“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.“
Ministry To The Lord
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)
The first and most important ministry of a priest is his ministry to the Lord (see Exodus 28:1). Our primary ministry as His royal priesthood, and as a church family is our ministry to the Lord. Our vision is to have worship and praise that matches the worth of the God we worship. That means the involvement of our whole being 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in extravagant, sacrificial worship. When we all gather together, our goal is to see the following come to pass: …the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:21-22) In order to become a dwelling place for God, members of HCF are asked to make the following life priorities:- Develop intimacy with God in the secret place.
- Prayer, worship, and meditating on His word should be a lifestyle – not a once-a-week practice.
- Commit to live a holy lifestyle — one without secret, willful sin, which robs you of His abiding presence and therefore robs the family of God of your gift.
- Participate wholeheartedly in corporate worship. Come to the large gatherings ready to give to the Lord more than just receive from Him.
Ministry To Each Other
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)
The consistent word of the Lord over HCF has been that we will be a family, bring healing to families, and grow together as a family. As this verse indicates, our primary attention will be given to those who are part of the family.
This does not mean that we forsake those outside; it merely means that we build a healthy family within that can readily accommodate the orphans, outcasts, and lost ones God will bring to us.
The roots of HCF are found in small groups that met in the late 1990’s, as a part of Christ Community Church of Camp Hill. This continues to be the primary place for the majority of personal ministry to take place. To truly be a member of HCF means that you are connected through a life group. In order to build the family of God within our midst, members are asked to do the following:- Participate actively in a house church—not just attending the meetings, but growing in authentic relationships with the members of your group.
- Share your gift with the rest of the body. Ask God to show you where you can best serve the needs of the family.
- Honor the rest of the members of the body by committing to speak words that will edify them, and not tear them down.
- Honor the youngest to the oldest, and seek to walk in love with them – preferring their needs to yours.
- Commit yourself to mature in your faith so that you can become a spiritual parent to a new believer. Families take extra good care of their newborn babies. So must we.
Our other internal ministries include worship, prayer, children, youth, women’s and men’s ministry.Ministry To The Lost
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “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 them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
We understand the Great Commission to mean that we will make disciples and not just converts. That means that our strategy includes reaching the lost, integrating them into the body, and ultimately sending them out to reach others. Sons and daughters must ultimately become fathers and mothers; sheep must grow up into shepherds. Here’s how we feel called to reach the lost in our community as a church:- First, we are all committed to live a lifestyle of evangelism – seeking ways to bring the reality of God’s kingdom into every relationship, workplace, family, and neighborhood within our sphere of influence.
- Second, we preach and demonstrate the full gospel, as the Bible defines it:
- In mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God…I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:19) This gospel not only includes the word of salvation, but the power of God as well.
As a church family, we are committed corporately to the following ministry outreaches:- Youth outreach: (Wednesday nights) We include a full meal, worship, and Bible study each week, and have been reaching dozens of youth in oftentimes desperate living situations. The long-term vision is to integrate these youth into the church family, and reach deeper into their homes to see entire households saved. Ultimately, we envision a daily after-school outreach for elementary students as well. If this is something that has been in your heart, please let the pastor know.
- Ministry to the poor: Food & Clothing, home helps ministry – chiefly as a practical support to the youth families and others whom the Lord brings to us. Food & Clothing are provided on a need basis, and a team of men and women are on call to assist with repairs around the house for those who cannot afford it.
- A number of missions: Both foreign and local.