2:22 New International Version ‘And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.’

Ephesians 3:10 New International Version ‘His intent was that now through the Church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.’

Ephesians 4:11-13 ‘It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.’

Ephesians 4:16 New International Version ‘From Him the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work.’

1 Peter 2:5 New International Version ‘You also like living stones are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.’

1 Peter 2:9 New International Version ‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.’

Clearly there are many other scriptures which refer in some way to the Church, however, these are the statements in the Bible in which God declares His purpose for the Church. From them we have concluded that the Church exists for:

THE PRAISE OF GOD’S GLORY
THE PROMOTION OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL
THE PURSUIT OF A LIFE OF SERVICE

Understanding these fundamental purpose statements in the light of the rest of Scripture, we have developed the following philosophy of ministry.

THE PRAISE OF GOD’S GLORY

It is our responsibility to live a life of worship in which everything we do is done to the glory of God.

We should continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise. That is, a vocal expression of our love, adoration and gratitude.

It is important that we meet together in order to unite our hearts and voices in a celebration of praise to God.

Praise is not a passive activity, nor should it simply be routine. It involves the whole of our being, is vocal and at times demands physical actions and activity.

In the record of Scripture music played a very significant part n the expression of praise to God.

We should seek to use music as a vital aspect of our praise.

THE PROMOTION OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

By teaching obedience to all of Christ’s commands.

Through preaching the Word in season and out of season.

In specific training for various aspects of ministry.

Through the exercise of spiritual gifts.

By ministering to specific target groups.

In fellowship, encouragement and service to one another.

Through the exercise of Church discipline.

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL

Witnessing must be a way of life for every believer and effective witnessing means we must develop relationships with unsaved people.

Every means should be employed to reach folk. Personal, systematic and large event evangelism all have a place.

We should expect and seek for the demonstration of God’s power in our evangelism.

The message of the Gospel is unchanging and entirely relevant in every generation. However style of language and communication do change and we must seek to communicate the gospel in a way that is culturally relevant.

We have a primary responsibility to our local area, but the commission is to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Our vision must not be limited. We expect to reap as well as sow.

THE PURSUIT OF A LIFE OF SERVICE

Greatness in the Kingdom of God is epitomised by servanthood.

We should lovingly serve one another to the best of our ability.

We should obey the command in the parable of the ‘Good Samaritan’.

Areas we should expect to be serving in include the provision of food, clothing and shelter, caring for the sick and visiting those in prison.

In ministering to needs, there are principles of personal and family responsibility that should be observed in order that the church can most effectively use its resources.