ABOUT US
BELIEFS
What follows is our understanding of basic “essentials” of the biblical, orthodox Christian faith. We call this our “doctrinal statement.”
We believe each of these clearly reflects a theological conviction, which has been commonly held by Christ-followers throughout the history of Christian thought and teaching, as derived from the sixty-six books of the bible.
Bible
We believe the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of God’s will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16–17; John 14:26; 16:12–15)
God
We believe in one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 28:19)
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is true God (John 1:1) and true man (Hebrews 2:14), having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:34-35). He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3; 20:24–29), was bodily raised on the third day and ascended into heaven (Acts 1:1–9), where he is at the right hand of God the Father (Colossians 3:1). He now is our High Priest and Advocate (Hebrews 7:25,26; 1 John 2:1; Philippians 2:5–7)
Holy Spirit
We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:14) and during this age to convict men (John 16:8), regenerate the believing sinner (John 3:5–8), indwell (1 Corinthians 12: 13), guide, instruct (John 14:26), and empower the believer for godly living and service (Ephesians 5:18–21)
Man
We believe that man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) but fell into sin (Genesis 3) and is therefore eternally separated from God (Romans 5:12–21), and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and eternal spiritual life be obtained (John 3:5–8)
Cross
We believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed in His death on the cross, and His Resurrection from the dead provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe (Hebrews 9:22–28;Romans 4:25), and only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become children of God (John 1:10–13;3:5–8)
Ordinances
We believe that water Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age (Matthew 28:19–20;1 Corinthians 11:23–26). They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation (Ephesians 2:8, 9)
MISSIONS
We believe the New Testament church showed much grace in their contributions, however small or big towards the wider needs of the mission work that was happening around them. As a church we consider such a contribution being essential to our maturing as a Gospel-Centred Church.
As a church we support Worchi and Susan. Worchi works with YFC in Thailand and Susan works as a teacher. Worchi engages with youngsters through sports and taking English classes.
The church also gives to the mission support fund at The Crossroad Church, in North Bangalore.
The church also gives to the mission support fund at The Crossroad Church, in North Bangalore.
Elder Board
Benjamin Stephen, Pastor In-Charge
Benji, completed his MDiv in New Testament studies from SAIACS in 2014. Prior to moving as a church planter to the south of Bangalore he served for 4 years with Crossroad Church as an Executive Pastor (www.crossroadbangalore.org). Prior to taking up theological studies he worked in the Biopharmaceutical industry for 12 years. His interests are primarily in the areas of music and reading. Married to Rashmi, they are blessed with two children, Gabriel and Jessica. Rashmi is part of the the praise, intercessory prayer and kids ministries. Benji also works with Langham Preaching, as the Operations Manager for Asia & South Pacific.
Timothy Connors, Elder-Pastor
Timothy, more fondly called as Timmy moved from Chennai to Bangalore in the year 2000, to work at Breakthrough. He has a personal vision to impact lives through creative means. Along with his supporting wife he makes it his mission to encourage and enable others’ success in whatever way possible, even through humor. Timmy is married to Ruth and are blessed with two children, Caleb and Debbie. As a family they jointly strive, to the extent possible, to be leaders of influence, serving for the Kingdom of God in whatever way possible. Ruth leads the Intercessory prayer ministry and part of the praise ministry.
FEATURES
Governance
The church is governed by a male elder board in which the Pastor in-charge is considered as the first among equals. Monthly board meetings would review matters on spiritual health, finances, missions etc. The appointment of an elder will follow the scriptural guidelines (1 Tim 3; Titus 1) in addition to going through the doctrinal understandings in more formal manner. Apart from the Elder Board, the church will have some paid staff and would rely much on time and talent being volunteered to the working out of weekly activities. A day and time is set aside for the ‘working committee’ to deliberate the aspects (praise and worship, announcements, preaching etc.) of the worship service from the previous Sunday and prepare for the following Sunday.
Stewardship
The giving on Sunday’s and otherwise is considered as ‘stewardship’. We believe that the NT teaching on giving is towards individuals cheerfully extending their resources thereby exercising their faith in the work of the church and therefore participating in expanding the Kingdom of God. Financial integrity and accountability is of high priority in the church. By all means transparency of the book keeping/accounts would be in place, allowing for a member to access it for a valid reason. From time to time (preferably each quarter) the financial health of the church will be presented to the members.
Worship
We believe the whole time spent in the presence of the Triune Lord on a Sunday Worship service or any other community gathering is centred on him. Which would mean singing, preaching, teaching, fasting, studying and giving are drawn from him and yielded back towards him as a response, being his children.
Primary Ministries
We believe that discipleship is key to the Great Commission and these would happen through the pulpit ministry and the ‘Life Group’. The ‘Life Group’ would essentially be a community in which we become vulnerable and available, being influenced by studying the Word of God. These would include the ministry to children and young adults.
Secondary Ministries
These are ministries which happen from time to time addressing Parenting, Marriage, Book Studies and the like.
Membership
All are welcome to be members of the community of Faith. Those desiring membership require to align with the mission, vision, values and beliefs of the church, which will involve attending a membership class. It is further acted upon by actively and regularly participating in the Sunday services, Life Groups and by exercising Biblical stewardship.
CORE VALUES
Gospel-Centred
All our dealings within and outside of the community of faith will witness to the Grace which we ourselves have been recipients of.
Deeply Biblical
The Word of God is studied, taught and preached with the understanding that its right interpretation and application are crucial to health of the church.
Breaking Down Barriers
The church would reflect the nature of the New Testament church where all are considered equally loved and cared for by the Triune Lord.
Missional Living
Every individual would exemplify the witness of the Gospel wherever they may be. Their neighbourhood, school, college or workplace.