MINISTRY PHILOSOPHY

A. Holy Spirit and the Bible

We affirm that the Christian life is based on interaction with both the Holy Spirit and the Bible, and that these work in tandem with one another. Jesus said that we are to worship the Father in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Christians have the Spirit of Christ living in and through them, and they also have the Word of God written through the authors of the Old and New Testaments. Therefore, we believe that living from the indwelling presence of Christ and viewing the Bible as authoritative in all matters it addresses (directly and indirectly) are equally important and never contradictory.

B. Spiritual Gifts

We affirm that the spiritual gifts present in the early church continue to be available to believers today. As such, we encourage the discovery and mature development of spiritual gifts in the daily life of the believer for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 14:12). However, in the development of spiritual gifts and Christian character, we place greater emphasis on the fruit of the Spirit over the gifts of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). If gifts are not exercised in love, they hold no value for the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 13:1–3).

C. Sacraments / The Lord’s Supper

We affirm that the Lord’s Supper should be practiced regularly as a means of remembering what Christ accomplished on the cross and reflecting on the New Covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). We encourage believers to partake weekly, not as a way to perfect salvation, but as a reminder of the One who has saved us completely (Hebrews 7:25; 10:14).

D. Baptism:

We affirm the importance of water baptism, not as a prerequisite for salvation, but as an act closely associated with it (Matthew 28:16–20). While salvation comes through trusting Christ, we also believe baptism can serve as a meaningful moment of confirmation or expression of faith. Therefore, we maintain an open-door policy regarding baptism, allowing believers to be baptized as the Lord leads, by another believer, at any time.

E. Priesthood of All Believers

Outlook Church places a strong emphasis on the priesthood of all believers, male and female alike (1 Peter 2:9). This is expressed through an egalitarian approach to ministry, in which qualified men and women may serve in any leadership role, including elders. Scripture teaches that our ultimate identity is found “in Christ,” not in gender or ethnicity (Galatians 3:28). Therefore, passages that appear to restrict female leadership are interpreted within their appropriate historical context and are not understood to prohibit women from serving in leadership roles.

F. Marriage

Outlook Church believes that God created men and women as individually unique, valued, and biological persons. We believe God’s design for human sexuality is to be expressed exclusively within the context of marriage, reflecting His image and intention for humanity. Marriage was instituted by God as a monogamous union between one biological male and one biological female, forming the foundation of the family and human society (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5–6; Mark 10:6–9; Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). In accordance with our understanding of Scripture, Outlook Church reserves the right to conduct marriages consistent with these biblical convictions, as interpreted by the elders of Outlook Christian Church.

G. Giving

Outlook Church emphasizes freedom in financial giving, as taught in 2 Corinthians 9, particularly verse 7. We do not promote rule-based or guilt-driven giving. Instead, we encourage giving that is willing, sacrificial, and cheerful flowing from gratitude for what Christ has done and expressed through trust, obedience, and love.

H. Emphasis on the Major Issues

Outlook Church seeks to allow room for diversity within the body of Christ regarding secondary or debatable issues in theology, ministry, and politics. We do not draw rigid “lines in the sand” on matters that are considered gray or open to interpretation. Instead, we prioritize unity grounded in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture. Examples of such issues include views on Christ’s return, political preferences, Bible translations, holidays, worship styles, the mode of the Lord’s Supper, and the nature or expression of spiritual gifts. Outlook Church values unity, not uniformity.