How we discern
Good intentions are not enough (Proverbs 19:2). Before any ministry begins it must show that Scripture really asks for the work, and that Orange County really needs it.
“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.”
We never decide what we would like to do and attach a verse afterwards. Every ministry is tested against Scripture first, and we say honestly how strong its basis is (Acts 17:11).
Our Orange County Need Survey maps the county field by field before we act, as a wise builder first counts the cost (Luke 14:28):
Where others already do the work well, we strengthen them rather than compete; we are fellow workers (1 Corinthians 3:9).
Five classes
Feeding the hungry is commanded; running a particular style of food bank is not. We add nothing to God’s word and take nothing from it (Deuteronomy 4:2), so every ministry carries one of these five labels.
Scripture directly and repeatedly commands the work (2 Timothy 3:16–17). This is the heart of what we do.
For exampleFeeding the hungry, visiting prisoners, caring for widows (Matthew 25:35–36; James 1:27).
Scripture repeatedly teaches or models the principle, though not the modern programme (1 Corinthians 10:11).
For exampleHonest work and provision; sobriety and self-control (Ephesians 4:28; Titus 2:12).
A modern way of carrying out a biblical command. We use it, but we never call it commanded (Deuteronomy 4:2).
For exampleA particular way of distributing food; a volunteer clinic.
Good and lawful, but not an obligation. It may serve the mission and must never replace it (1 Corinthians 10:23).
For exampleChristian Sport and our church-team cups (1 Timothy 4:8).
No adequate biblical basis, or contrary to our doctrine and purpose. We decline it (Colossians 2:8).
For exampleParty politics; causes that put a programme above the person (John 18:36).
How a ministry grows
One plants, another waters, but God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). A church may adopt one of our ministries; that is a joy, never a prerequisite.
Stage 1
Where a commanded work is absent or plainly inadequate, we establish the ministry directly (Romans 15:20).
Stage 2
Where a need is larger than any one church, we gather Christians from many congregations into one team (Acts 11:29–30).
Stage 3
When a ministry is repeatable, we write it down and train others to reproduce it, entrusting it to faithful people who will teach others (2 Timothy 2:2).
No ministry begins merely because someone proposes a good cause. Each must first set down plainly (Habakkuk 2:2):
Many churches struggle to maintain the safeguards that specialist ministry needs. We hold them once, for everyone (Galatians 6:2):
We serve in the languages of our neighbours, with Spanish and Vietnamese as early priorities, so that each hears in their own tongue (Acts 2:6–8).
Bring your skills, your car, your toolbox or simply your Saturday mornings. The harvest is plentiful and the labourers are few (Matthew 9:37–38).