Vision
…to love God and people enough to produce disciples of Jesus Christ.
We're very excited about the simplicity with which Jesus summed up the Bible...
“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” –Matthew 22:37-40 (NLT)
Here at Catalina Church of Midtown, we don’t want to make things too complicated. We need a loving connection with our heavenly Father, and we also equally need loving connection with other people, people both like us and completely unlike us (just imagine some neighbors for a moment).
But we are often reminded that simple doesn’t mean easy; what’s more challenging that loving God with everything you are and do, while at the same time loving your fellow man with no exceptions? So that’s why we do what we do, and why we believe God is using us here in
Strategy
Come, Connect and Be a Connection
All of our ministries have been arranged under these three pillars to reflect this focus.
Come
Jesus tells us, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” -Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
Everyone is invited. Come to Jesus. Come for freedom, forgiveness, balance, rest. Now that is an invitation we want to accept and share with many.
Jesus was God in sandals and visited this world for only a short time. Now the church represents Christ on the earth, existing to spread good news.
“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” -I Corinthians 12:12+27.
So that’s why we say come to church. Everyone is invited. You don’t have to know all the answers now or ever. Let’s do life together.
Connect
There are two equally important connections we are seeking to develop; your connection with other people and your connection with God.
We believe in the importance of doing life together in Connect Groups in facilitating both of those connections. Just like the early church grew out of the group of 12 disciples that spent time together developing close relationships with Jesus & each other, we believe it is in the smaller groups that each of us can best be connected.
It is in these groups that we find not only belonging and friendship, but also growth and accountability.
Be a Connection
…to build up people to:
There are two ways at Catalina Church of Midtown for you to be a connection. You can be a connection for people like you (ministry), and also be a connection for people unlike you (service & outreach).
Ministries are all the people and programs that keep this organization up and running, from greeting a visitor to hosting a Connect Group with many in between. God has given you gifts and passions, and we are happy to match you up with a ministry that is just right for you.
Service & Outreach opportunities range from local to international, from single events to ongoing project involvement or support. Jesus revealed in Luke 19:10 why He came to earth, telling us He came “to seek and to save those who are lost.” Find out more about these opportunities by visiting our Service & Outreach page.
Values
- Authentic & Intimate Relationship with God
- Authentic & Intimate Relationships with each other
- Submission to the God of the Bible
- Maturity through Discipleship and Accountability
- Christ Lifted Up
Doctrinal Beliefs
About God
God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
About Humanity
Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward what God called "sin.” This attitude separates man from God.
About Eternity
Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union 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 places of eternal existence.
About Jesus
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 men 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 to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
About Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works – only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
About Eternal Security
Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as 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. The Christian seeks to live under his control daily.
About the Bible
The Bible is God’s word to all men. 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 truth without any mixture of error.
About Baptism
Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Baptism does not save you, but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ.
About Communion
Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ to remember his sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant. The elements of bread and wine or juice are symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross.
...Moving Forward...
VISION
STRATEGY
VALUES
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