Purposes Defined:
Encountering-  Connecting with God
Encountering as it relates to the church and its purpose is connecting with God on a personal level.  It is not merely being near or casually observing, but rather, to experience on a deep personal level.  Encounters change us; they shape us and leave an impression that is lasting and memorable.  To encounter is to put our focus on God and allow our lives to be directly affected by Him.  We encounter God as we worship, when we pray, when we meditate on His Word, through silence, and in many other ways.  As a church, we provide opportunities for people to encounter God.
   
Learning-  Connecting with God’s Truth                   
The Church is founded upon the Word of God (The Bible) and as we learn to apply it to our lives, we gain a better understanding of God’s Truth.  God is not unreachable, nor is He hard to know.  Life with God is a process of lifelong learning.  Wherever a person finds themselves as it relates to knowing God, we will make a wholehearted effort to help people know God more.  We do this through Connection Groups, Bible-based discussions, and through mentoring relationships.  We also believe that each person can learn directly from God as they listen to Him through reading His Word, The Bible.  As a church, we will connect people with God’s Truth and encourage them to grow spiritually.

Sharing-  Helping others make a connection with God           
Sharing God’s love with people is one reason why the Church exists.  In order to help others make a connection with God, we need to go where people are. We don’t expect people to come to God on their own.  God has sent and is still sending His Church to share His message and His Truth with people throughout the world.  Jesus Himself began the church and gave us the task of sharing His message of eternal hope with everyone.  We share through the context of personal relationships and by living our lives for God’s purposes.  Another part of sharing the hope and message of Jesus is enabling people to take God’s truth to specific areas where there is a unique opportunity to share.

Serving- Connecting people with opportunities               
Ministry is literally defined as the act of serving.  Serving means that we look for ways to meet the needs of individuals, families, the community, and The Church.  Our efforts as a church collectively focus our resources to meet these needs.  We encourage everyone to be involved in service and connect people with opportunities to use their talents and abilities.  By serving together for a common purpose, our talents and abilities are combined, our energy is focused, and our effectiveness is multiplied.  All serving should be motivated by love.  Jesus is our primary example of a servant, and we strive to live our life after His example. 

Encouraging-  Connecting with each other                   
We need to be encouraged by each other.  To make sure this happens, we provide everyone with regular opportunities to meet together.  The purpose of these “Connection Groups” is to provide an environment where people can build authentic friendships with others who are connected to God.  This commitment to friendship and spiritual encouragement helps us on a day-to-day basis as our relationship with God and each other are strengthened.  We encourage each other in many ways by being together, sharing, helping, listening, and in recreation.