ministry handbook - Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

MINISTRY HANDBOOK
“ If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give
up your life for my sake, you will save it.” ­—Luke 9:24 (NLT)
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954-943-8328 | 540 Southwest 2nd Place #3, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
CalvaryFTL.org/CalvaryHouse | [email protected] |
CALVARY HOUSE
A Discipleship Ministry for Men With an
evident desire to follow Jesus Christ.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Calvary House Ministry Summary.............................................................................................................. 3
Criteria. . ................................................................................................................................................... 4
Interview and Intake Process..................................................................................................................... 5
Approved Clothing and Possessions.. ......................................................................................................... 6
Calvary House Ministry Rules. . ................................................................................................................... 7
Disciplinary Actions................................................................................................................................. 10
Work While in the Calvary House.. .............................................................................................................. 11
Weekly Schedule at Calvary House. . ........................................................................................................... 14
Calvary House Marriage Ministry.............................................................................................................. 15
A Disciple’s Journey Through the Ministry................................................................................................. 16
Statement of Faith................................................................................................................................... 17
Ministry and Detox Referrals. . ................................................................................................................... 19
CALVARY HOUSE
MINISTRY SUMMARY
Calvary House is a discipleship ministry
of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale.
MISSION STATEMENT:
VISION: To make disciples by training men to die
to self and to live to serve God and others.
To make disciples of Jesus Christ.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your
heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with
all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And
the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor
as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater
than these.”—Mark 12:30–31 (NKJV)
“Go therefore and make disciples
of all the nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching th e m to o b se r ve a l l
things that I have commanded
you.”—Matthew 28:19–20a (NKJV)
“Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, ‘If
any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from
your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If
you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you
give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the
Good News, you will save it.’”—Mark 8:34–35 (NLT)
PURPOSE: To minister to men who are in need of
discipleship by teaching, training, encouraging, and
modeling for them a victorious life in Jesus Christ.
PEOPLE: We minister to men who want to be
disciples of Jesus Christ, but are in need of a
more structured environment than what a regular
church service can provide in order to obtain
spiritual victory.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may
be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with
the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted
by God.” —2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NKJV)
“When Jesus heard that, He said to them, ‘Those who
are well have no need of a physician, but those who are
sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy
and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous,
but sinners, to repentance.’”—Matthew 9:12–13 (NJKV)
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CRITERIA
While Calvary House is a great opportunity for
many men, it’s not for everyone. Calvary House
accepts those whom we are equipped to minister
to and points others in a direction in which they
will be best served.
In order to be considered a candidate for the
ministry, you must meet the following criteria:
• Be prepared to meet all your financial
obligations, including probation or child
support fees, during your stay at Calvary
House as there will be no wages earned
during your stay.
• Be open to an environment where the
message and teachings of Jesus Christ
and the Bible is the central focus.
• Must not have been charged with (past
or pending) any sexual or violent crimes
or domestic violence offenses.
• Have a desire and willingness to be
challenged and discipled—spiritually and
practically—in your relationship with
Christ.
• Must be able to provide a one-time nonrefundable $250 donation to the ministry
of Calvary House.
• Be between the ages of 20 and 45.
• Be physically able to participate in activities,
including, but not limited to, landscape
work, chores, and exercise/workouts.
A referral network is in place for individuals Calvary
House is not equipped to help. These individuals may
include those in need of detoxification or those with
mental illness or severe physical illness. This referral
sheet is on page 18.
• Must have a state or government issued
photo ID.
• Discuss and receive approval from Calvary
House staff for all prescription medications
and reveal any medical needs during the
interview process.
Calvary House does not
discriminate based upon
race or ethnic background.
• Preferably be detoxed from all alcohol,
narcotics, and antidepressants for a
minimum of 30 days. Detox procedures are
determined according to individual needs.
“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
—Matthew 22:14 (NIV)
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INTERVIEW AND
INTAKE PROCESS
The Calvary House interview/intake process
normally requires at least one week, but can
often take several weeks or more, depending
on availability.
