Encounter - What We Believe

What We Believe

Encounter's Core Convictions

	The Bible is God’s inspired and authoritative word to humankind .
	Jesus is the only hope for a lost and searching world.
	The Holy Spirit is the source of personal and group counsel, transformation and power.
	The Church (not a building - but the friendship, worship and work of believers (1 Co 3:9, Ephesians 2:21)) is God’s agent for redemptive change and healing in the world.
	Every believer is blessed and gifted by God, and is responsible to steward God’s blessings to build up and strengthen the purpose of God in the world.

Encounter's Core Values

	All people matter to God, and therefore matter to the us. These include, but are not limited to, the disolusioned, the searchers, those who feel rejected by the church and the poor.
	We meet in and around Reading, PA not just for ourselves but to partner with other religious and nonreligious organizations to bring spiritual, physical, social and financial transformation to the city. There is no place for arrogance or human glory in seeking how to best help in bringing this transformation.
	Healthy relationships provide the soil from which all of our efforts to be the church grows. Healthy relationships take sacrifice, humility, care and dedication.
	Multi-generational ministry is both rich and biblical, where individuals can learn together and serve side-by-side.
	Leadership development and releasing is essential for "grass-roots" and organic ministries to spring up where there are perceived needs.
	Ministry and structure must submit to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
	Ministry must be Biblical.
	Inspiring worship, preaching, communion, friendship and artistic expression as a means of prayer and worship are central to our gatherings.
	Prayer prepares things seen and unseen for the advancement of God's kingdom and releases God’s power and anointing in His people for ministry.

Encounter's Core Strategy

	Invest in people by building purposeful and redemptive relationships.
	Invite people to trust Christ and connect with Encounter.
	Integrate people into the relationships and ministries of Encounter and their world.
	Instill God’s truth and empower people to lead, love and serve.

Characteristics of a Life-Giving Christian

	FELLOWSHIP with God and other believers.
	FREE of bondage from past hurts, habits, and strongholds.
	FILLED with the Holy Spirit and empowered for service.
	FAITHFULLY stewarding one’s time, talents (gifts), and resources.
	FRUITFUL in life, ministry or service.

a ministry of Hopewell