We are "A New Kind Of Family"

Our Purpose

Is "rooted" in C-E-D-A-R

CEDAR Hills Baptist Church exists to:

Communicate God's Word . . . in ways that are clear, culturally relevant and loving. Communication includes the teaching, preaching, and proclaiming responsibilities of Christ's Body. We communicate the word to both those in and outside our community of faith.  God's word is more than nice phrases to memorize and quote.  The Word is alive as God's Spirit allows it come to life, producing Christ's character in us.

All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the child of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Equip Believers . . . to be the body of Christ in the world. As we are equipped, we grow personally and spiritually in our relationship with Christ and with others. We are equipped for ministry and mission. Those primarily responsible for equipping believers are the pastor and church leaders. Church School classes, small groups and special courses provide opportunities to be equipped in Christ.

It was (Christ) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up..." Ephesians 4:11-12

Develop Relationships . . . in the family of faith. We recognize that we grow and mature in relationship to each other, and that there is no such thing as a "lone-ranger Christian." God intends for us to fellowship and care for each other in the context of community and relationship. Cedar Hills has many care groups and small groups, as well as dinner groups and fellowship times that help us to grow more connected.

For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether by Jews or Greek, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink... Now you are the Body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
1 Corinthians 12:13, 27

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another..." Hebrews 10:25

Adore God . . . in worship, service and devotion. Adoration and worship of God is at the heart of who we are and at the heart of our purpose as the people of God. It is our expression of love to God. We become most fully ourselves when we most fully worship our Lord. Our worship takes many forms from music to drama, to the spoken word, prayer and our actions of adoration.

Love the Lord you God with all your heart, and with all soul and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5

Reach the World . . . with the fantastic news of God's Son, Jesus. We strive to reach out through missions, community service, helping the needy, and special inviting events. We support quarterly American Baptist Offerings as well as tithing 10% of our church revenue towards American Baptists United in Mission.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20

"Do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16
 

You will notice that the acrostic to this description of our purpose forms the word CEDAR - as in Cedar Hills Baptist Church. Wow!

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon." Psalm 92:12

The Cedar Tree, as well as being plentiful around our church and a part of who we are, has a rich biblical background. The "cedars of Lebanon" is a phrase frequently found in the Old Testament to convey the people of Israel's strength in God. The Cedar is a symbol of unshakable strength, found in God. Trees are symbols of deep roots in God - and growth. We find that this symbolism of the Cedar helps us understand our purpose. Our purpose is rooted in the strength of God.

Perhaps by remembering the acrostic that CEDAR forms, we get a better grasp of  the purpose of our church. As we plan and dream of what God wants for our church, we can weigh those dreams against the purpose and better find our individual place within this part of Christ's Body.