The following list explains the admission process:
INTAKE
INTERVIEW
Day of Intake: Apart from special circumstances, or
unless instructed otherwise, intakes occur on Fridays
at 3pm. Approved candidates should arrive at
Calvary House no later than 3pm.
• Application: Complete and submit
the online application by visiting
CalvaryFTL.org/CalvaryHouse. A
Calvary House staff member will call
you after reviewing the application.
• Paperwork: The candidate will sign the
Calvary House Commitment, General
Release of Liability, Consent and Waiver,
and Ministry Agreement forms.
• Phone Interview: Eligibility criteria will
be discussed and a decision will be made
whether to move forward with an inperson interview or to refer the candidate
to another program or ministry.
• Donation: The candidate will give his nonrefundable $250 cash donation at this time.
• Drug Test: A drug screening and examination
of all personal items will be performed.
• In-Person Interview: The candidate will meet
with staff members at Calvary House. The
candidate will be required to bring a state or
government issued form of identification.
Special accommodations will be made for
out of state candidates. The candidate and
the Calvary House staff will pray and seek the
Lord as to whether or not His will for the
candidate’s future includes becoming
a Calvary House disciple.
• Orientation: The candidate will receive
and review the Orientation packet with a
staff member.
Only after successful completion of
all the above steps can candidates
be accepted into Calvary House.
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APPROVED CLOTHING
AND POSSESSIONS
The following list outlines the maximum number
of approved clothing and possessions one can
bring to Calvary House. Non-approved clothing
or possessions will be donated to the Second
Chance Thrift Store upon entry into the ministry.
Please refer to the Calvary House Ministry Rules
for additional information about prohibited
clothing and possessions.
CLOTHING
ADDITIONAL POSSESSIONS
• A Bible and one devotional book
(no other books)
NO alcohol, drugs, tobacco, secular
music, distasteful sayings, or women on
t-shirts!
• Toiletries and a toiletry bag for storage
Note: Mouthwash containing alcohol is
prohibited.
• Three (3) pairs of casual pants (i.e. jeans,
khakis, and dress slacks)
• Four (4) pairs of shorts
• Laundry detergent (laundry bag will
be provided)
• Six (6) nice t-shirts
• Twin-size sheets, a blanket, and pillow
• Six (6) undershirts (i.e. white t-shirts or “A”
shirts)
• A lunchbox
• Family photos (only one framed photo
per man is permitted for display)
• Five (5) collared shirts (i.e. polos and
button up dress shirts)
• One (1) sweater and one (1) jacket
Clothing and possessions will
be inspected upon entry into
Calvary House.
• Seven (7) pairs of underwear
• Ten (10) pairs of socks
• Four (4) pairs of footwear (i.e. tennis
shoes, dress shoes, flip flops, or sandals)
Note: This does not include work shoes.
The ministry will provide work shoes.
• Two (2) hats
• Two (2) belts
• Two (2) towels
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CALVARY HOUSE
MINISTRY RULES
The disciple is expected to adhere to the
following rules while participating in the
Calvary House Ministry:
CALVARY HOUSE PROCEDURES
PERSONAL CONDUCT
• The disciple must comply with drug screening.
• No use or possession of drugs or alcohol
(this includes mouthwash that contains
alcohol).
• All prescription medication is to be checked
in with the director for approval. Failure to
do so may result in immediate dismissal.
• No use or possession of any tobacco
products, including vaporizers (vape pen),
nicotine patches, gum, etc.
• Calvary House is not responsible for lost or
stolen items.
• No threatening behavior or fighting.
• Anything and anyone on the premises
(including personal vehicles) may be subject
to searches by the ministry team or anyone
they authorize to do so. The use of personal
vehicles is not permitted while in the ministry.
• No firearms or any type of
weapon may be possessed.
• No foul language, profanity, or crass joking.
• No communication, relationships, or
friendships with women (this includes
contact by phone, mail, e-mail, social
media, visits, third-party messages, etc.).
The only exception is a spouse or
immediate family member.
• Disciples may not make unauthorized
phone calls; a pass must be turned in a
week in advance to make calls.
• Passes must be requested one week in
advance for appointments during workdays
and need a work overseer’s approval first.
