What does Coram Deo Mean?

God is the creator of everyone and everything. We must always hold God in proper perspective. He is the Sovereign Creator of the universe and the Glorious One. Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Everything is founded on our view of God. A high view of God is the beginning of a life that pleases Him. A high view of God results in expository preaching. Expository preaching begins with what the passage says, explains what the author meant when he wrote it, and applies the text to the life of the listener. It is what the Bible itself prescribes as the main method by which pastors equip the saints.

God's Word is inspired, inerrant, sufficient, and authoritative. God’s Word will accomplish His purpose in His people. Psalm 19:7–9 is a monumental statement on what Scripture does in our lives. Because it steers us through the right course of life, God’s Word brings great joy. We must always submit to the authority of Scripture. Contrary to what many are teaching today, there is no need for additional revelations, visions, words of prophecy, or insights from modern psychology. In contrast to the theories of men, God’s Word is true and absolutely comprehensive. Rather than seeking something more than God’s glorious revelation, Christians need only to study and obey what they already have. Scripture is sufficient.

Titus 2:1-6 lays out God’s plan for discipleship in the church. The older, more spiritually mature men disciple the younger men. Older women are to instruct the younger women. Believers need to be instructed in theology, doctrine, and how to live faithful Christian lives in daily life. God’s plan for the family is that it is to be led by the Father. Men are called to be the shepherd of their families. We strive to equip men to lead their families and teach them God’s Word. We do this through catechism, one-on-one discipleship, resources, retreats, and equipping times. While a church can pursue many different programs or ministries to faithfully teach children God’s Word, we believe that it start with fathers.

The gospel is central to life. It is of central importance to know, understand, and live our lives in response to who Christ is and what He has done. The church is called to evangelism, which is not only a command but also responsibility. It is our great privilege to share God’s Word with others. It is the responsibility of the church to equip and train believers to share the life-changing message of the gospel with as many as we can. We begin in Jerusalem. For individuals this means the home, where parents teach their children the gospel. It then moves to neighbors, co-workers, friends, and other family members. From there, into the community, then to overseas mission efforts.

Church members live together in covenant community. Not in a convent, but in covenant. With a deep commitment to love one another, serve one another, pray for one another, and pursue deepening relationships with one another as together we pursue a genuine Acts 2:42-47 community: "And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers…. breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number daily those who were being saved.”