Resolve ministry convictions

At Resolve recently we had the opportunity to outline our ministry convictions. As it is pastor's day here are what we pursue:

We believe thoroughly that the role of the pastor is to be faithful in developing depth of ministry and that the fruit of that depth in the pastor’s own life and the life of the church is breadth of ministry. The following represent our ministry convictions

We are deeply convinced of the need for faithful, engaging and relevant Biblical teaching for equipping God’s people to live the life of faith in the real world. We would contend that preaching is central to the building of the church and defines the role of the pastor.

The vitality of vibrant corporate prayer in the life of the church.

We are convinced of the scriptural warrant for the church to be led by a group of Elders. Biblical Eldership is a role reserved in scripture for qualified men according to the criterion laid down in the pastoral epistles.

We believe that God’s Word directs us to complimentary gender roles and as such hold that there is a distinction in both role and responsibility for men and women. This values the God given identity expressed through gender and does not diminish the value of either men or women in God’s sight, merely that there is an important distinction to be made in order that home and church might function as scripture intends according to God’s created order and exist to provide healthy homes and healthy churches.

We consider that worship times together provide an opportunity for a family expression of worship that embraces contemporary developments in praise while continuing to value traditional songs of praise. In all these things we hold that there should be a vibrancy, joy (with space made for sorrow also to be brought before God) and relevance that marks the time that the church spends together.

Authentic partnerships based upon a common understanding of the Gospel bring glory to God.

That humility becomes a characteristic to be treasured in all aspects of church life- that a culture of humility from being confronted with the majesty of God and the deep truth of the Gospel is something desirable to personally pursue and corporately cultivate.

Outward looking intentional community engagement with the Gospel.