Disciples must be here at least 90 days for
a pass to be considered by the director.
• No pornographic or provocative material
may be viewed or possessed.
• No sexual activity with oneself or others.
• Disciples may not carry more than $20 cash
at any time.
• No gambling or card playing.
• Disciples must attend every church service,
class, group, and Calvary House function. A
Bible, pen, and journal must be brought
to each.
• No borrowing or lending money.
• No computer/video games, laptops, iPhones,
iPod Touch devices, radios, or CD players.
• Disciples are expected to arrive at and
depart from church services on time.
The vehicles leave from Calvary House
30 minutes prior to the start of all events
at church and leave 15 minutes after
a service concludes.
• No listening to secular music.
• No murmuring or complaining. Grievances
may be submitted to a Calvary House
staff member.
• Clothing must fit properly and be respectable.
Sagging pants, sideways hats, earrings, etc.
are not permitted.
• Disciples may not ask volunteers,
church staff, etc. to use a phone, for
favors, money, or anything else
without the director’s approval.
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CALVARY HOUSE MINISTRY RULES
HOUSING RULES
CALVARY HOUSE PROCEDURES (CONTINUED)
• Uniforms must be worn when working at
the church. The disciple is expected to be
presentable and ready for work when they
leave their apartment in the morning.
• The disciple must take all personal property
with him when he leaves. Calvary House
will not be held responsible for anything a
disciple leaves behind.
• If a disciple is sick, he must report to work
and let his supervisor send him home.
• Personal and common quarters must be kept
neat and clean at all times.
• Cell phones may not be possessed or used
until the disciple enters the transition phase
of the ministry.
• Disciples may not leave their apartments
prior to 7:10am, unless approved by a Calvary
House staff member.
• Calvary House will not pass along phone
messages to any disciples unless they are work
or emergency related.
• Curfew is 9:30pm on Sunday through
Thursday and 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday.
• No outside work is to be done on Sundays.
• “Lights out” is at 10pm on Sunday through
Thursday and 11pm on Friday and Saturday.
• For safety and health reasons, shoes and
shirts must be worn while outside.
• Visitors are not allowed in living quarters
at any time.
• The use or possession of sleep aids (i.e.
Tylenol PM), mouthwash containing
alcohol, energy drinks or supplements,
or fat-burning supplements is strictly
prohibited.
• Disciples must remain on the property when
not attending a Calvary House sponsored
event. They may only leave the property if
they have an approved pass.
• Communication with neighbors (outside of
Calvary House) is not permitted unless it is
part of a supervised community outreach.
Hanging out in the street is not permitted.
• All outside reading material must be
approved by the staff.
• After the first thirty days, immediate family
members and wives may sit with the disciple
at church as well as visit the Calvary House
property during family visitation—the first
Sunday of every month, from 2–6pm.
• No bicycles are permitted on the Calvary
House property, as there is no safe place for
bicycle storage. Disciples may walk, take the
city bus, or get rides to wherever they need
to go when on pass.
• Movie nights are Fridays from 8–10:30pm.
Only movies provided by a Calvary House
staff member are allowed.
• No walking on or across the grass between
or in front of the Calvary House property.
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CALVARY HOUSE MINISTRY RULES
• No gym equipment or weights are permitted
in apartments.
HOUSING RULES (CONTINUED)
• A Calvary House staff member will load all
iPods and MP3 players. No devices that have
Internet or radio accessibility are allowed.
• Furniture may not be moved or rearranged
by disciples.
• iPods and MP3 players are not allowed to leave
the Calvary House property or be used during
any work projects.
• Participants may not hang posters, pictures,
or any other decorations.
• No plants or any living creatures are permitted
in Calvary House.
• The use of Facebook, Twitter, or any social
networking website is strictly prohibited while
enrolled at Calvary House—this includes any
time you are on pass.
• Disciples are not allowed to feed animals in
the neighborhood—cats, dogs, lizards, etc.
• No incense, candles, lighters, or matches
are permitted in apartments.
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DISCIPLINARY
ACTIONS
Disciples who violate the rules and regulations
of Calvary House or disobey its leadership will
be subject to disciplinary action.
