Our Philosophy of Ministry
What We Believe . . .
THRESHOLD'S PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY
Threshold is a mission church called to bring the Kingdom of God to Toledo through word and action so that our city may be transformed by the love of God and the good news of Jesus Christ. In pursuing this, God has given us a special giftedness and passion to do ministry in, with, and for young people. This manifests itself in ministry that is highly relational and highly missional.
We are a church grounded in the belief that the God of the Bible is still the God of today. We expect God to be present and active in our lives. On Sunday, the Church gathers to praise God for whom He is and what He has done. This is key to our understanding of worship. We do not “go to church”. The Church gathers to worship God. In the midst of this worship, God shows up and blesses us and equips us to be the Church in the world.
The most important expression of what it means to be the Church at Threshold is “Call-out”. Call-outs are midsized missional communities (ranging in size from 20-60 people). This is where we see the fullest expression of biblical community. People are embraced. Love is spread. Forgiveness is given. Life is shared. This is done by a group of people gathered together by a common mission to bring the Kingdom of God to the world and share the good news of Jesus Christ by doing ministry in, with, and for a particular context of people.
In order to facilitate discipleship and community, Call-outs can often be made up of 2-6 small groups of 6-10 people where greater intimacy, accountability and sharing can take place. However, the greatest emphasis for Call-outs is on their missional calling. This is how they embrace the purpose of the church found in the Great Commission of Jesus Christ: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Our mission as the Church is to “go”, rather than simply expect people to “come.” Call-outs are where we fulfill this mission. Call-outs are led by everyday people who have faith in an incredible God. Our confidence to do this ministry resides not in ourselves but in Jesus who promised to always be with us in this mission. This means that the ministry of the Church is not the work of some priestly class of trained pastors, but the calling of every follower of Christ. This is what is known as the “priesthood of all believers.”
Threshold is structured so that its organization (the structure, the institution) serves the organism (the Church, the people), offering encouragement and accountability as we live out our mission to the world. This is done primarily through Huddles. Huddles are leadership development groups that operate under the principle of “low control, high accountability.” Every Call-out or small group leader is in a Huddle.
The shared language for Threshold is LifeShapes. LifeShapes is a tool utilizing 8 geometric shapes to teach the principles of discipleship. Apart from our common bond in Jesus Christ, this shared language and the accompanying values of the church are the glue which connects the Call-outs and their varying missions to one another.
All of this is driven by our belief that every person is in need of a relationship with God. Our shared rebellion against God has put a barrier between us and God. This is what the Bible calls Sin. However, God’s love for us is so great that he provides the solution for our Sin. He did that in the life, death, and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ. In this way he made a covenant (a promise) with humanity that whoever puts their faith in Jesus and the work he did for them will be forgiven and have their relationship with God restored. This is what the bible calls “justification by grace.” It’s not about what you can do, but what Jesus has done. Jesus Christ established two means by which we can enter into this covenant and His grace. They are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. It is an act of faith and obedience for every Christ-follower to take part in these holy things.
This is Threshold’s philosophy for carrying out its purpose as a church of Jesus Christ.
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1. ABOUT GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19,
1 Peter 1:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14
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2. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5, 14:10-30,
Hebrews 4:14, 15: 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3, 4;
Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13
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3. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:L8
1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25;
Ephesians 5:18
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4. ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 3:16, 2Peter 1:20, 21: 2 Timothy 1:13:
Psalms 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
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5. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 5:3-6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2
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6. ABOUT SALAVTION
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone by saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12, Titus 3:5
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7. ABOUT ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans6:23; Romans 8:17;
Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9
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