“We have four foundational pillars that we want to drive deep into the bedrock of our church to build a faithful ministry upon for generations to come.”
Word-Driven
“Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:16-17
We are fiercely committed to Grace Harbor being built upon the Word of God. This isn’t alway a popular way to build a church, but we wholeheartedly believe that it is the best way, because it is God’s prescribed means of church growth.
From the sermons that are preached, to the prayers that are prayed, God’s word is our entire worldview. The word is what shapes and propels the entire ministry of the church.
On Sundays we sit under the word preached, in relationships we strive to encourage one another with the word, and in counsel we comfort one another with the word.
Spirit-Led
“I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Galatians 5:16-18
We desire to follow God, in step with the Spirit’s leading of his church. This causes us to pray daily, seeking his will as it is revealed in scripture.
Similar to how God lead his people in the desert by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, the people of God today are to be lead by the Holy Spirit. In a world that has many competing voices, Christians should stand out as heeding only one voice. And in like fashion so should the church.
Our repeated prayer is that God would lead us, and give us a heart to follow him.
Joy-Filled
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
We want to practice and rehearse now the present and future joy that God’s people uniquely possess. Christian joy is demonstrated at Grace Harbor by a deep seated trust in the goodness of God despite our surrounding circumstances.
When we gather together, we sing joyfully because we sing true songs about God’s character. When we meet up with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are reminded that we do so not as those who are without hope, but with a Father who raised Jesus! This reality produces great joy among God’s people.
Disciple-Making
“Jesus came near and said to them,“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
We desperately desire to make disciples. Our understanding of making disciples is actively seeking the salvation of the lost through prayer and sharing of the gospel. Seeing God gift sinners with saving faith by putting their trust in him and repenting of their sin. Then by teaching them everything he has commanded. Lastly, it is them in turn sharing their faith and discipling others.
Jesus has called the church to make disciples and we are committed to responding to his call.
