To describe the Missionary Church in one word, we are:
COMMITTED
We are committed to Jesus Christ, the Bible, and the Great Commission.
All of us know a lot of groups who are no longer as committed to the authority of Jesus, but the Missionary Church recognizes Jesus Christ as the ultimate authority.
In a day when the Word of God is often watered down or abandoned altogether,we remain fully committed to the inerrancy of Scripture and the authority of the Word of God.
We are committed to the Great Commission: multiplying disciples who multiply disciples who multiply disciples. That is the command that Jesus gave us, and we will not be distracted by buildings, programs, or anything else.
Organizationally, we are a denomination, but we really see ourselves as a family of churches. As a family of churches we realize that we have a unique identity. Others may share in one or more of our traits, but we believe the combination of the following five traits expresses this unique identity of the Missionary Church.
Biblically Grounded
We are fiercely faithful to core biblical doctrines, to ensure that we stay theologically sound. We are not dogmatically exclusive.
Relationally Connected
We encourage, facilitate and resource churches, rather than direct them. Our goal is to inspire and partner with one another to increase ministry effectiveness.
Creativity Embracing
We are unique in the fact that we allow local churches freedom to minister effectively in their contexts. This is because we are a permission-giving culture, not a restricting one.
Leadership Empowering
We identify, develop, and release leaders.
We do not limit God in who he calls to leadership.
Kingdom Minded
We focus more on the mission than the institution. We share best practices with like-minded organizations and partner with them. And we also encourage and support Kingdom endeavors.
The Missionary Church, in obedience to Jesus Christ her Lord, is committed to being holy people of God in the world and to building His Church by worldwide evangelism, discipleship and multiplication of growing churches, all to the glory of God.
The Missionary Church has a rich theological heritage that serves as a launching pad for aggressive outreach. While our message from the Bible is unchangeable, our methods of communication must change to reach every culture for Christ.
Early leaders had a commitment to the position that the Scriptures were to be the source of doctrine and life. In addition to this commitment to be a biblical church, the theological perspective of the Missionary Church recognizes the contribution of John Wesley’s emphasis on “the warmed heart;” A.B. Simpson’s fourfold emphasis on Jesus Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer and Coming King; the Anabaptist concepts of community and brotherhood; and the evangelical emphases of the lost estate of mankind and redemption through Jesus Christ.
The Missionary Church is a unique blend of the thought and life of a people who have sought to build their church according to the Scriptures with an appreciation for their historical roots.
Scripture is our authority. The Missionary Church is committed to this basic statement of faith.
GOD.
There is only one eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing and everywhere-present Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit— who is the creator and sustainer of all things (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 1 Timothy 2:5).
JESUS CHRIST.
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. He lived a sinless life, died to make atonement for the sins of all mankind, was resurrected and is now mediator at the right hand of the Father. He is coming again in power and glory for His believing followers, and is the only Savior of mankind (John 1:1, 14; Titus 2:11-14).
HOLY SPIRIT.
He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, regenerating all who repent of their sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. He sanctifies, empowers, teaches, guides and comforts the believers (John 16:7, 8, 12-15).
BIBLE.
The Bible is the inerrant, divinely inspired Word of God and authoritative in all matters it addresses (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
SALVATION.
Salvation is the result of genuine repentance of sin and faith in the atoning work of Christ. It brings forgiveness to the repentant, makes him a participant of the divine nature and gives peace with God. We call this new birth (Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3-5).
CHURCH.
We believe in the invisible and universal Church as the living Body of Christ. It is composed of all believers in the Lord Jesus who have been vitally united by faith to Christ, its living Head and sovereign Lord (Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 12:22-24).
ORDINANCES.
We believe there are two Christian ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe they are outward rites appointed by Christ to be administered in each church, not as a means of salvation, but as a visible sign and seal of its reality (Acts 8:36; 1 Corinthians 11:24-34).
The Missionary Church has productive relationships with a number of other churches, mission agencies and ministry organizations committed to Scripture and to the cause of Christ in the world.
As a member of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), our people respond generously to appeals from World Relief Corporation (the international assistance arm of NAE) for funds to meet disaster and poverty needs around the world.