As members of the Church, we confess that Jesus is the Christ the Son
of the Living God and proclaim Him Lord and Savior of the world. In
Christ’s name and by His grace, we accept our mission of witness and
service to all people. We rejoice in God, maker of heaven and earth, and
in the covenant of love, which binds us to God and one another. Through
baptism into Christ, we enter into newness of life and are made one
with the whole people of God. In the communion of the Holy Spirit, we
are joined together in discipleship and in obedience to Christ. At the
table of the Lord, we celebrate with thanksgiving the saving acts and
presence of Christ. Within the universal church, we receive the gifts of
ministry and the light of scripture. In the bonds of Christian faith,
we yield ourselves to God that we may serve the one whose Kingdom has no
end. Blessings, glory, and honor be to God forever. Amen.
The Confession of Faith
Jesus asked the apostle Peter, “Who do you say I am?” and Simon Peter
responded, “ You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This
profound confession became the model by which all generations of
Christians have expressed their faith. Like generation upon generation
before, you stand in front of the fellowship of Disciples and listen to
the ageless invitation of the Pastor, “Do you believe that Jesus is the
Christ, the Son of the living God, and do you accept him as your
personal Lord and Savior?” With peace, firmness, and commitment, you
respond, “I Do!” With that confession, your Christian life begins.
What you may expect from the church...
You now belong to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and to
the whole people of God united in a common faith. What expectations do
you have of this fellowship? The church is a company of believers. You
will receive, in their presence, the grace of God through baptism. It is
the place where you will receive renewal of your faith through the
breaking of bread and through worship. The members of this congregation
will provide a caring community that will sustain you and help you hold
fast to your course. The church will be present to sanctify the critical
events of your family life. It will serve as the vehicle through which
you can channel your witness and service to Christ. Finally, the church
will continue to educate the life of your faith through study. You,
therefore, can expect much and you will receive much from this church.
What the church expects from you...
On becoming a member of Victory and Power Ministries, each one
covenants to love, honor, and esteem the Pastor; to pray for him, to
recognize his authority in spiritual affairs of the church; to cherish a
love for all members of the church; to support the church in prayer,
regular giving of tithes and offerings, regular church attendance, and
with other financial support as the Lord enables for ministry
advancement such as outreach, spreading the gospel, feeding the poor,
etc., and in accordance with scripture, support through a lifestyle
which affirms the beliefs and practices of the church.
Senior Pastor
The Senior Pastor, Dr. Ralph N. Moore, Sr. is the spiritual leader
and Chief Executive Officer of the congregation. In cooperation with the
Presbytery, the Senior Pastor encourages and works toward orderly
procedures in the life and work of the church. The Senior Pastor is
responsible for providing spiritual oversight to the congregation
through the preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ while
promoting the vision and mission of Victory and Power Ministries.
Presbytery - Ruling Elders
The Presbytery is made of Elders who are appointed by the Senior
Pastor to jointly oversee the affairs of the congregation. The Ruling
Elders give advice and counsel to the Senior Pastor; consider and
recommend general policies to the congregation; transact business of the
church, establish the annual budget of the church for presentation to
the congregation, board, receive reports from the Senior Pastor,
ministries and various organizations of the church.
Ministers
The Ministers are clergy persons whose ordinations or licenses have
been recognized by the Senior Pastor. Ministers also include persons who
are being prepared for licensure or ordination and who display Godly
lives of integrity, having acknowledged their call to ministry by
pursuing their seminary education. The Ministers have proven to be
faithful and active members of the church.
Pastoral Elders
The Pastoral Elders primary responsibility is to provide spiritual
oversight to the congregation in partnership with the Senior Pastor. The
Pastoral Elders promote the spiritual growth and welfare of the church;
give spiritual guidance to the members with respect to regular
attendance at the Lord’s Supper, serve at the Lord’s Table as assigned,
take communion to those who cannot attend church and to others who
request it or would appreciate it. The Pastoral Elders visit the sick
and shut-in; give concern for the morally delinquent and spiritually
indifferent, encourage by example and word the missionary, evangelistic,
educational and stewardship responsibilities of the church.
Deacons
The Deacons are persons appointed by the Senior Pastor to represent
Christ and His Church, particularly as a servant of those in need; and
to assist the Senior Pastor in the proclamation of the Gospel and the
administration of the sacraments. Deacons are the eyes, ears, hands,
arms, and feet of the Senior Pastor. The Deacon serves in harmony with
the Senior Pastor and the Elders to build up the Kingdom of God and to
care for the congregation.
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