God calls qualified men to use their gift of leadership to serve the church. We believe each local church should be led by a plurality of elders who protect the church from error and provide sound teaching, example and direction. Elders are also entrusted to identify, develop and affirm other elders within the church. Yet ministry is not the calling of a select few. Jesus didn’t die to create spectators but servants, and every believer has a role in fulfilling the great commission. Therefore, the focus of church leaders is to equip every member to fulfill their unique calling in God’s global mission.

The success of our churches should be based on sending capacity, not seating capacity. But, nothing is more important for sending capacity than seating capacity. That means we are unapologetically growth-oriented. If it can be counted — first-time guests, baptisms, attendance, groups, leaders, services, campuses, whatever — we want it to grow. Multiply everything! We don’t grow, however, for the sake of growth itself. We grow in order to go. Sending is the end. We invest in the growth of people locally and call them to be sent globally.

The local church is not a ministry specific to a particular affinity or age group. Discipleship that is Word-taught and life-caught values how one generation can shape another. Emotionally and spiritually healthy families strengthen society. Additionally, college students are a highly mobile demographic and uniquely positioned to advance the gospel around the world. Our robust commitment to sending requires ministry that is focused on reaching students and developing college-age leaders.

We will not be sloppy. Being deliberate and fully convinced in our methods need not result in a boastful spirit that does not appreciate and value others who take a different approach. Our commitment to excellence drives us to humbly learn from others outside of our familiarity and to create an environment of evaluation that enriches and strengthens.