The Gospel Is the Center of Everything
The Gospel is the good news that man can be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. There is no part of a person’s life that the Gospel does not transform. The Gospel is the central message from which all ministry flows.
“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” —Mark 16:15
Everyone Is Called to Go and Make Disciples
The book of Acts reveals that the role of each believer is to go and be His witnesses “to the end of the earth.” Going can be to Carrollton for some, while for others it could be California or Calcutta.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” —Acts 1:8
We Will Go Until There Is No Place Left
Jesus gave us the Great Commission, telling us to go into “all the world and make disciples of all nations.” God’s Word is very clear that He will not be satisfied until there are people from every people group represented in His heaven. Our priority is to establish the Gospel in areas of the world where it is not readily available.
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” —Matthew 24:14
People Are the Mission … Not Projects
Outreach allows us to cross paths with people we may not otherwise meet. We understand that our lives do not naturally intersect with those outside of our normal reach, and God’s Word is clear that we must be intentional in our efforts to reach everyone for His glory. The goal is not the initiative (or project)—the goal is the people we will seek to bring into God’s family.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” —Philippians 2:4
Discipleship Happens in Relationship
Simply put, discipleship is teaching people to become followers of Jesus Christ and to obey His teachings. This happens best through the example of Christ Himself: over time, through His teaching and modeling in relationship.
“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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19–20
Loving Our Neighbor Means Knowing Our Neighbor
Our aim is not to define people by their circumstances, but rather by God’s design for them. While our neighbors may be victims of circumstances, and in need of temporary housing, food or other assistance, they are first and foremost people whom God loves, and it is our command to love them as Jesus would.
“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” —Acts 20:2
Best Ideas Come from the Front Lines
The best ideas for ministry initiatives come from the “front lines,” from ministry partners who are immersed into their respective communities. Through deep relationships developed over time, these ministry partners are able to effectively direct ministry initiatives to best reach the lives of people within their community for Christ.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” —Matthew 9:37–38
Our Resources Follow Our People
Our resources follow our people; they don’t precede them. Our aim is to support ministry initiatives that are being shepherded by members of the Prestonwood community.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” —1 Peter 4:10
The Local Church Is God’s Plan to Usher in the Kingdom
We believe the local church is God’s chief agent to usher in the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Our aim is to work through the local church to bring about community transformation and individual restoration.
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” —Ephesians 4:15–16