OUR STYLE
The motto of our church, reflective of our three purposes, is "worshiping the Shepherd, feeding the flock, and seeking the lost." After analyzing both Scripture and our target community, we believe the following descriptions are helpful guidelines for how we will perform these actions.
1. Worshiping the Shepherd with SIMPLE, JOYFUL REVERENCE:
SIMPLE because heartfelt sincerity prevails over elaborate ceremony.
JOYFUL because we know that God is our creator and Redeemer, and we cannot remain silent in view of His mercies.
REVERENT because we are aware of how high and holy the one true living God is.
2. Feeding the flock with INTELLIGENT, DISCIPLINED LOVE:
INTELLIGENT because it involves the mind in understanding God's Word and its ramifications for every area of our lives.
DISCIPLINED because it engages the will in obeying God.
LOVING because it comes from love and produces people who increasingly love God and their neighbors.
3. Seeking the lost with THOUGHTFUL, BOLD SENSITIVITY:
THOUGHTFUL because it takes seriously and answers reasonably the objections to Christian faith raised by our modern age. BOLD because we are persuaded of the truth of the gospel. SENSITIVE because we express the universally-true messsage of Christ in ways which are relevant to and respectful of the culture of the listener.
OUR STRATEGY
We believe we will need to utilize the following resources to achieve our vision.
1. Grace (Ps. 127:1-2; the close of all of Paul's letters)
Recognized in prayer (Mt. 9:38), seen in the sacraments (Mt. 26:26-30; 28:19-20), and heard in the Word (Acts 20:32).
2. Gifts
Spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:3-8; I Cor. 12:1-11; Eph. 4:7, 11-13), including aptitudes (Paul's example: Acts 9:20-22; 22:3; I Cor. 4:7), desires (Paul's example: Rom. 15:20) and involvement (Paul's example: Acts 9:26-27; 11:25; 13:2,13), and material gifts, including tithes (Gen 14:20; Lev. 27:30-34; Mal. 3:8-10; Mt. 23:23 - CGS's General Fund), offerings (Ex. 25:1-2; I Chron. 29:1-20; II Cor. 8-9 - CGS's Facility Fund and Missions Fund), and alms (Dt. 15:11; Pro. 21:13; Mt. 6:2-4 - Gifts made by you to needy individuals directly or through agencies like Durham Rescue Mission, Samaritan Health Center, Pregnancy Support Services, etc.).
3. Government (Dt. 1:9-18; Lk. 6:12-13; 10:1-2; Acts 20:28; I Pet. 5:1-4)
One for witness (I Pet. 3:15 - "Ready Always"), ten for touch (Shepherding group - small groups of 10 members), fifty for feeding (Sunday School class) and Ruling Elder ratio, a hundred for helping (pastoral care group) and Teaching Elder ratio, and a thousand for thanksgiving (worship on the Lord's Day).