Though many churches are similar in structure, worship, and doctrine, the difference can usually be distinguished by philosophy or approach. However, God particularly uses churches that understand their own contribution to the Body of Christ. "God said it, we believe it" (2 Timothy 3:16). All that we do is based upon the inerrant Word of God. We are biblically conservative and unapologetic in our
stand for truth. "Let’s get in on what God is up to" (John 5:30). Just as Jesus sought to only do the Father’s will, so we adjust our activities to the will and Word of the Lord. We are nothing without Him, but through Christ, we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). Our method of operation is not to think up good ideas through man’s reasoning but to receive direction from God. "We share because we care" (Matthew 28:19-20). All Christians are to be verbal and lifestyle witnesses for Christ. We share His love with the lost because we truly care. The Great Commission also compels us to go into the world through missions. Our church seeks to be both evangelistic and mission-minded. "What the world needs now is God’s sweet love" (I Corinthians 13:8-13). While people may sing, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love," Christians know the importance of God’s love for them, for their family, for the church, and for the lost. Love must prevail in the Body with an attitude of grace and patience. "We’re positive people in a negative world" (Hebrew 10:25). We seek to be positive in all that we do. Our primary motivation for service is gratitude, not guilt. We seek to have the "can do" attitude of a winner who knows that "with God nothing is impossible. "Everybody is somebody in His body" (Ephesians 4:12). Each member should strive to have a ministry in the local church. Calvary Church consists of all kinds of people from all over the area. There is unity in diversity. Ministers on the staff equip the believers for the work of ministry. Each person should discover his spiritual gifts, passions, abilities, calling, and ministry. "Show up, look up, grow up" (Hebrews 10:25 & 12:2). It is important that each of us show up in loyal, faithful attendance in Bible Study, worship services, and other major activities. We come together to look up to Jesus in warm-hearted worship. We are here to glorify Him in all that we say and do. We mature as we grow up into Christ, particularly growing in obedience and faith. We stress the basic disciplines of prayer, Bible reading, witnessing, giving, and service. "Touch people where they hurt" (Acts 3:4-6). As God leads we should recognize needs and meet them and find hurts and minister to them. This is how we attract the attention of non-Christians. This is also a part of ministering to the body. We carry out ministries that relate to the emotional as well as the spiritual needs of people. Hurting people should find help and then help others in return. "Where God guides He provides" (Matthew 6:33). Ministry, not money is our major concern. We have God’s provisions to reach people for Christ. We believe we are to pray, give, and go as we operate in the provision of God’s Spirit and resources (Philippians 4:19).
