Westlane Christian Church is a ministry embracing all races that is committed to making disciples. A disciple is defined as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ who, through the indwelling Spirit that is derived from this commitment, strives to model the following behaviors:
- Passion for knowing Scripture
- Love for God’s people and the desire to live in fellowship
- Desire to attract the un-churched
- Commitment to living according to the Spirit
PASSION FOR KNOWING SCRIPTURE
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
The Principle
Westlane’s goal is to provide the tools necessary for members, regular attendees, and visitors to have an effective devotional life, as well as have a productive personal ministry both inside and outside the church. Only through study and correctly interpreting Scripture can Christians be spiritually healthy and effective ministers. This is a life-long task and needs to be seen as such.
The Vision
The vision is that Westlane be a place of learning from the children’s programs to the adults. Every member will be learning how to interpret Scripture as well as participating with others in the in-depth studies that apply these methods. This is done in order that we can be Spiritually mature (Hebrews 6:1) and become a beacon by “Always [being] prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks…for the hope that [we] have.” (I Peter 3:15)
The Application
- Sermons
- Adults Bible Study
- Children/Youth
▪ Sunday Morning Bible Study (during worship service)
▪ Vacation Bible School
LOVE FOR GOD’S PEOPLE/FELLOWSHIP
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”. (John 13:34-35)
“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth”. (1 John 3:18)
The Principle
If God’s people do not first love one another, then how can they ever hope to be the city on the hill that draws others to God’s wonderful purpose? Just as God called His people during the Exodus, so God also calls His people today and expects them to have a single purpose as a church, as well as to be responsible for how they treat one another. The development of relationships within the Body, worshipping corporately, and caring for God’s people through acts of kindness is essential to our spiritual growth.
The Vision
To demonstrate our love for one another, Westlane members will always endeavor to practice
agape love in the following manner:
- Being kind to one another
- Resolving conflict Biblically
- Praying earnestly for one another
- Worshipping together
The Application
- Worship Service
- Manna Ministry/Community Breakfast
- Bible Study
- Visitation
- FFF “Food, Fun, and Fellowship”
DESIRE TO ATTRACT INDIVIDUALS TO 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
The Principle
It is imperative that we remember the purpose of the Church is to spread God’s word and reach the lost for Christ. Westlane is a church built on Biblical principles.
The Vision
To demonstrate our desire to attract others to Christ, we shall:
- Individually, spread the gospel to friends, relatives, associates, and neighbors
- Corporately, create an environment where all are edified and inspired to devote their lives
to Christ and, through Him, to ministry
The Application
- Worship Service
- Bible Study
- Community Outreach
COMMITMENT TO LIVING ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:16, 22-25)
The Principle
As we strive to live by the Spirit, it is important that each member set spiritual goals and be accountable to their brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Vision
Westlane will foster spiritual growth by helping our brothers and sisters in Christ develop spiritual goals, implement strategies to achieve these goals, and hold each other accountable.
The Application
- Adult Bible Study
- Children/Youth
▪ Sunday Morning Bible Study (during worship service
▪ Vacation Bible School