UNAFFILIATED MINISTRIES
It is important for Christians to live a life of continuous spiritual growth with the goal of becoming more Christ like each day. For this purpose, the Lord has equipped the individual as well as the Church (his bride) with everything needed to be successful in carrying out all he has commanded.
2 Peter 1:3 – as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue
Ephesians 4: 11-16 – and He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
2 Timothy 3: 16-17 – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Here at ANBC, we believe it’s essential to disciple the children of God as well reach the lost. Because of this, we offer multiple ministry opportunities for the individual as well as the family looking to further their relationship with the Lord.
In addition to internal resources within the church, there are several outside of ANBC designed to assist you in your walk with the Lord.
Many of these can be fruitful if pursued with spiritual discernment. Whether a Christian conferences or three-day spiritual renewal retreat, it is important for the believer to do their research (1 John 4:1).
A. If a website is available, visit it. Most Christian based movement/ministries have policies and practices available to the public. Many also provide a frequently asked question section that helps paint a better picture of the organization’s values as well as intentions. If information on the movement/ministry is difficult to attain, then we recommend considering other options.
B. If sponsorship is part of the process, make sure your sponsor is forthcoming about all aspects of the movement/ministry they represent. There should be no secrecy when it comes to the discipleship process. (for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15)
C. Seek guidance from an ANBC Elder. The Elders have been appointed and entrusted with the care of the flock (1 Peter 5:2), a responsibility not taken lightly. There are many deceivers out in the world (2 John 1:7), as well as blind guides (Matthew 15:13-14). The ANBC Elders are not only here to assist you in your spiritual growth, but to protect you from those who seek to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
D. Before attending an unaffiliated ministry, take your time in prayer. Make sure that your decision is prompted by the Holy Spirit and not peer pressure. When you come to your decision, let your yes be yes, and your no be no (Matthew 5:37).
Here at ANBC, we believe the utilization of unaffiliated ministries can be beneficial to our member’s walk with the Lord if approached from a biblical perspective. If you are considering or are currently scheduled to attend an upcoming event and would like some assistance with the process, please contact us @ 912-545-3141.