All disciplinary action for misconduct will be issued
at the discretion of the Calvary House staff and may
include the following:
THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS ARE GROUNDS
FOR IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
• Use or possession of drugs, alcohol, nicotine,
firearms, or pornography
• A verbal warning
• Failure to comply with drug or alcohol
screening requests
• A written report or assignment
• Loss of privileges (including passes)
• Physical violence, fighting, or threats thereof
• Extra chores
• Blatant disregard for rules and/or
authority figures
• Dismissal
• Foolish behavior that endangers oneself
or others
“No discipline seems pleasant
at the time, but painful. Later on,
however, it produces a harvest
of righteousness and peace for
those who have been trained
by it.”—Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
• Stealing
• Lying
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WORK WHILE IN
CALVARY HOUSE
Work is part of Calvary House and is a very
important aspect of the discipleship process.
BIBLICAL BASIS FOR WORK
The apostle Paul writes in his letters of the example
he and others set working with their own hands to
provide for themselves and those who labored
with them (I Corinthians 4:12). He encourages his
readers to not be dependent on anyone, but, if
possible, to work with their hands to provide for
their own needs (Titus 3:14). Above all, Paul exhorts
his readers to do everything as though God was
the supervisor (Colossians 3:23).
In the beginning, God worked, and placed man,
who was created in His image, on the earth to “fill
the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28 NKJV). Work
was a means of reflecting God’s image, even before
the Fall, by applying labor, skill, and creativity to
life on earth. After the Fall, work did not become
bad, only more challenging and difficult (Genesis
3:17–19). God designed work to be redemptive,
allowing us to enter the joy of co-laboring with Him
(1 Thessalonians 3:2).
Hard work is the fruit of a repentant lifestyle
(Ephesians 4:28) and wins the respect of the
community (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12).
By God’s grace, a man can begin to understand
and enjoy God’s original design for work.
In contrast, laziness is associated with poverty
(Proverbs 10:4), destructiveness (Proverbs 18:9),
and sinfulness (2 Thessalonians 3:6–8). One is
considered worse than an unbeliever if he does not
work hard and provide for his dependents (1 Timothy
3:1,4–5; 5:8). Christians must avoid fellowship with one
who is idle (2 Thessalonians 3:6). If an individual does
not work, he shouldn’t eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
The Bible is packed with statements
pertaining to work.
Diligent, hard work is associated with prosperity
(Proverbs 10:4; 14:23); serving people in
high rank (Proverbs 22:29); satisfaction in life
(Ecclesiastes 2:24); and reaping eternal rewards
(Colossians 3:23–24).
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WORK WHILE IN CALVARY HOUSE
PRACTICAL APPLICATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Working unto the Lord
The experience of Calvary House confirms these
biblical statements. We have found that work often
helps bring to the surface unbiblical attitudes towards
work, authority, and God, as well as occasionally
revealing dishonesty and disorganization. In
exposing and addressing sinful attitudes, work
also provides staff the opportunity to teach a disciple the benefits and blessings of mature Christian
character in making the best of all situations in a way
that honors God.
• Punctuality
• Good attitude and willingness regarding work
• Submission to authority
• Team work with staff and other Calvary
House disciples
• Diligence in completing tasks and
experiencing the satisfaction of work
well done
• Dealing with and overcoming bad days
There will be no wages earned for work done
during a disciple’s stay in the ministry.
• Taking initiative
• Understanding the connection between
job production and future income
Work assignments also prepare disciples to live a
productive life after they complete the ministry.
They will learn specific principles regarding a
healthy work ethic, such as:
• Potentially learning/developing new skills
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WORK
DESCRIPTION
A standard workweek is Monday through Friday
and consists of approximately 43 hours of work
in the form of manual labor. All disciples will
work at Calvary Chapel under the supervision
and leadership of Calvary Chapel staff—many
of which are Calvary House alumni. Calvary
House leadership—not the disciple—determines
work assignments.
A disciple’s work detail will consist of:
stocking inventory, prepping food and
stations for the day, making salads,
sandwiches, grilling meat, working the
sauté station, and making pizzas.
