To Our Ministry Partners,
The past year has been one of exponential growth in our faith and execution thereof. The Lord has brought to fruition several aspects of our vision that were previously dormant and He has expanded our influence and ministry impact. Praise be to God for all the fruit that is coming forth!
Our word for 2025 is WITNESS. I believe the Lord wants us to witness (observe, behold, experience) more of His presence, His Person, and His power, and as a result become a greater witness - a person / community who gives testimony to the things we see and know. (1 John 1:1-4) This is sure to be a revelational and rewarding year.
The vision of City on a Hill Church is always a mix of cohesive layers. One of those layers (and probably the most important) is who we’ve been called to BE – and the ‘doing’ that is birthed out of that identity. For the most part, that layer of the vision remains constant. We are just ever growing into it. The other layer of the vision is directly tied to the unique season God has us in at any point and the specifics we must focus on as a result. The Bible says, “It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13) So it’s clear that He is sovereign over all that comes to pass, and it is equally clear there is a role we play and responsibilities we have in the process. Therein lies the purpose and function of this booklet.
The contents of this booklet are: Our Core Beliefs (the doctrines we find to be main and plain in Scripture – central truths that govern us as a church and consequently agreement therewith is imperative for partnership and fellowship in this ministry), Our Core Values (the attitudes and behavior that should characterize the conduct and culture of our ministry) which allow us to be effective in our mission and vision, Our Mission and Purpose (the reason for why we exist and operate as we do) and our Vision (explanation of our direction and specific short term and long term focuses for us collectively).
It is my prayer that this booklet will be highly regarded and consistently revisited. Let it inform you and reinforce knowledge of the perimeters and processes of this ministry and let it fuel your prayers for this church and your involvement therein.
The Bible says, “…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” Our individual lives and corporate ministry should be characterized by the Lord’s work being abundant among us. And we are reaffirmed that our work in and for the Lord is never in vain. May this year be a year of abounding work and exponential progress for our church.
For His glory and our good,
William D. Preston, I
Lead Pastor
Core Beliefs
God. There is one God who is Creator of all things (1 Cor. 8:6), infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son (the Word) and Holy Spirit (1 John 5:7).
Jesus Christ is God the Son, uniquely deity and humanity. He was begotten by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18 & 23), led a sinless life, took on Himself all our sins (Romans 5:8-9), died on the cross, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), and is seated at the right hand of the Father as our Mediator (Heb 9:15) and Advocate (1 John 2:1).
The Holy Spirit is God, and His purpose is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age, to convict men of sin, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service (John 15:26; 16:7-14).
The Bible is God's Word, uniquely and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and is authoritative regarding all matters on which it speaks (2 Peter 1:20-21).
Mankind was created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27) but fell into sin and is therefore lost (Rom. 3:23; 2 Cor. 4:3-4), can do nothing to save themselves (Titus 3:3-5) and will face eternal separation from God unless they come into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 1:8-10).
Salvation is only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation (Rom. 5:6-10). Salvation is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8-9) that can only be obtained by faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; Gal. 2:16).
Sanctification. God's people are called to holiness in all aspects of life (1 Peter 1:15-16; Galatians 5:22-25) with the goal of being conformed to the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29).
The Church is the body and bride of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:30- 32), composed of all such persons, who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together (1 Cor. 12:13). God works through the members of His church to evangelize the lost and teach believers to obey His commands (Matthew 28:18-20). The church must take care to uphold the Word of God and not engage in moral compromise (Romans 12:2).
Core Values
“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
While we strive to be Bible-based in all we do, the following highlighted characteristics will ensure we have a church culture that is God honoring, unified and sufficient for the mission we are carrying out.
Those who will thrive in this ministry will possess and be growing in the following characteristics:
Honesty Spirit-Led Transparency
Unity Humility Compassion
Generosity Obedience Accountability
The following are explanations in a few other “value” areas. Understanding of and adherence thereto will further ensure our church culture is unified and healthy.
Communication: We have an “open door” policy here at City on a Hill. Whenever you have a question, concern, suggestion, or idea regarding the functioning of this ministry, please address the appropriate person. All inquiries and input will receive an appropriate response.
