We hold to the belief that ALL Christians are to be involved in ministry and edification, NOT JUST AN ELITE CORPS OF PROFESSIONALS. Everyone has a vital role in a properly functioning church body. A mature church, in which this objective is being realized, will evidence definite signs of that maturity: A trueness of worship and an expression of genuine praise to God. Such a church is wholeheartedly devoted to prayer. In good times and bad, it effectively ministers to those in need. To those who are confused, searching, hurting and suffering, it reaches out to help through a Biblically-based counseling ministry. It is constantly providing training and opportunities for every member to become personally involved in the area of PERSONAL EVANGELISM. It actively disciples believers of all ages, from children to senior adults. And it is, of course, a church in which the WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD is consistently preached and taught. 2. TO DEVELOP A MATURE LEADERSHIP THAT CLEARLY UNDERSTANDS AND CARRIES OUT IT'S BIBLICAL FUNCTIONS. One of the hallmarks of a New Testament church (that is, a church patterned after the doctrine and practice of the New Testament) is a "plurality of pastoral leadership". One man alone cannot effectively Missionary and Senior Pastor Phil Brown is the key man in the leadership of this church, of course; but the church es blessed with other spiritual men who fulfill vital roles as pastors. Each man is a leader in his own right, ministering to the needs of specific groups within the church. The pastors function as a team, working together for the furtherance of Christ's Kingdom and the glory of God. An added blessing is that our pastoral leadership team shares a long-term commitment to this body of believers. Working closely with the pastors are a Godly group of men who serve as the deacons of the Monterrey church. These are men who have demonstrated their fidelity and their commitment to Christ. Chosen by the church membership, the deacons also are the leaders of various ministries. Some are engaged in a more public way, while others are "behind-the-scenes", but all are vital links in the chain of leadership. To continue to reach the aim of a mature leadership, a church must have a comprehensive discipling ministry to equip the leaders of tomorrow. This encompasses both those who serve as laymen and the ones who are led of God into some kind of full-time Christian vocation. Iglesia Bautista de Monterrey is actively involved in making sure this training is provided for those emerging leaders. 3. TO BECOME A WORLD CHURCH, AWARE OF GOD'S MISSION IN THE WORLD, EFFECTIVELY UTILIZING IT'S MEMBERS AND RESOURCES TO REPRODUCE ITSELF WORLD-WIDE AND BE A ROLE MODEL TO OTHER CHURCHES. First, let's make certain we don't confuse the terms "world church" and "worldly church". We obviously don't want to be worldly! But we do want to be a body that is in tune with what is going on in our world, especially as it relates to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Being a world church translates into some very practical implications: It means that we will preach and practice PERSONAL EVANGELISM as a lifestyle. It means we will show the love and warmth of Jesus Christ to those who visit our services. It means that we will be informed as to what God is doing world-wide. It means we will fellowship with a network of churches in Mexico and around the world who share our philosophy of ministry and our commitment to making disciples. It means we will commit ourselves and our money to meet the needs of others, be those needs spiritual or physical. |