Magnifying God By Exalting Christ

Milestones of Maturity
Teaching the truths of Scripture affects how we live. How do we know our teaching is effective? What are some defining characteristics that show maturity in Christ? As Elders, our focus is on the qualities we see in each other as a result of our teaching and ministry and not on numbers.
1. Knowing God. Do we see and hear a more full understanding of who God is as He has revealed Himself in His Word? Is there a deeper understanding of Christ in our lives?
2. Knowing Scripture. Is there a growing understanding of the centrality of Scripture in the life of the believer? Is there a hunger, delight, desire, and ability to apply Scripture to the everyday situations of life, hoping in the promises of God?
3. Joy in trial. Do we see members giving praise that God is both good and sovereign as difficult situations in life are lived through?
4. Godly men. Do we see more men prepared and willing to assume their God-ordained role of servant leadership in the home and church? Do we see the men of the church hungering and thirsting after Christ and His Word so that they may be the primary minister to their wives and children?
5. Godly women. Do we see more women embracing the true beauty of biblical womanhood as they value and fulfill their God-ordained roles in the home and church? Do we see wives joyfully submitting to their husbands as long as it does not violate Scripture?
6. Godly families. Do we see evidence that children in our church are being prepared for life and remain committed to Christ? Are they actively involved with His body here or another church when they move on?
7. Sharing the gospel. Do we hear more testimonies of God’s grace as the gospel is proclaimed and new converts are growing in the obedience of Christ?
8. Every-member-ministry in each other’s lives. Do we see more people involved in the ministries of the church? Are there more active small groups? Are we engaging in each other’s lives, encouraging one another in the faith and bearing one another’s burdens? Is there a growing understanding that it is the responsibility of the body to minister to the body and not exclusively that of the Elders? 

2009-2010 Goals
In light of our teaching positions, by God’s strength and according to His will, the following goals are what we would like to see accomplished by the end of 2010:
1. The Elders, Deacons, and Deaconesses will comb through and evaluate the Ministry Plan in light of our overall Church Vision and Goals. The appropriate changes will be made in the places where it diverges.
2. The Elders will discuss and define the privileges, responsibilities, and benefits of church membership.
3. To begin a monthly Sunday evening service that focuses on planning, praise and prayer.
4. Cast a vision for our church’s partnership with the Iganga Pentecostal Church in Iganga, Uganda. The first steps would include continued visits to the church by members of our congregation, drafting a five year vision plan in cooperation with the church leadership there, and soliciting the congregation for help for specific projects. 

Values and Beliefs
The Statement of Faith of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) serves as the foundation for our basic beliefs as a church. There is, however, a wide range of understanding within EFCA churches concerning certain crucial beliefs and practices. The following are the teaching positions of Fremont Evangelical Free Church which distinguishes us as a church body.
1. Embracing the sovereignty of God. We embrace the simple but profound truth of the sovereignty of God over all things. His sovereignty is eternal, wise, unconditional, all-inclusive, unchangeable, and good. This truth means that our true delight can be found only in Him. (Isaiah 46:9-11; Psalm 37:4; Romans 11:33-36; Ephesians 1:4)
2. Maintaining the sufficiency of Scripture. Since the Scripture is inspired, inerrant, and infallible, then it alone is sufficient to be the final authority of our faith and practice. The Scripture is always relevant to the life of the follower of Christ no matter when or where he lives. Since Scripture is sufficient, the ongoing manifestations of the “sign gifts” (tongues, prophecy, healing) are thus no longer needed and ceased with the Apostles. (Psalm 19:7-9; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
3. Practicing expository preaching. Since Scripture is sufficient, our greatest need is to be taught the truths of the Bible in a manner that is true to the text and applicable in our lives. All our preaching and teaching strives to explain the meaning of the text in order to correctly apply it in our lives through the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit. (Ezra 7:10; Isaiah 8:20; 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:2)
4. Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only message we have to a lost and dying world because the gospel is the only message which will bring sinners into a saving relationship with the Father through Christ. The primary purpose of missions, both foreign and domestic, is to further the Kingdom of Christ by proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, and raising up true worshippers of Christ. While improving social conditions is an important aspect of missions, it is not the primary or sole purpose. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 4:11-12; Romans 1:16-17; 1Corinthians 15:1-5)
5. Engaging in worship which exalts Christ. The primary task of the church is to exalt, honor, worship, and adore the Person and works of Christ. When we gather together as a church body, our purpose is to exalt Christ, hear from His authoritative Word, and to fellowship with Him and His people. Faddish teaching and practices which reinvent the church to cater to unbelievers are contrary to Scripture. (Psalm 34:3; Luke 4:8; John 4:3; Revelation 5:11-14)
6. Upholding biblical manhood and womanhood. All men and women are created equally in the image of God and both equally enjoy the benefits of redemption in Christ. In His sovereignty, the Holy Spirit has entrusted His gifts to both men and women. The Lord has also given different roles to men and women in the home and church. We uphold godly, servant male leadership within the home and church, and for godly women to help in supporting roles. (Genesis 1:26-31; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7)
7. Equipping the saints for the work of the ministry. The best opportunity for growth and maturity is by serving Christ within the local church. We are committed to equipping the body to minister to the body for the purpose of exalting Christ and spreading His Kingdom. (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; Ephesians 4:7-12; 1 Peter 4:10-11)
8. Striving for personal holiness. The Lord sets apart His people for the purpose of holiness. Holiness is a life long endeavor which is visible and deepening. Holiness is the essential evidence of saving faith and is realized through the responsible obedience of the believer which naturally occurs due to the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit. (John 15:10; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:12-13; Titus 2:11-15)