What you can expect at Cazenovia Village Baptist
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| Our vision for ministry
includes ten specific expectations that you may find characterize our
congregation. As a church family we are committed to finding ways to
maintain these as we grow and minister in the Lord's name.
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1.
People
expect something different at Cazenovia Village Baptist Church.
You can expect
informality, intimacy, closeness, personal recognition and
involvement. These are relational attributes found in our
people, worship and ministry. People desiring formality and low
involvement will most likely look to a much larger church.
2.
Almost everyone knows everyone.
People know, care and
share each other's concerns, illness, travel and pleasure. They will
notice and miss you when absent In worship. Loneliness is
rarely a problem. Relationships are richer and deeper in our
Church Family. Important confidences are kept and respected.
3. There Is a
family feeling.
Where a family
atmosphere prevails, an individual has identity, security, and a caring
environment. There is a strong sense of "my" church,
and that help is available for the asking. People care deeply what
happens to others.
4.
Everyone is important and needed.
There are few spectators in our church. We believe that the Holy
Spirit has gifted every member. Gifts are to be used for the common
good and In service to Jesus. You will be invited to participate,
asked to lead and give as the Lord Jesus guides you in personal
stewardship.
5.
Organization Is simple, rather than complex - flexible, rather than rigid.
Only a few committees
and boards are needed, and everyone has a chance to get in on decision
making. The Biblical admonition of "speaking the truth in love"
means for us communication that is direct and immediate. We believe
in and practice our "congregational polity".
6. We are known by a collective personality in Cazenovia not by our
program.
Churches earn certain
reputations in a community: " a family church", "a mission
church", "a praying church." We don't major in pre-planned
programs as much as we act out the Gospel in the everyday life of our
people.
7. We share a common history and are committed to a common future.
Our ministry is
Biblically focused and intentional as expressed in goals and objectives
recommended to and approved annually by the members of CVBC
congregation. It takes time, participation and stewardship to
become part of its history and a molder of its future.
8. Our theology is Biblical, conservative, evangelical,
personal, relational and mission oriented.
Our theology is never
based on idle and abstract speculation. That does not mean that we
are "anti-intellectual" but rather emphasizes that our faith is
experiential, real and practical. It is learned in personal and
relational ways as we walk day by day with our living Lord Jesus Christ and
with other believers.
9. Mission is understood in personal terms.
At home, people in our
church accept Jesus' command, "love thy neighbor" but they
want their neighbor personalized. The need must be present and
graphic - a well to be dug, a hungry child to be fed, a person to witness
to about their faith, a sick member to pray for, a room to be painted - and
our people will give for real persons in real need. We carry
out Christ's mission and witness internationally, nationally, regionally
and locally through committed affiliation with our sister American Baptist
Churches and ecumenically as well.
10.
Our people want their pastor to be personal, real, practical, and
loving.
These spiritual qualities rank above being
a scholar, a manager, or an expert. Our pastor is part of the family,
not above it. He works along with elected leaders, church members,
children or adults. He is approachable, available, and
reliable. He cares deeply and intensely about Christ's Mission, our
people, and their needs.
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