Growing In Jesus Together

THE DESTINATION:
“Growing In Jesus Together”
We are a people on pilgrimage. It's a journey we're on together, with a
common destination - a forever relationship with Father God through faith in Jesus Christ. The purpose of every church should be to help one another grow in that relationship. Jesus summed it up this way - "Go, and make disciples" Matthew 28:19. Paul summed it up this way - "you are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit" Ephesians 2:22. We sum it up this way - It's all about growing. It's all about Jesus. It's all about together.



THE STEERING WHEEL:
7 Core Values That Adjust The Direction
1.Biblical- In a culture and time where the heart of the individual is held up as the supreme arbiter of truth, we believe that God's Word is the true authority for every individual, family, and society. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
2.Relational- The big theme of the Bible, and of life, is that man is designed for covenant relationship with God and one another. Our aim is to see every meeting, initiative, and group work towards authentic, caring relationships. John 13:34 I give you a new commandment to another, as I have you that you also should.
3. Spirit-full-We believe mankind reaches our potential when we are living in the fullness of the Spirit. We value giving teaching and time toward pursuing, receiving, and moving in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 19Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. not scoff at prophecies I Corinthians 14:1 the way of loveand eagerly desireof the Spirit, especially prophecy.
4. Transformational- In a healthy environment all things grow, including people. We value the process of recovery and inner healing that God uses towards our maturity. We value ministry of counseling, small groups, and other helpful resources that assist this process. Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
5. Merciful- Love is the bottom line. It's the defining factor of a Christian's life and of a Christian community. We value demonstrating love and kindness and mercy to all people, even when tough truth is being expressed. Micah 6:8 To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
6. Multi-generational-Every generation has valuable contributions towards building healthy community. We value hosting groups and programs that speak to every age group, as well as fostering inter-generational gatherings and relationships. Psalm 145:4One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
7.Multicultural-We envision a community where people of different colors and cultures are honored as made in the image of God. We value taking the time to communicate and listen to one another, believing that a healthy community has many cultural distinctives. Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb



                     THE ENGINE :Our Beliefs About God
The Holy Scriptures We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God: true, immutable, steadfast, and unchangeable (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
The Eternal Godhead We believe that God is triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; the Three are coexistent, coeternal, and equal in divine perfection (Matthew 3:16-17; John 14:16, 26; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
Salvation Through Grace We believe that salvation is wholly through grace; that no human righteousness or merit can contribute to our receiving God's love and favor (Ephesians 2:8). Water Baptism and the Lord's Supper We believe that being baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an essential response to Jesus' command, testifying to His lordship as Christ and King (Romans 6:4). We believe in observing the Lord's Supper, receiving the broken bread and the fruit of the vine with joy and faith as we partake anew of the life and triumph of Christ's Cross (1 Corinthians 11:24-26)
Baptism in the Holy Spirit We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers believers to exalt Jesus, to live lives of holiness, and to be witnesses of God's saving grace; we expect the Spirit's incoming to be after the same manner as that in which He came upon believers in the days of the Early Church (Acts 1:5, 8; 2:4).
Moderation We believe a Christians' moderation should be obvious to others and that relationship with Jesus should never lead people into extremes of fanaticism; their lives should model that of Christ in uprightness, balance, humility, and self-sacrifice (Colossians 3:12, 13; Philippians 4:5).
Divine Healing We believe that divine healing is the power of Jesus Christ to heal the sick in answer to the prayer of faith; He, who does not change, is still willing and able to heal the body, as well as the soul and spirit in answer to faith (Mark 16: 17, 18; James 5:14-16).
The Second Coming of Christ We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent; the certainty of His coming and the fact that no man knows the hour of His coming prompt our evangelistic efforts; (Matthew 24:36, 42, 44; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17).
Judgment We believe that all shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ: the redeemed to be delivered unto everlasting life, and the unrepentant unto everlasting punishment (Revelation 20:11, 12; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Church Relationship We believe that it is our sacred duty to identify ourselves with a congregation of believers with whom we can worship God, observe the ordinances of Christ, exhort and support one another, labor for the salvation of others, and work together to advance the Lord's Kingdom (Acts 16:5; Hebrews 10:24).
Tithing and Offerings We believe that tithing and offerings are ordained of God to sustain His ministry, spread the Gospel, and release personal blessing (Malachi 3:10; 1 Corinthians 16: 1, 2).
For a complete Foursquare Declaration of Faith go to http://www.foursquare.org/about/what_we_believe/salvation


THE FRAME: FOURSQUARE STRUCTURE

Finance Council— The Finance Council is made up of eight faithful, wise, and generous men and women who are ratified by the church members to serve a two year term, sharing the stewardship of the financial assets and property of a Foursquare church with the senior pastor.
Church Membership– Church members can ratify council members, serve on the council, attend district and annual conventions, vote on property purchases and building development, serve as delegates to vote for President or change bylaws. The convention delegation is considered the highest human authority in Foursquare, bringing checks and balances to the leadership structure.
Church Polity— Foursquare is considered “modified Episcopal” in church government, giving authority to men and women to shepherd their congregations and ministries, but with the accountability of councils and members to provide healthy checks and balances.

Foursquare Districts















FOURSQUARE ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRITY
Financial Practices– M4 practices secure accounting practices so that no one person has authority to see or spend money alone. We have a tithe count team that double counts for accuracy. No one counts alone. Our Finance Council sets the budget for all payroll, ministry accounts, building expenses, and missions. No one decides alone.

A Safe Place for Kids– M4 has a general policy that new attenders develop trust in the church for six months before serving in children’s or youth ministry (except in cases where prior relational trust has already been established). Everyone desiring to serve with kids or youth must submit to a thorough nationwide background check, and resubmit every two years. We ask all our teachers to go through the “Child and Youth Protection Training Series”, viewable on youtube or as a pdf manual.