Vision and Beliefs
Our Values and Beliefs about Ministry
Our ministry values and beliefs provide the “operational guidelines” for the church. The following are important treasured beliefs about ministry and how ministry should be done. These values and beliefs guide church life at River Oaks.
Prayer–without God we can do nothing (John 15:5).
Lost people matter to God and to us. We are a church designed to reach the unchurched and those without a relationship with God. Our desire is to lead them into a personal love relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.
Seeker sensitive, culturally relevant worship style We start where people are, not where we want them to be. Characteristics of Sunday services are: friendly attitudes, positive atmosphere, casual dress and contemporary music played by a band. Newcomers are not “put on the spot” or asked to identify themselves in a public way.
Practical biblical teaching that applies to everyday life issues. The Bible is always relevant to our real life needs nd is our authority for daily living. The messages provide practical and easy to understand insight for daily life.
Building healthy relationships. We desire to build authentic relationships with unchurched people. Our goal is to earn the right to share our stories of our personal love relationship with our Lord when our unchurched friends are ready to listen. The church strives to model healthy relationships in our families and by practicing accountability and truth telling in our relationships in the church, even when it is uncomfortable or painful.
Ministry in daily life. Affirming and equipping people for effectiveness in daily life ministry is a primary emphasis of the church. Our time together as the church gathered will equip us for our greatest impact in our world as the church scattered.
Membership means ministry. We strive to develop a high commitment level of church members and expect them to be involved in the church’s ministry in tangible ways. This high commitment level includes biblical stewardship that recognizes all of life is a gift of God on lean to us.
A multiplying network of small groups. The groups vary in purpose and style. They are a means for pastoral care, discipleship, and meeting specific needs. They meet in homes, restaurants, offices, etc.
Making and multiplying disciples. A discipleship strategy is followed which clearly defines what a fully-devoted disciple of Jesus really is. For those gifted for leadership roles, strategic discipleship opportunities will be provided for church leaders and for potential leaders.
Church planting Church planting is the most effective method of evangelism ever employed by the Church. River Oaks is a part of two organizations which are committed to planting new church: the Southern Baptist Convention and Converge Worldwide. Each of these groups has an extensive network of churches all committed to reaching others with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Our Mission
The mission of River Oaks Community Church is to be a community of believers who worship together, make Christ and His ways known, lead people to follow Him and demonstrate His love through actions and relationships.
This statement of mission communicates the essential actions we feel are essential to fulfilling and accomplishing our purpose.
There are five biblical purposes we base our church on.
- Worship
- Evangelism
- Fellowship
- Discipleship
- Ministry
Our Strategy
The strategy of River Oaks Community Church is to befriend people without a church home and lead them to become fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
The primary people we are trying to reach are those who have not yet become followers of Jesus Christ and those who do know Christ but have not found a church home since coming to this area.