Central Christian Church

One of the characteristics that has made Central a unique church is our goal has never been just to get more members; rather our passion is to help build grow-ing members.  Our effectiveness is not built on attendance statistics or geared towards getting new people in our building.  Our goal is to help those who come to grow in Christ.

We want to be a church where needs are met and lives are touched.  We want to provide an atmosphere where members, new and old alike, are nurtured towards maturity and stability.

            Because we’ve been at this task for many years, we have learned that there are two key elements necessary in accomplishing that goal:

            1.   The Church must do her part.

            2.   The members must do their part.

Central’s Commitment

What is the Church’s part?  The Church must be faithful to provide exciting, celebrative worship.  The Church must teach the Bible with consistency and relevancy to life. 

            The Church must provide a variety of opportunities for ministry training and involvement.  And the Church must offer a large selection of opportunities for small group fellowship and personal growth. 

            There is more to be sure, and our monthly First Steps program is designed to explain the philosophies and commitments of our church.  If you have not already attended, we invite you to join us at the next First Steps to learn more about Central and our commitment to helping you grow in Christ.

Your Christian Growth

The second key element to effective ministry is the involvement of the individual church members. 

This is your part.

            We have discovered, after years of helping Christians grow, that there are eight character qualities that are instrumental in helping you move forward towards Christian maturity. 

            In fact, we have found these qualities so important,  we have developed a list that clearly explains these vital steps to your continued growth as a believer.  We offer this list to you as a tool, which can help you to personally monitor your own spiritual development and growth. 

Please take some time to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider this list.

1.  A growing Christian ASSUMES responsibility for his/her own spiritual nourishment through personal and corporate Bible study and prayer. (Acts 2:42, 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:17)  We are so committed to this goal that we provide ongoing educational opportunities and printed and recorded resources to help you in your spiritual growth.

        While our Adult Education programs provide for a lifetime of personal growth, there is no substitute for learning to become “self-feeders” if there will be a continued plane of growth in a Christian’s life.  This is done through a lifetime commitment to personal Bible study and times of prayer. 

2.  A growing Christian PARTICIPATES faithfully in the public worship services of the Church. (Hebrews 10:25)  One of the great joys of the Christian community is its corporate participation in public worship.  Something profound happens when believers gather together as one body to worship God through song, Bible study, and prayer.  Because worship of God is the greatest commandment, and the encouragement of one another is the second greatest, every member is expected to be faithful in their participation in worship. 

3.  A growing Christian joins in the FAMILY life of the church through participation in a small group of some kind. (Acts 2:42, 46, 47a)  Central is dedicated to ministry through small groups.  Much of the personal ministry that occurs here does so in the context of these groups.  In a large family like ours, it’s important that everyone is connected to a small group where they can grow and minister to one another.  Your small group experience may come in many different forms: maybe a Sunday School class, a H.O.M.E. Group Bible Study, or other kind of small group.

4.  A growing Christian EXERCISES his/her spiritual gifts in specific areas of ministry involvement.  (Romans 12:1-8)  We consider every member of our church to be a minister.  Each of us has been blessed with talents and God has a plan for each of us to use these special talents to serve Him and minister to one another within the work of His Church.  Ministry involvement brings us closer to the work God is doing in our lives and the lives of those around us.  It is a great blessing to be used by God to accomplish His good works!

5.  A growing Christian SUPPORTS the ministries of the church through prayer. (Philippians 1:3-5, 18b-19)  At Central, we freely admit our need for your personal and corporate prayers.

        There are many opportunities throughout the year for you to join with others in times of directed, corporate prayer.

6.  A growing Christian CONTRIBUTES financially, with generosity, to this congregation – in a consistent and sacrificial manner.  (1 Corinthians 16:1–2 ; 2 Corinthians 9:12–15)  It’s a fact of life that even the most exciting ministry of the church is dependent upon the financial support of the members. 

        Giving is a Biblical principle and an important part of your spiritual growth.  The Bible speaks clearly on tithing and stewardship and there are resources available to answer any questions you may have about Christian giving.

        We believe that those who give in a consistent and generous manner will not only bless our ministries and help them grow, but they, too, will be blessed and grow because of it. 

7.  A growing Christian SHARES his/her faith personally and supports others who proclaim the Gospel around the world. (Acts 8:4,

2 Corinthians 9:12-15)  Our mission is to carry the life–saving message of Jesus Christ to every person on this planet.  The Gospel is too important to keep

to ourselves!  We offer occasional educational opportunities to teach and equip you to share your faith with others.

8.  A growing Christian RESPONDS positively to the leadership of the Elders in matters of church policy and discipline. (Philippians 1:3-5, 18b-19)  The Elders at Central lead with humility and integrity.  Along with the ministerial staff, they interpret and implement the vision of this ministry.  It is a task that demands a great deal of integrity and dedication.

        Commit to praying for our church leadership and support them through participation in congregational meetings and events.