What are we thinking?
Unity
God said early on that it’s not good for man to be alone. That‘s true for each individual and for the Church, where unity and oneness are essentials. Desiring to move beyond the division of denominations, we believe there is only one Church universal, with many expressions of that one Church in each locality. This unity begins with our commitment to each other in sharing our lives and expands as we network with other gatherings locally and beyond.
Ownership
Everyone at NHG has a part that is essential to the whole. We remind ourselves and each other that this is a “No Parking” zone: we‘re not just here to sit and take up space! We desire and expect each one to bring the specific part that he or she carries, so that we all may benefit and grow together. Though many come in weak or wounded from life’s battles, we know with love and time they are ready to join our work in progress.
Influence-
The Kingdom of God is within you, and you carry it wherever you go. It’s greater than any cultural, economic, or societal label. It’s how God reaches out beyond the spaces that have traditionally tried to confine Him and into every realm of influence., We carry Him into business, education, government, art, and every place our lives take us. These are our spheres of influence, our mission fields, and the places we live out our lives freely and fully in Christ.
What are our distinctives?
We are Bible-believing: We believe that the Bible is not a work of man but a work of the Spirit of God, breathed into men who wrote it down as the ever-enduring Word of God.
We are Spirit-filled: We believe that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and the things He did we do through His life-giving Spirit. We believe the Holy Spirit still works mightily in and through His people just like He did in the days of the early church.” We see no evidence other than unbelief to say the Holy Spirit no longer does these things. We believe these things because we are Bible-believing.
We are on-the-go: We can’t limit the Church to a couple of weekly meetings at a specific time and place. The Spirit of God is always at work around us, and we want to be with Him! Our regular gatherings, while essential, are just the beginning. We stay on call, ready to go whenever and wherever He is working.
What about the children?
There is no junior Holy Spirit. Children absorb much of the Spirit’s activity in the gathering of the saints and often have something to bring. We purposefully keep them within reach of their family during our times together, so they may be included. All of us share the responsibility of overseeing the children during these times, mindful that we are together raising up the next generation. Sometimes it gets a little loud, but it’s always worth it!