• Maintaining the grounds by mowing grass,
trimming bushes, cutting tree branches,
planting bushes and trees, pulling weeds, etc.
• Occasionally, there will be benevolence
work on Saturdays.
• Kitchen work at The Grill, which includes
washing dishes, taking out the trash,
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WEEKLY SCHEDULE AT CALVARY HOUSE
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
7:30am
Wake Up
6am
Wake Up
6am
Wake Up
6am
Wake Up
6am
Wake Up
6am
Wake Up
7:30am
Wake Up
8–8:50am
Personal
Devotion
6:20–7:10am
Personal
Devotion
6:20–7:10am
Personal
Devotion
6:20–7:10am
Personal
Devotion
6:20–7:10am
Personal
Devotion
6:20–7:10am
Personal
Devotion
8–8:50am
Personal
Devotion
10am–2pm
Park
8am–5pm
Work
8am–5pm
Work
8am–4pm
Work
8am–5pm
Work
8am–5pm
Work
9:30am–12pm
Chores
5–7pm
House
Meeting
7pm
House
Meeting
7pm
House
Meeting
4:30pm
Uniform
Collection
7pm
House
Meeting
8–10:30pm
Movie
1–4pm
Park/Phone
Calls*
9:30pm
Curfew
9:30pm
Curfew
9:30pm
Curfew
6–8:30pm
Church
9:30pm
Curfew
10:30pm
Curfew
10pm
Lights Out
10pm
Lights Out
10pm
Lights Out
9:30pm
Curfew
10pm
Lights Out
11pm
Lights Out
10pm
Lights Out
5:30–8pm
Church
10:30pm
Curfew
11pm
Lights Out
*After the first 30 days, a ten-minute phone call is allowed every week. Any calls out of the ordinary
require a pass, which must be attained one week in advance.
Food, toiletries, etc. will be provided to each apartment weekly by Calvary House. Meal planning, cooking, and
cleaning are a disciple’s responsibility. Each apartment has its own kitchen.
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CALVARY HOUSE
MARRIAGE MINISTRY
“A man will leave his father and mother and be
united to his wife, and the two will become one
flesh.” This is a profound mystery . . .”—Ephesians
5:31–32 (NIV)
Marriage is a mystery, a picture of Christ and His
church for the world to see. At times, marriage can
be our greatest joy or our hardest journey. Our
marriage relationship is one of our greatest priorities
and is second only to our relationship with Christ. As
a disciple of Christ, husbands are to love their wives
as Christ loved the church and wives are to submit to
their husbands as to the Lord.
By meeting together for couple’s counseling, talking
through concerns, studying the Bible, praying, and
accepting the power of the Holy Spirit, marriages
can be strengthened and restored.
In addition, your wife is invited to meet with
other Calvary House wives each month for
support and encouragement.
We know that this season can be a difficult time for
husbands and wives. The goal of the Calvary House
Marriage Ministry is to encourage and equip married
couples to build the foundation of their marriage
on God’s Word and live out God’s commands daily.
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A DISCIPLE’S
JOURNEY THROUGH
THE MINISTRY
Calvary House is not a program, but a ministry
for men that want to change. Depending on the
willingness of the individual, that change will take
varying degrees of time. We do not use specific
time frames to move men through the ministry.
One person may complete the ministry in a
shorter time than another.
The goal of this ministry isn’t for a man to endure
through an exact period of time, get a certificate,
and move on. The idea is that he will surrender
his will and draw near to God, and in the process,
God will change him more and more into the
image of Jesus.
can be a difficult and challenging time and it is our
heart to provide the accountability and guidance
that is crucial to the disciple’s future success. We will
promote and practice continued accountability
in the areas listed below:
• Cell phone--working with the disciple
to get cell phone privileges restored.
“But seek first the kingdom of
God and His righteousness, and all
these things shall be added to you.”
—Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
• Employment
++ Choosing the right job—who the
disciple works with/for and the
schedule worked.
THE TRANSITION
• Money management, budgeting, and
education on finances (FPU).
Before a disciple completes the ministry, he will
go through a period of transition. The focus will
be to apply the truths, principles, and disciplines
that have been learned to one’s daily life in
practical ways.
