At First Central Bible Church, we are Building a Community to Change the World.We seek to be a Faithfully Following, Christ Centered, Bible Believing, Caring Community.
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Faithfully | As stewards of God’s grace, we are to be faithful in using the gifts and resources he has entrusted to us for his kingdom purposes and glory (1 Corinthians 4:1-2; Matthew 25:14-30). |
| Following | We are called to be disciples who follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24) and to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2). We want to bring all to maturity and many into leadership (Colossians 1:28; Ephesians 4:11-16). | |
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Christ | We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christ not only reconciled us, but appointed us as his ambassadors to share the message of the gospel with a lost world (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). |
| Centered | Jesus Christ is the cornerstone on which the church is built (Ephesians 2:20). Since success in ministry is dependent on God working in and through us, we will find our joy in him, rely upon him in prayer, and give thanks in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Ephesians 6:18). | |
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Bible | The Bible is God’s inspired Word, the authoritative and trustworthy rule of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Scripture, rather than cultural values, forms the basis of all our decisions and actions. |
| Believing | As we study the Scriptures, when we see a command, we will obey it; when we see a promise, we will believe it; when we see a sin, we will avoid it. We will commit ourselves to believe and to do what Scripture teaches (John 20:31; 2 Corinthians 10:5; 1 John 5:1-3). | |
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Caring | We are called to love one another (John 13:34). In doing so, we prove that we are followers of Jesus Christ (John 13:35). We will seek to demonstrate care for and meet the needs of the total person—physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual (Luke 2:52; Matthew 25:34-36). |
| Community | We will be a community of faith with ongoing ministry to itself and a powerful outreach to the local geographic community; a family of families who are passionate about God’s Word, fellowship, worship, and prayer, and where outreach is a natural byproduct (Acts 2:42-47). |
We will be a church that is committed to …
Worship. We will worship God in spirit and in truth. We will preach and teach the Scriptures faithfully and accurately.
Evangelism. Everyone will be able to confidently share their faith. We will offer training (seminars, workshops, classes) to equip people. We will provide opportunities for people to share their faith. Our prayer is that this will lead to healthy and consistent growth and the baptism of new believers.
Discipleship. We will provide a clear path to move people from new found faith to greater maturity in Christ. We will employ classes, small groups, seminars, conferences, and mentoring relationships.
Prayer. We will begin, end, and bathe everything we do in prayer. We will use printed guides, teams, small groups, special events, and corporate opportunities.
Service. We want each person to be fully engaged and participating in our ministries. We will offer opportunities to train and equip people in discovering and using their spiritual gifts. We will encourage people to serve both in the church and in the community.
Generous Giving. We will develop a culture of generosity where people give of their time, talents, and finances. We will strive to have a growing budget which can be a blessing to our local church, our community, and the world.
Age-related ministries. We will provide intentional opportunities for children, youth, and men and women of all ages to grow and deepen in their faith and relationship with God and with others.
Missions. We will maintain a high priority on making disciples around the world. We will encourage and send out short-term ministry teams, both domestically and internationally to help accomplish this purpose.
Leadership Development. We want to bring all to maturity and many into leadership. We desire to have a fully functioning group of elders, deacons, and deaconesses. We will seek to provide opportunities to help further train future pastors, missionaries, and servant leaders.
Fellowship. We will develop and encourage a mutual ministry where we practice the “one another” commands of Scripture.
Community Impact. We want every resident of Chicopee to know the name of First Central Bible Church and what we offer, hoping that no history of the region can be written without including the ministries of FCBC.