January 16, 2008
9:21 AM

Last weekend at our Pastoral Staff Retreat and then again at our staff meeting yesterday, we discussed the Trinity Philosophy of Ministry.  A discussion like this is what fires me up and makes me excited about what I do and gives me clarity and focus as I press on in the calling of leading this church family.  I need this type of reinforcement all of the time – a continuous reminder of who I am and what my heart should beat for.  I think it is one of the main ingredients behind healthy churches – they know their mission, they continually communicate their mission, and they share a common excitement and an intense passion that results in a powerful momentum.  I’m so excited to begin to share this with my leadership teams and I’m excited to see where God is going to take our church as we re-ignite.

There are 7 points or affirmations to this philosophy of ministry.  I agree wholeheartedly to all of them, but there are certainly places where I feel an intense passion.  Perhaps God has placed me on the leadership team for such a time as this and to specifically lean heavier toward these areas.  Since I am limited on time this morning, I will list the main points for now and I will proceed over the next weeks to devote time to the sub-points under each one.  Keep in mind that this is an ‘in process’ document.  Gary has mentioned the possibility of preaching a sermon series on it beginning in April.  I’m praying that we indeed go there.

TRINITY PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY

1. Our ruling principle is the glory of God, honoring him in all that we do.
2. Our ministry is gospel-centered and grace-focused.
3. Our goal is holistic personal transformation, the lifelong process of becoming Christ-followers who increasingly manifest Christ-likeness and honor Christ as Lord in every area of their lives.
4. Our concern is the development of authentic biblical community, experienced on the congregational and small group level.
5. Our conviction is that ministry is the lifestyle of every believer.
6. Our mission is to extend the kingdom of God by engaging our community, our culture and the world with the words and works of Jesus.
7. Our emphasis is on church health rather than on church growth.