++ Paying rent—the disciple is charged
$300/month rent once employment
is obtained.
++ A savings plan will be established
to ensure that funds will be available
to move with.
“But be doers of the word, and not
hearers only, deceiving yourselves . . .
But he who looks into the perfect law
of liberty and continues in it, and is
not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the
work, this one will be blessed in what
he does.”—James 1:22, 25 (NKJV)
• Married men will gradually reunite with
their families (overnight passes will now
be every weekend).
• Single men will have a free day once a
week (usually on Sundays).
• All disciples are to participate in weekly
church services.
This time will consist of more freedom and
responsibilities. The vision and purpose of the
transitional phase is to further equip the disciple to
walk out his faith in a safe environment. Transition
• A desire to serve in ministry at church
and Calvary House at least once a week.
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STATEMENT
OF FAITH
Calvary Chapel has been formed as a
fellowship of believers in the Lordship
of Jesus Christ.
Our supreme desire is to know Christ and be conformed
to His image by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are
not a denominational church, nor are we opposed to
denominations as such, only to their overemphasis of
the doctrinal differences that have led to the division of
the body of Christ.
DOCTRINAL
seeking believer with the Holy Spirit and power
for service, either at the time of or subsequent
to regeneration, which is a separate work from
the indwelling Spirit for salvation. We believe
in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and in
the exercise of all biblical gifts of the Spirit as
reflected through the fruit of that same Spirit.
WE BELIEVE in what is termed “The Apostles’
Creed” as embodying all the fundamental
doctrines of orthodox evangelical Christianity.
WE BELIEVE there is one living and true God,
eternally existing in three persons; the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in power and
glory; that this triune God created all, upholds all,
and governs all.
WE BELIEVE that all the Scriptures of the Old
and New Testaments are the Word of God,
fully inspired and without error in the original
manuscripts, and that they are the infallible rule
of faith and practice.
WE BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER, an infinite,
personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom,
power, and love; that He concerns Himself
mercifully in the affairs of men; that He hears and
answers prayer; and that He saves from sin and
death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
WE BELIEVE that all people are by nature
separated from God and responsible for their
own sin, but that salvation, redemption, and
forgiveness of sin are freely offered to all by the
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. When a person
repents of sin and accepts Jesus Christ as his/her
personal Lord and Savior, trusting Him to save,
that person is immediately born again and sealed
by the Holy Spirit, all of his/her sins are forgiven,
and that person becomes a child of God, destined
to spend eternity with the Lord.
WE BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, God’s only
begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We
believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles,
and teachings; His substitutionary atoning
death; bodily resurrection; ascension into
heaven; perpetual intercession for His people;
and personal, visible return to earth. We believe
that He is one and the same as God. He was fully
human and fully God.
WE BELIEVE that Hell is a literal place of eternal
suffering, and the consequential destination of
those who do not receive Jesus Christ as their
personal Lord and Savior.
WE BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, who came
forth from the Father and Son to convict the
world of sin, righteousness, and judgment and
to regenerate, sanctify, and empower in ministry
all who believe in Christ. We believe the Holy
Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ
and that He is an abiding Helper, Teacher, and
Guide. We believe that Jesus Christ baptizes the
WE AWAIT the pre-tribulation rapture of the
church, and we believe in the literal Second
Coming of Christ with His saints to rule the earth,
which will be personal and visible. This motivates
us to holy living, heartfelt worship, committed
service, diligent study of God’s Word, regular
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STATEMENT OF FAITH
WE BELIEVE worship of God should be spiritual;
therefore, we remain flexible and yielded to the
leading of the Holy Spirit to direct our worship.
fellowship, and participation in adult baptism by
immersion and the observance of communion.
WE ARE NEITHER FIVE-POINT CALVINISTS,
NOR ARE WE ARMINIANS. We adhere firmly to
the biblical teaching of God’s sovereignty and
man’s responsibility. We avoid any theological
systems of belief that go beyond the written
Word and thereby divide the body of Christ.
WE BELIEVE worship of God should be
inspirational; therefore, we give great place to
music in our worship.
