Welcome to Life Community Church

church

OUR MISSION

connecting with God, each other and the world

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to love the Lord Jesus Christ with all of our heart and do whatever it takes to accomplish the Great Commandment and the Great Commission for the Glory of God. We believe a Great Commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will grow a Great Church.

PURPOSE STATEMENT

Found in the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:36-40) & the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20):

To CELEBRATE God's Presence (Worship) To DEMONSTRATE God's Love (Ministry)

To COMMUNICATE God's Word (Evangelism) To EDUCATE God's people (Discipleship)

STATEMENT OF FAITH

In non-essential beliefs - we have liberty. (Romans 14:1,4,12,22) | In all our beliefs - we show charity. (I Corinthians 13:2) | In essential beliefs - we have unity. (Ephesians 4:4-6)

LIFE STATEMENT

Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following seven practices:

Bible as our sole authority (II Timothy 3:15) - Since God's Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is "What does the Bible say?" We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

Autonomy of each local church (Ephesians 1:23) - Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of association and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denomination's control.

Priesthood of every believer (I Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6) - The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full time" Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation, and God intends for ministry to be performed through the context of the local church. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Everyone is a "10" in some area. Developing and using your spiritual gift(s) is an act of good stewardship and of worship. Every believer has a direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.

Tithing (Leviticus 26:30) - At LIFE Community we practice tithing for the support of Christ's Body, the Church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the biblical standard of giving.

Immersion (Colossians 2:12) - We practice baptism by immersion under water - the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.

Spirit-led living (John 15:5. Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 5:18) - We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God's power within us. So we practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right.

Telling others about Christ (I Peter 3:15) - It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good news with those God brings us in contact with. We practice sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Church Members = Ministers | Pastor + Staff = Administrators (Ephesians 4:11-12)

The equipping of the members for ministry is the number one priority of pastoral staff. Therefore, every member deserves personal assistance in discovering a meaningful place of ministry. Every ministry is assigned a staff supervisor who is committed to the success of that ministry through providing training, encouragement, guidance, feedback, and resources to the ministers under his care. Why? - Because the nature of the church determines its structure

The Church is a Fellowship (Acts 2:42) - Top priorities in a fellowship are harmony and unity. (Ephesians 4:3, Romans 14:19) Therefore, a good structure promotes unity and downplays differences. (I Corinthians 11:17-18). Since voting tends to divide people, Life Community votes only on Budgets, Committee Reports, Purchase of land or buildings, Calling the Pastor, Deacons, and Bylaws changes.

The Church is a Family (I Peter 3:8, 4:17; Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 2:10-12) - Therefore, Life Community operates on the basis of relationships, not rules. (I Timothy 3:4-5,5:1-2)

The Church is a Body (I Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23; Colossians 1:18, 2:19) - The church is a Body, not a business; an organism, not an organization. Therefore, Life Community functions on the basis of spiritual gifts, not elected offices. (Romans 12:4-6). We do not elect people to ministries. The mobilization of every member as a minister is the key to balanced growth of the church.

In an organization "maintenance" is the focus, but in an organism "ministry" is the focus. - Therefore, at Life Community we have a simple structure so we can maximize ministry and minimize maintenance. We do not bury ministries under procedures. However, the greater good of the whole Body must always take priority over the needs of any single ministry. Currently, there are many different ministries in our church begun and operated by members. (Ephesians 4:11-12)

The Church is a Flock (Matthew 26:31,25:33; John 10:1-30) - Therefore, Life Community is cared for and led by shepherds. (John 21:16-17; Acts 20:17-18,28; I Peter 5:1-2)

AFFILIATIONS

LOCAL - Piedmont Baptist Association

STATE - North Carolina Baptist Convention

NATIONAL - Southern Baptist Convention

The SBC is the largest, most diverse, and one of the fastest growing associations of churches in the USA. Every SBC church chooses its own pastor, owns its own buildings and assets, and determines its own programs. Affiliating with the SBC allows LCC to: Identify with other Christians around the world who are known for their commitment to the Bible as their sole authority, not any man-made creed. Participate in the largest missionary organization in the world that supports over 7,500 missionaries both in the U.S.A. and in over 125 countries around the world.

INTERNATIONAL - International Mission Board