Conflict: We aspire to be perfectly united in all aspects, however, conflict is inevitable in any human relationship or community. Therefore, we must expect it and be prepared to respond to it in a Christ-like manner. Firstly, we should guard ourselves against running from the conflict or the Body when conflict arises. (Colossians 3:12-14) Secondly, we should seek to hear and understand before being heard and understood. (Proverbs 18:1-2; James 1:19) Lastly, our goal in every conflict should be reconciliation. (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-17: Psalm 133:1)
Pastor-Church Relationship: It has always been God’s plan to redeem sinners through Christ and bring these believers into the church under the care of shepherds that He would anoint and appoint. (Acts 2:47; Jeremiah 3:15; 23:1-4) These shepherd-leaders would be called bishops (1 Timothy 3:1), elders (1 Peter 5:1) and pastors (Ephesians 4:11) de- noting their primary responsibilities which are as follows: be examples to God’s people, oversee the operation of the church, give wisdom and counsel and train/equip the people of God for ministry. Therefore, those who would commit to this body of believers must also be willing to submit to the protection, direction, and correction of its spiritual leaders. (Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-16)
Our Partnership
The word “partner” is defined in the New Oxford American Dictionary as “a person who takes part in an undertaking with another or others, esp. in a business or company with shared risks and profits.” This definition helps us understand why we are not only members (denoting connection and belonging) of a church but ministry partners (denoting connection and action). As members of one another (1 Cor. 12:12-27; Romans 12:4-5), we strive to have growing relationships. As partners in ministry, we all have responsibilities and will share jointly in the fruit of our labor.
Partnership in this ministry should be the result of the following considerations:
- “But in fact, God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” (1 Corinthians 12:18 NIV) Is your decision to join this church as Spirit-led decision? Is this where God is placing you and wants you to be?
- “…Remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35 NIV) Are you seeking a place where you can simply receive or is this a place where you can and will give and serve?
- “…Be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV) Does the philosophy and execution of ministry of and in COAH match with yours personally?
True Partnership will be characterized by:
1. Mutual Interest. We must become concerned about matters that concern Christ. We cannot have a casual outlook on that which is of utmost importance to Him (e.g. souls being saved, building His body, etc.). His plans/ vision must shift in our minds from being optional to imperative. Furthermore, we must be equally interested in the vision with our other partners.
2. Mutual Investment. God has deposited something in all of us for the purpose of this vision. While each ministry partner contributes, not everyone will contribute at the same level: “to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).” You are expected to invest in the vision in proportion to your ability.
3. Mutual involvement. Being co-laborers with Christ means we must understand the role we play in the unfolding of God’s plan. We cannot expect Christ to fulfill our responsibilities; likewise, He does not expect us to fulfill that which only He can.
Our Mission/Purpose
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before…” (Philippians 3:13)
We exist to be a church progressively Reaching Up, Reaching In, and Reaching Out. By Reaching, we mean:
- Rescuing the lost by proclaiming the Gospel (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 4:3-7)
- Equipping the saints to become empowered, fruit- bearing disciples (Matthew 28:20; Ephesians 4:12; John15:1-8)
- Aspiring to have greater fellowship with God and each other (2 Cor. 13:14; John 17:3; 1 John 17; Acts 2:44-47)
- Celebrating the Savior, our salvation and the work He continues to perform (Acts 2:47; Psalms 9:1; Hebrews 13:15)
- Helping those in need (Matthew 25: 31-46; Galatians 6:10)
- Improving our community through outreach, investment and holistic education (Jeremiah 29:7; Galatians 6:10)
- Networking with other churches, ministries and/or organizations to promote unity and provide needed services to our community (John 13:35; Luke 19:11-27)
- Growing the kingdom through church planting and missionary work (Acts 1:8; Luke 1:33)
Our Mindset/Progress
“I count not myself to have apprehended…”
Paul’s desire was to possess/accomplish everything that Christ had in mind when He was apprehended by Christ. (Philippians 3:12) But Paul understood that he had not possessed / accomplished everything to which he was purposed.
We also must understand we have not apprehended the fullness of that which we were apprehended for. That is not to discount or belittle anything that we as individuals or a collective group have already accomplished. This simply means GOD HAS MORE! There are more works He has preordained for us to carry out (Ephesians 2:10); otherwise, He would have taken us to glory. We must come into agreement with God that there is more (much more) for us to possess/accomplish.
“…but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind…”
Paul says there was one thing he had accomplished – letting go of the past. Notice the context of Philippians 3 is not a bunch of bad stuff that happened to him. Instead, it is all his significant accomplishments and noteworthy status. Paul states he will not let his trophies make him complacent or stagnant. He understands that “good” could very well be the worst enemy of “best”. Thus, he had to count all he had already accomplished as dung in comparison to that which he would attain by pressing forward. Likewise, we cannot settle for what we have and/or where we are. We must master celebrating every achievement while ensuring it becomes a thankful memory instead of a monument. This does not mean “here” is terrible; it means “there” is much better.
“…reaching forth… I press…”
Since he wanted all that God had for him, Paul was determined to get from “here” to “there.” He uses two significant terms that express the essence of determination a person or people wanting to move from “here” to “there” must have:
- Reaching – the act of stretching. Be willing to be stretched (challenged); move out of your place of comfort or safety.
