Biblical Rationale

The New Testament describes how we are redeemed by grace through faith and repentance based on the finished work of Christ. It also describes God’s plan to do this primarily through local churches.Matthew 16:18 and Matthew 18:18 are the only two verses we have recorded where Jesus uses the word “church.” In these two passages he promises that he will build his church and even the gates of Hell don’t stand a chance, as well as the church having an amazing authority given to it for the defeat of sin in the life of believers.

The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, to baptize, and to teach what Jesus taught all in the name of the trinity with the promise that Jesus is with us. The gospels all end with the Great Commission and the book of Acts starts with it. In the book of Acts the age of the church begins in earnest, and the Holy Spirit is very active in how he sent people out, and gathered people in. The people God was reaching were from different areas, different cultures, and with different worldviews. It is no surprise that the preaching, teaching, and look and feel of the churches were also quite varied. In Acts we see churches planting churches and churches partnering together to help the needy. All the while it is clear who is behind it. The “Acts of the Apostles” might have been called “The Acts of the Holy Spirit”.

We learn more about the church from the epistles: leadership requirements for the church, how to handle disagreements, when and how to correct a brother (or false brother) and much more. And finally, in the Book of Revelation, we see the churches being addressed and revealed to Christ as a beautiful bride (Rev 19:7).

We believe the local church is the primary means God is using to reach the world, thus bringing glory to himself through the worship of the nations. Although this is not an exhaustive list, below is a sample of some of the key verses that reflect the heart of Mission:Sixteen/18 and what drives us biblically in our movement.

The Centrality of the Gospel

The Church as the Foundation of Jesus’ Work on the Earth

The Job Description of the Church – To Make Disciples