Celebration was created to be "a church for the unchurched." An essential part of our mission is "to SEEK to make believers." We emphasize evangelism – an active, relational evangelism that doesn’t simply wait for people to come to us; we work to meet them where they are, at their point of need. Yes, we want to minister to folks who are at all kinds of points on the spiritual journey, but first and foremost we exist to bring people to Christ.

Luke 19:10 – "For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost."

Matthew 28:18-20 -- And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

2. We present the truth of the gospel without apology, and we do so in ways that connect with those we’re trying to reach.

Our foundation is God’s Word, but we’ll use whatever methods, means, and styles that best communicate that Word with integrity to our audience. We won’t compromise God’s message, but we will eliminate any barriers we can that may hinder others from hearing the Good News. It’s not about the personal preferences of those on the "inside," but about the felt needs of those whom we want to welcome in.

1 Corinthians 9:20-23 – "To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel…"

3. We strive to be authentic followers of Christ, growing continually more Christ-like in every aspect of life, and developing deeply supportive and accountable relationships with one another.

Becoming a believer is just the first step. Our mission is also "to TEACH them to be disciples." We’re not satisfied with being merely "Sunday Christians." It’s vital that we live out our faith every day with integrity – being real, "walking the walk." It’s also vital that we keep on developing as Christians; faith is dynamic and on-going, not static and one-time. We want to deepen our relationship with Jesus.

And we want to deepen our relationships with one another in the church. We grow best in Christian community – where we learn from, pray for, love, serve, and forgive one another. Intimacy – being known and loved by others in the church and knowing and loving others in the church – is crucial to our well-being.

Ephesians 4:12-13 – "Christ gave those gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger. This work must continue until we are all joined together in the same faith and in the same knowledge of the Son of God. We must become like a mature person, growing until we become like Christ and have his perfection."

John 15:12 – "Love one another as I [Jesus] have loved you."

4. We affirm our oneness in Christ while embracing our individuality as Christ’s people.

While we lift up the importance of being together and working together, we don’t force people into a mold. Differences are welcomed and worked through. People are free to be their unique, God-given selves within the boundaries of Christian community. Individuals have the freedom and responsibility to interpret God’s word and will for their own lives.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 – "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

5. We believe that every member is a minister, gifted and expected to serve God’s purposes through the church and in the world.

Celebration Church doesn’t simply exist for itself. Part of our mission is "to SEND people out as apostles." We aren’t about being spectators, but players. Ministry is everybody’s business, not just that of "professional" clergy. One of the greatest thrills of being a Christian is to make an impact beyond oneself by engaging in acts of outreach and service in Jesus’ name.

6. We insist that the total church experience be as much fun as possible.

The Christian life is not meant to be grim and heavy. God intends that we find delight in following His Son. Our witness to the world needs to reflect the lightness and joy that is ours regardless of circumstances. This is not about being frivolous; but if we take ourselves or our church life too seriously (if we don’t enjoy it at least a lot of the time), then we’re probably doing it wrong.

John 15:11 – "I [Jesus] have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete."

1 Thessalonians 5:16 – "Rejoice always"