WE BELIEVE worship of God should be
intelligent; therefore, our services are designed
with great emphasis upon the teaching of the
Word of God that He might instruct us on how
He should be worshiped. We seek to teach the
Word of God in such a way that its message can
be applied to the individual’s life, leading that
person to a greater maturity in Christ. We teach
both expositionally and topically.
WE DO NOT BELIEVE in “positive confession”
(the faith movement belief that God can be
commanded to heal or work miracles according
to man’s will), human prophecy that supersedes
the Scriptures, the incorporation of humanistic
and secular psychology into biblical teaching,
the overemphasis of spiritual gifts and
experiential signs and wonders to the exclusion
of biblical teaching, or that true Christians can
be demon-possessed.
WE BELIEVE worship of God should be fruitful;
therefore, we look for His love in our lives as the
supreme manifestation that we have been truly
worshiping Him.
WE BELIEVE in the universal church, in the
living spiritual body, of which Christ is the head
and all regenerated persons are members.
WE BELIEVE that the church government
should be simplistic rather than a complex
bureaucracy and we depend on the Holy Spirit
to lead, rather than on fleshly promotion.
WE BELIEVE the Lord Jesus Christ committed
two ordinances to the church: 1) baptism
and 2) communion. We believe in baptism
by immersion and communion as a symbolic
memorial of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our
sins, both of which are open to all believers in
Jesus Christ.
WE BELIEVE that the Bible clearly delineates
that spiritual gifts are for the edification of the
body and that they are to be exercised in love.
We believe that love is more important than
the most spectacular gifts, and without love,
all exercise of spiritual gifts is worthless. In our
services, we focus on a personal relationship
with God through worship, prayer, and the
teaching of the Word of God. We do not practice
speaking in tongues during worship or while
a Bible study is in progress because we do not
believe that the Holy Spirit would interrupt
Himself. God is not the author of confusion.
These gifts are encouraged in more intimate
settings, e.g. afterglow services and small groups
where their benefit can accomplish the purpose
for which they have been given—the edification
of the body of Christ.
WE BELIEVE in the laying on of hands for the
sending out of pastors and missionaries, and
in conjunction with the anointing of oil by the
elders for the healing of the sick.
PRACTICAL
WE BELIEVE the only true basis of Christian
fellowship is Christ’s (agape) love, which is
greater than differences we possess, and
without which we have no right to claim
ourselves Christians.
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MINISTRY AND DETOX REFERRALS
BARC (Public Detox—Broward). . ................................................................................................9 5 4 - 8 3 1 - 1 5 8 0
CARP (Public Detox—Palm Beach).............................................................................................5 6 1 - 8 4 4 - 6 4 0 0
ARC (Salvation Army)................................................................................................................9 5 4 - 4 6 3 - 3 7 2 5
Calvary House Saint Petersburg.................................................................................................7 2 7 - 3 4 7 - 7 3 3 5
DC Ranch (18–25 years old—Okeechobee).. ...............................................................................8 6 3 - 4 6 7 - 4 2 2 4
Dunklin Memorial Camp...........................................................................................................7 7 2 - 5 9 7 - 2 8 4 1
Faith Farm Boynton Beach. . ...................................................................................................... 5 6 1 - 7 3 7 - 2 2 2 2
Faith Farm Fort Lauderdale. . ......................................................................................................9 5 4 - 7 6 3 - 7 7 8 7
Faith Farm Okeechobee............................................................................................................8 6 3 - 7 6 3 - 4 2 2 4
Holy Cross Detox......................................................................................................................9 5 4 - 7 7 1 - 8 0 0 0
Imperial Point Detox.................................................................................................................9 5 4 - 3 5 5 - 4 4 0 0
Sonrise Mission........................................................................................................................9 5 4 - 4 8 5 - 0 9 5 1
Blessed Hope (Women). . ...........................................................................................................2 0 7 - 9 8 9 - 4 1 7 7
Redeeming Love House (Women). . ............................................................................................9 5 4 - 3 1 5 - 4 2 4 5
Refuge Ranch (Women)............................................................................................................7 7 2 - 5 9 7 - 0 9 9 2
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