One of the unique things, that in some way distinguishes West Oaks Fellowship from other New Testament Churches, is the belief and practice that “people are more important than programs.” When one evaluates, and then with discernment, carefully considers the ministry of Jesus Christ, you’ll discover that His ministry was primarily centered around people and relationships. Large crowds of people (over 150 references in the Gospels) gathered to hear Him teach because He taught as no other (Matthew 7:29)! In addition, He invested considerable time speaking with individuals — the woman at the well (John 4:7-43), the one caught in adultery (John 8:3-11), Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-46), etc. Christ also instructed those called the “brethren” (Matthew 28:10; John 20:17, 21:23) and the “seventy” (Luke 10:1, 17), all groups of true and faithful followers. This small sampling from the scripture barely scratches the surface, and does not include all the time He spent rebuking and debunking the religious leadership of the day concerning their misguided fallacies about the Law and God’s own nature/character. In addition, consider the close knit group around Him we call disciples, apostles, or the twelve (Luke 18:31), They received countless moments/hours of encouragement, direct training, and instruction (Matthew 10:5-11:1). Even after the resurrection, He is still dealing primarily with people individually (John 20:11-18), in small groups (Luke 24:12-35; Mark 16:7; John 21), and even on a larger scale (I Corinthians 15:6).
In all sincerity, we at West Oaks Fellowship desire to be a people-centered, relationship-based church, following the biblical pattern, practice, and example of our Lord, Jesus Christ as demonstrated in His earthly ministry and the early New Testament Church. Therefore, we earnestly desire to elevate the importance of each individual’s personal relationship with their Lord, emphasize the relationships that exist within the context of each family/household, gain a greater understanding of the eternal relationships we enjoy now with our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as learn to deal properly and effectively with those we encounter on an everyday basis who are outside the Christian faith.
In other words, at West Oaks Fellowship, we care more about the individual person, along with each one’s spiritual well being and proper development, than about the success of all our programs. Certainly, programs are important for the proper functioning of a church family; however, our multi-faceted ministry and all of our programs can’t possibly be effective and meaningful unless they are accompanied by spiritual maturity, and by individuals who understand the significance of relationships, and how we are all being properly fit together as valuable and significant joints/parts of Christ’s Body, His redeemed and glorious Bride, the Church.
I’d like to invite you to visit West Oaks Fellowship, and consider becoming part of this dynamic New Testament ministry. When you come, please introduce yourself to me, just ask for “Pastor Frank” and someone will point me out. That will afford me the honor and privilege of meeting you personally. If you’re looking for a relaxed, multi-ethnic church where the people are:
- genuinely friendly
- non-judgmental
- seriously seeking to experience true Christian living on an everyday basis
- desirous of sound Bible teaching and
- whole-heartedly committed to meaningful, yet biblical, New Testament worship and fellowship . . . then West Oaks Fellowship just might be the place you’ve been looking (waiting) for.
His & Yours,
Pastor Frank