Here is a summary of some important principles which shape 12Church
The primary purpose of any single church is to glorify God by making disciples/followers of Jesus Christ
Disciples are best made by churches whose efforts balance winning the lost, building believers, equipping workers and multiplying leaders
Churches need clarity about what a disciple is and what it then means to “make a disciple.”
The activities of each church (ministries, programs, staffing, budgets) should be determined by what is needed to achieve this
Biblical church leadership is an essential foundation for church health and effectiveness
Christian leaders are called to lead first by example, to “be what we are calling God’s people to become”
The greatest current challenges to the church are internal not external, and can often be traced to an absence of deliberate disciple-making
Ministry should be carried out in a way that is sustainable over the long term, not requiring pastors or lay people to sacrifice physical, spiritual or family health
The discipleship of children is the responsibility of Christian parents. Churches should equip parents for such discipleship
Centralized church facilities are often a hindrance to disciple-making, and will increasingly be so in a hostile culture.
Denominational alignment and loyalty, while never superseding loyalty to Jesus Christ or the Word, can be a contributor to healthy and effective churches.
The primary purpose of any denominational structure is to aid local churches in the task of making disciples locally and globally.
Disciple-making is a partnership with the One to whom all authority has been given. Therefore those joining him in his mission are assured of his presence and power through the Holy Spirit.
