About St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
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People often visit churches based on their preferences (similar taste in music or style of teaching), but they stay at a church because of its missional principles. Here at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, we refer to these principles as our DNA Statements. These statements paint the picture of the kind of values and church we are striving to be, and prayerfully, you will see them demonstrated through our mission, vision, and ministry at every level of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church at Ontario. We are a mission-driven church. Everything we do is to help people find and follow God. We are a kingdom-first church. We are here to build God's kingdom, first and foremost. We are an everyone's welcome church. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Ontario, Oregon is a place where you can belong before you believe. We are a better together church. Life was never meant to be lived alone. An authentic biblical community is experienced best when you get connected. We are an all in church. We are a church built on the sacrifices of many, not the talents of a few. We are a nobody's perfect church. God meets us right where we are at and loves us enough never to leave us there. We create safe places for people to process their faith with grace and truth. We are a generous church. We strive to always go beyond the minimum. We are a life-giving church.We will be known more for what we are for than what we are against. We are a next steps church. No matter where you were at in your spiritual journey, God has the right next step for you! We are a gospel-driven church. We will lift high and proclaim the name of Jesus. The only name by which we are saved, rescued, and redeemed.
We believe that God's justifying grace in the gospel must not be separated from its sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves, acting with compassion toward the poor and needy, seeking justice for the oppressed. In fellowship with one another, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil, especially with the Word of God and prayer. In all that we do, we are to bear witness to the gospel in word and deed, making disciples among all people.
About Sanctification: Sanctification is the ongoing process of yielding to God's Word and His Spirit in order to complete the development of Christ's character in us. It is through the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God that the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
About Tenacity: Never give up - A river cuts through rock, not because of its power but because of its perseverance. 'Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus... who for the joy set before him endured the cross... so you will not grow weary and lose heart' - Hebrews 12:1-3