Windward Ministries

We believe the church of today needs to be fluid and constantly discerning  where God is leading.  One of our primary goals is to see people growing in their walk with the Lord and learning to discern the Holy Spirit’s leading in their lives.  We believe all Christians are called to minister.  We want individuals to grow into their fullest potential in Christ Jesus.
  Since the Church is made up of people, our vision is adapted to what God is leading and doing within the body of believers. 

Mission:  Windward Ministries seeks to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and to see lives being transformed into passionate followers of Jesus Christ.

What is contained in the next section—Purpose, Mission, and Core Values- are the foundation of Windward Ministries. 

Purpose:  The purpose of Windward Ministries is to honor and glorify God.

 

Core Values: (Non-negotiables)

• The Bible is Truth.  God’s Word.  It is the authority by which we live and conduct our ministry
• Jesus Christ is the son of God and Savior of all.  Born of a virgin.  His life is an example for us.  His death paid the penalty for the sins of all mankind.  Salvation only comes through faith in Jesus and His death and resurrection
• The Holy Spirit dwells in us as believers.  He guides us and intercedes for us.  He gives spiritual gifts to use to bring glory to the father and to build up the Body of Christ (Church).

Practice of Faith:

• Evangelism and discipleship take place through loving and caring relationships.(Acts 2: 42-47)
• The Biblical structure of the New Testament Church is our model.(Acts 6: 1-7, 1 Corinthians 12: 27-30, 1 Timothy 3: 1-10)
•  Worshipping God is freeing and can happen in many ways and can take many forms.
•  Prayer is a two-way conversation with God and is vital in our relationship with Him.
• Home Groups are the place of “breaking bread together”.  This is where most teaching, discipleship and relationship building will take place and be most effective.  (Acts 2:42-47)
• Darkness does not seek light.  Therefore, we will actively seek out opportunities to spread the light of Jesus in our communities and throughout the world.
• When a person puts their faith in Jesus as Savior they become a new Creation and are called to be Ambassadors of Christ.  (2 Corinthian 5: 16-21)

1.  We plan to have a Biblical structure, which we understand as elders as leaders.  The Elders make all major decisions in the church through prayer and discernment.  The elders will be a least 3 men.  Elders are not like a church board.  They are more like pastors or shepherds.  The elders minister with the Pastor as a team.  Even though the Elders are the leading body in the Church, they keep the congregation informed on what is going on and also get input from the congregation.  The real advantage of this structure is that there are fewer meetings, allowing people to spend more time doing ministry.  The Elders spend much of their time in prayer and studying the scriptures for guidance in leading the church. One of the goals of the leadership is to equip the congregation to minister to one another and to the community. 

2.  Worship will be Spirit-led and have freedom.  We see a place where people are drawn into the presence of God.  Not just by using music or teaching, but allowing them to take part and experience God through a Biblical truth.  We see a place where people will not only will feel free but are encouraged to be free.  This means there may be someone kneeling or lying prostrate on the floor in prayer while someone else may be jumping or dancing with joy.  There will be freedom without chaos. 

3.  Home Groups are our central focus for discipleship.  We desire to see lives transformed by God through a discipleship relationship more than people learning.  In a Home Group setting, people are able to build more intimate relationships and have accountability.  Home groups provide a place where people can be honest and grow together.  They are also a great place for people to explore and discover their spiritual gifts and ministry.

4.  Instead of waiting for unbelievers to come to us, we will go out into the community on a regular basis.  Christ always met people where they were.  He didn’t force them into anything.  In fact some people chose not to follow Him.  We will find simple ways to meet needs of  the people in the community (offering to wash windows, rake leaves, give out food, etc.).  We will not expect to receive anything in return; our goal will be to show God’s love in a practical way.
5.  We see a church where everyone will be welcomed.  A place where people will be loved and accepted regardless of social status, addictions, past, etc.,  where we give an opportunity for them to meet God and allow God to do a great work in their lives.  Jesus was criticized for hanging out with “sinners”, and he is the model for our lives and ministry.

6.  We believe children and youth are an essential part of the church today!  Not just when they grow up.  We will continue to look for opportunities to minister to children. By providing a safe, fun place to worship and learn Biblical knowledge and develop their relationship with Jesus Christ.
 
7.  We believe the most effective way for children and youth to grow in the faith is to see the Christian walk lived out by the adults in their lives.  If parents’ lives are being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, their children will see it.  We are planning on providing a ministry for children on Sunday mornings to allow parents to learn and grow without the distraction of young children.  Opportunities will be given for parents to grow into the parents that God wants them to become. 

8.  Youth will be encouraged to get involved in ministry.  We all grow so much more when we are ministering to others than when we are just sitting and being taught.  Home Groups and other activities for youth will provide opportunities for them to grow, and fellowship and reach out to their friends and communities.