What’s at Our Core?
Our Core Teachings
Oak Park Christian Church is a fellowship of Christians that holds the following core teachings:
The Bible is the Word of God and the only authoritative standard for the life and practice of the Church and the Christian.
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe who eternally exists as three distinct, yet co-equal, persons: Father, Son, and Spirit. God cares for every person as their Heavenly Father.
Jesus Christ is God’s only Son, who lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, was buried, rose bodily from the dead, is alive today, and will return (1st Corinthians 15:3-4; 2nd Corinthians 5:21).
The Holy Spirit dwells within each Christian, empowering us to live a holy life and equipping us with gifts for serving others (Romans 8:9-14; Galatians 5:16-26; Acts 2:38; 1st Corinthians 12:4-6).
Human beings are created in the image of God but, because of personal sin, are separated from God (Romans 3:23; 5:12).
We are saved by God’s grace, through our faith. Faith includes believing in Jesus Christ as God’s Son who died for your sins and was raised from the dead. (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Our Core Values
Grace:
Grace is rooted first and foremost in the manner in which God has acted toward us. He is a gracious God who freely offers salvation in Jesus Christ. Since, in Christ, all Christians have received God’s graciousness, we are compelled, in turn, to offer and demonstrate that grace to others. This means accepting people where they are and the way they are, and helping them see God’s love by demonstrating love, acceptance, forgiveness, encouragement, and the truthfulness of God’s Word (Romans 3:22-24; Ephesians 1:6, 2:8-9).
Truth:
Truth refers to the intrinsic nature of the Word of God, embodied most perfectly in Jesus Christ and given to His followers in the Bible. The Word of God is the foundational basis for the life of individuals and the life of the church. The primary task of pastor-teachers is the “ministry of the Word” (Acts 6:4). The Word of God must be the foundational truth [source] for all ministry in the faith community. The Bible’s truth statements and principles for living must be preached, taught, and woven into the natural conversations, relationships, and activities within the community of faith. In John 17:17, Jesus says, “Make them pure and holy by teaching them your word of truth.”
Meaning:
Life is a quest for meaning. Only God is eternal, therefore, any true meaning for life must be found and rooted in Him. Meaning defines purpose, motivation, character, fulfillment, and life mission. “God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2nd Timothy 1:9)
Community:
Community refers to the essential nature of the church: we are a community of believers brought together by Jesus to accomplish His purpose. Community means that healthy relationships are to be encouraged. It also means that everyone in the community has need of everyone else in the community. God has gifted people specially to serve an essential role (or roles). Jesus instructed that the only way the world would take notice of His followers was because of the depth and vitality of love that they demonstrated to one another (John 13:34-35).
Our Core Practices
Experiential Worship:
Worship is to actively engage people’s hearts, minds, and hands in honoring, praising, and offering to God because of who He is and what He has done.
Mutual Ministry:
Every Christian is gifted and intentionally placed in the church by God and must be empowered and allowed to discover and creatively utilize their giftedness. Ministry is the intentional, sacrificial investment of time, ability, giftedness, and resources to serve Christ in the life of others.
Relational & Servant Evangelism:
The gospel speaks into the life situations of all people, in all circumstances, and has the power to change and transform every person. A visible and vibrant faith, expressed through sacrificial and joyous love, is the greatest testimony for Jesus.
Authentic Fellowship:
Intentional, authentic relationships are an essential context for spiritual growth.
Holistic Discipleship:
Biblical teaching must be Christ-centered, Bible-honoring, and life-impacting. The Christian life is the continual process of repenting of sin, reforming of character, renewing of faith, and rejoicing in God’s forgiveness, all through the power of the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit in the mind and heart of the believer.