- Pressing – to pursue intently; to move forward with force and insistence. It paints the picture of one who understands hard times, hindrances and even heartache may/will come, yet refuses to acquiesce or “throw in the towel.”
With these things in mind and motivating us we will accomplish all that God desires for His glory and His kingdom.
General Vision Focuses/Strategies
Rescuing the lost by proclaiming the Gospel…
· Every ministry partner more intentionally sharing the gospel with family, friends and strangers as the opportunity is presented
· Special days to increase the visitor flow through our church in order to expose as many as possible to the gospel
· Strategic times of witnessing/outreach in our community
Equipping the saints to become empowered, fruit-bearing disciples…
· Every ministry partner actively engaged in the discipleship process
· Discovery and employment of every ministry partner’s gift in serving
· Developing and deploying leaders
Aspiring to have greater fellowship with God and each other…
· Individual and corporate growth in the areas of prayer, bible reading and worship
· Continue to grow in our fellowship and relationship with other ministry partners
· Intentional engaging of those we don’t know well or don’t usually interact with
Celebrating the Savior, our salvation and the work He continues to perform…
· Unashamed, unapologetic passionate worship
· Continual pursuit of the Lord’s Presence/Glory among us as a corporate body
· Every ministry partner experiencing and operating in the perpetual joy of the Lord
Helping those in need…
· Continual awareness of the needs in our local body and sharing in those needs as we have opportunity
· Intentional discovery of and contribution to practical needs that can be met in our community
Improving our community through outreach, investment, and holistic education…
· Continued partnership with Pleasant Hill School, Southside Christian Academy and with other organizations that are giving help with practical needs and life skills
· Community transformation through property development and missional living
Networking with other churches, ministries and/or organizations to promote unity and provide and provide needed services to our community…
· Continue to pursue the Lord for transforming revival in this region
· Joint worship, prayer, and ministry with churches and organizations as the Lord guides
Growing the kingdom through church planting and missionary work…
· Continue and increase our support of missionaries – both domestic and international
· Seek the Lord for those congregations He may want us to come alongside to encourage and support
Practical Application
The following will illustrate how each ministry partner can intentionally engage in the vision.
Educationally
o Give attendance to studying God’s word; read and meditate upon it daily.
o Commit to being present when the Word of God is going forth.
o Make an effort to share what God reveals to you with someone else. Sharing the revelation also reinforces it in your heart.
Spiritually
o Allow the Holy Spirit to have complete control over your life, moving you from a hearer of the Word to a doer of the Word. Apply what you know.
o Spend time in prayer day and night. Pray the word over yourself, your family, your church, and your city.
o Fast at least one day a week for your personal intimacy with God. Commit to our corporate fasts, as they are called.
Relationally
o Be intentional about spending times with others in this fellowship—esp. those you are unfamiliar with.
o Daily make a point to contact and to encourage a partner whom God places on your heart.
o Take advantage of the set church and regional fellowship opportunities.
Numerically
o Inquire about your family’s, friends’, and associates’ relationship with Jesus. If they express a lack of one, introduce them to Christ.
o Boldly witness to strangers as you have opportunity.
o Make a point of greeting and welcoming those visiting our services.
Financially
o Commit to faithfully tithing and grow toward radical generosity.
Operationally
o Simplify your lifestyle so that you can make yourself and your gifts available to the ministry.
o Utilize any experience, expertise, or networks you have to further the vision.
Specific Vision Focuses for 2025
The following will be our specific vision focuses for the year:
- Retention of returning visitors. While we embrace our identity as a “filling station” (i.e. we pour into those who are present for the time they are present without expectation of them staying), we want to ensure we are not letting people fall through the cracks who are meant to stay.
- Increased presence in / engagement with our surrounding community
- Developing and deploying new leaders
- Expanding our community transformation vision
- Equipping every ministry partner to effectively share the Gospel
As new focuses are given by the Lord the church will be made aware.
Prophetic words spoken over COAH
Let us not forget to hold fast to the prophecies that have been spoken, judged, and found good. These should fuel our prayers and help form our conduct.
Through reminding ourselves and praying into these prophecies it will ensure that we can fulfill the words of Hebrews 6:12 which says, “so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
· We are fire-starters; called to be zealous and ignite zeal in others for the Word and the Presence of God.
· We are a bridge/repairer of the breach. We will be a place of reconciliation and healing for races/cultures that have been divided.
· There will be increase of healing and the gifts thereof for COAH. This includes mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical.
· We are a “transformative gateway”.
· We are called to operate as an apostolic ministry.