Mission / Values / Vision
Our Mission:
To connect people with God so that they may become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
Our Values:
Relationship, Family, Creativity, Outreach, Growth
Our Vision:
Relationship:
* Every adult, youth, & child one relational link from a life-giving Christian friend.
* City blanketed with small groups in which genuine, successful Christianity is lived.
* People loving God & each other in practical ways.
Family:
* Safe environment where families can raise kids to live for God.
* Encouragement, healing, and fulfillment for those who need a family.
* Community that models living well for God in every area of life.
Creativity:
* Innovative, creative, & expressive services.
* Illustrated teaching that draws the pre-saved & keeps the unchurched.
* Fusion of gifts, interests, & passions for the great commission.
Outreach:
* Every believer effectively functioning in their mission field.
* 24 Hour public prayer center.
* Unified city church with increase in church attendance annually.
* Cutting edge ministry through TV, internet, & the arts.
Growth:
* Members maturing in Christ-likeness, influence, fruit of the Spirit, and the scriptures.
* Numerically expanding church, adaptable to change who serve selflessly.
* Short & long term missions sending with emphasis on church planting.
Core Beliefs
1. "Non-Fiction" (Bible is the Word of God)
The Bible is the authoritative Word of God. It alone is the final authority in determining all doctrinal truths. (II Tim. 3:16; II Peter 1:20,21; Prov. 30:5; Rom. 16:25,26).
2. "3 in1" (One God in Three Persons)
There is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and coeternal (I John 5:7; Gen. 1:26; Matt. 3:16,17; 28:19; Luke 1:35; Isa. 9:6;).
3. "You da' Man!" (Jesus is the Son of God)
On earth, Jesus was 100 percent God and 100 percent man. He is the only man ever to have lived a sinless life. He was born of a virgin (Matt .1:18,25; Luke 1:35; Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18,23-25; Luke 1:27-35), lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross for mankind and thus, atoned for our sins through the shedding of His blood. He rose from the dead on the third
day according to the Scriptures ascended to the right hand of the Father, and will return again in power and glory. (John 1:1,14; 20:28; I Tim. 3:16; Isa. 9:6; Phil. 2:5,6; I Tim. 2:5).
4. "Need a Little Help!" (Fallen State of Man)
Man was created good and upright, but by voluntary transgression he fell; his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Gen. 1:26-31; 3:1-7; Rom. 5:12-21).
5. "One Way" (Salvation Only Found Through Jesus)
We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection. Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or of any human efforts (Eph. 2:8,9; Gal. 2:16; 3:8; Titus 3:5; Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 16:31; Heb. 9:22). Repentance is the commitment to turn away
from sin in every area of our lives and to follow Christ, which allows us to receive His redemption and to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Thus, through repentance we receive forgiveness of sins and appropriate salvation. (Acts 2:21, 3:19; I John 1:9).
6. "Need A Lift!" (Sanctification)
Sanctification is the ongoing process of yielding to God‚s Word and His Spirit in order to complete the development of Christ‚s character in us. It is through the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God that the Christian is enabled to live a godly life (I Thess. 4:3; 5:23; II Cor. 3:18; 6:14-18; II Thess. 2:1-3, Rom. 8:29; 12:1,2, Heb 2:11).
7. "Power Partner" (The Holy Spirit)
The Holy Spirit was first given at Pentecost to empower the Church to preach the gospel throughout the whole earth (Joel 2:28,29; Matt. 3:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4,17,38,39; 8:14-17; 10:38,44-47; 11:15-17; 19:1-6). The Gifts of the Holy Spirit manifested through a variety of spiritual gifts to build and sanctify the church, demonstrate the validity of the resurrection and
confirm the power of the Gospel. The Bible lists of these gifts are not necessarily exhaustive, and the gifts may occur in various combinations. All believers are commanded to earnestly desire the manifestation of the gifts in their lives. These gifts always operate in harmony with the scriptures
and should never be used in violation of biblical parameters. (Heb. 2:4; Rom. 1:11; 12:4-8; Eph. 4:16; II Tim. 1:6, 7; I Tim. 4:14; I Cor. 12:1-31; 14:1-40; I Peter 4:10).
8. "Body Shop" (The Church and Her Mission)
The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of Jesus‚ Great Commission. Every person who is born of the Spirit is an integral part of the Church as a member of the body of believers. There is a spiritual unity of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph. 1:22; 2:19-22; Heb. 12:23; John 17:11, 20-23.
9. "Up or Down?" (Heaven & Hell are Literal Places)
Heaven is the eternal dwelling place for all believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matt. 5:3,12,20; 19:21; 25:34; John 17:24; II Cor. 5:1; Heb. 11:16; I Peter 1:4). Hell: After living life on earth, the unbelievers will be judged by God and sent to hell where they will be eternally tormented with the devil and the fallen angels (Matt. 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Heb. 9:27; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:12-15; 21:8).
10. "I'll Be Back" (Christ Will Return)
Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His kingdom. This will occur at a date undisclosed by the scripture. (Matt. 24:30; 26:63-64; Acts 1:9-11; I Thess. 4:15-17; II Thess. 1:7,8; Rev. 1:7).
Most Asked Questions about Networks Church
1. What are your weekend services like?
Our weekend services are designed to bring a relevant message to every believer and unchurched person in attendance. Networks is a melting pot of all types of people from different denominations and backgrounds. Believers at Networks can feel confident in bringing those who are unchurched without the concern of offending someone with an unusual or
unpredictable order.
2. How can I meet others and get connected?
One of the best ways to get connected at Networks is to attend one of our many "Life Groups". We offer a variety of groups which differ in content and location. Some groups are based around a Bible study, while others are more fellowship or outreach driven. Either way, Life Groups are the best way for you to connect at Networks Church. There are three Life Group semesters each year, with a break in between each. Initial and ongoing training is provided for those in Life Group Leadership.
3. What will happen the first time I visit?
If you are visiting for the first time, we will not embarrass you, nor will we have you stand up, nor will we ask you to give money. Come in and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and see if this is the church for you. You will leave seeing God in a whole new way.
4. What do I wear to attend your services?
We have people that wear everything from business suits to casual clothes. Our church is not about what you look like nor about what you wear. We welcome everyone.
5. What about my children?
Our Children's Ministry is called "KC" (Kid Connection). Children are a top priority at Networks. Nursery classes are clean, safe, and staffed with loving workers. We offer dynamic children's, middle school, and high school ministries.
6. Where are you located?
We meet at 10:00 AM each Sunday morning at Lee's Summit West High School (2600 Ward Rd.) just north of 150. From 470, Take 350 south into Lee's Summit. Exit on 3rd street and go south at the first light. The high school is two miles down Ward Rd.
7. Are you affiliated with a denomination?
Networks is affiliated with ARC (Association of Related Church) The Association of Related Churches is an organization of pastors and churches that focuses on building strong relationships between pastors and ministry leaders, available to encourage, provide guidance, and ministry development for pastors across the U.S. The goal of ARC is to develop and share human and ministry resources to assist in church planting and growth, and to provide wisdom and guidance at no cost to the member churches. Offering counseling with pastors and their wives and staff on a needs basis is also a function of the ARC. For more information visit the ARC online: relatedchurches.com