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Mission Statement

The mission of Candlelight Fellowship is to be a body of believers who worship God in spirit and in truth by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We will study the scriptures applying it’s truth to our lives, gather together for fellowship and spread the Gospel both at home and abroad.

Candlelight Fellowship is a body of believers (1) gathering together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ to (2) worship Him, be (3) taught by His Word, (4) grow in our love for one another and (5) be equipped for the work of the ministry by (6) serving the body of Christ and (7) bringing the gospel to all men both at home and abroad.

(1) Hebrews 10:25, (2) Psalm 96, (3) 2 Timothy 3:16-17, (4) 1 Peter 1:22, (5) Ephesians 4:11-12, (6) Colossians 3:16, 1 Peter 1:22, Hebrews 10:24-25, (7) Matthew 28:19-20.

We believe the Church is the (1) Body of Christ: the habitation of God through the Spirit. Every born again believer is an integral part of His body. Jesus said: (2) "I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." 

(1) 1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:21-22, (2) Matthew 16:18.

We believe the mission of the Church is to be a family of those who (1) worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, to be a body of believers who (2) study the scriptures that we might grow in the grace and in the knowledge of the Lord; fashioned into the image of Jesus. To be a body of believers who (3) gather together for fellowship, encouragement, instruction and prayer. To be an agency for the (4) evangelization of the world.

(1) John 4:23-24 (2) 2 Timothy 2:15 (3) Hebrews 10:25 (4) Matthew 28:19-20 

Paul told the Ephesian believers that: "…He Himself (Jesus) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ; from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." (Eph. 4:11-17 NKJV)

It is clear from this passage that it is the desire of the Lord to see men and women brought to the place of usefulness as members of the body of Christ. The vision of Candlelight Fellowship is to equip saints for the work of the ministry. The Lord has set into His Church "apostles,…prophets,…evangelists,…pastors and teachers," for this very purpose.

Some today are convinced that the work of the ministry is the work of the Pastor/s (Elder/s) of the Church. However, Paul clearly states that the responsibility of the Pastor/s (Elder/s) is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry. As Believers grow and mature in the faith they are directed by the Holy Spirit into various areas of service. Every believer in Jesus has gifts and a calling that the Lord has specifically designed for their usefulness in His Kingdom.

Paul the apostle has given what has been called the "four fold process" of seeing believers come into fruitfulness in the work of the ministry. It is found in his exhortation to Timothy as a young pastor under his tutelage. "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful (trustworthy, committed) men who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2)

Paul as an elder in the Church had worked with and found Timothy faithful in his service to the Lord Jesus and had called him as a student in pastoral work. As part of the training process, Paul gave Timothy the responsibility to seek out faithful men who could be trained to repeat the process.

It is therefore the responsibility of the Pastor/s (Elder/s) to equip members of the body to serve: oversee, teach, encourage, administrate, pray for and support the local body as well as spread the gospel to those who are outside.

Some may be called as deacons (Servants unto the Lord, responsible for many administrative and task oriented duties in the localized body of Christ.) others may serve as elders (overseers and pastor/teachers responsible for teaching and equipping the body, leading the congregation in worship, prayer, instruction in the Scriptures, encouragement, counsel, prayer for the sick, and when necessary the administration of church discipline.)

Additionally, the Lord has gifted members of His body with Spiritual gifts for the edification of the body through prophetic direction, exhortation and comfort. (1 Cor.14:3, Acts 13:Acts 13:1-2)

In the overall scheme of things, men and women in the local assembly will be led by the Lord to take on various tasks and responsibilities. These offerings of service may be as humble as cleaning the toilets and picking up around the property or as glorious as providing instruction and encouragement to the children of the fellowship. It is in the process of our growth and service that we are "proven" and found "faithful" in the work of the Lord. As we grow, we are given greater responsibility within the framework of the local body. Paul when training Timothy exhorted: "Do not lay hands on anyone hastily…" (1 Timothy 5:22b) Therefore believers in the local body are encouraged to wait upon the Lord for specific direction and when given responsibility, faithfully execute their assignments thoroughly and completely with integrity and enthusiasm.

It should be noted that every believer in the body of Christ has specific gifts and callings. No one should be led to believe that he or she is exempt from the need to join together with others in the body in order to serve and mutually benefit all.

As believers in Jesus we are called to share the Gospel with a dying world, making disciples of all who believe. It is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to share the Gospel with "every creature." (Mark 16:15) We are all called to "be witnesses" (Acts 1:8) unto the Lord, even if we aren’t participating in an organized evangelistic effort. As we are taught the Scriptures, gather together with other believers for worship, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer, we are equipped to serve one another as well as reach out to this dark and needy generation.

Prayer

To develop a consistent and habitual life of devotional and intercessory prayer. "He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." (Luke 18:1)

Worship

To grow in ministry to the Lord as worshippers who: "worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him." (John 4:23)

Doctrine

To "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Pet. 3:18) To understand the Word of God to the extent that they might: "give an answer to every man that asks of you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:15) To: "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15) and to know how we "ought to walk and to please God" (1 Thes. 4:1) as a testimony to the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (Matt. 5:16)

Fellowship

To come to understand that God has called us together, out of this world, as a unique and peculiar people unto Himself. (Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9) To understand that we are a single body, with Christ as the Head, (Eph. 1:22-23) that every member though distinct is important, (Eph. 4:15-16) and is called to encourage, build up, and selflessly minister to the others. (Col. 3:16)

Evangelism

To equip the body of Christ to share their faith (the Gospel) with this dying world. We know that Jesus is the only Way, the only Truth and the only Life. (John 14:6) He is the only Savior and there is no other. (Is. 43:11, Is. 45:21)

Specific Direction

Specific and distinct vision, plans, goals and directives are given to both elders and deacons for corporate directive as well as to individual members of the body who desire to participate in personal ministry. We believe every believer is gifted and called to these specifics as the Lord directs.

"For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you." (Titus 1:5)

May the Lord richly bless you as you continue to study His Word. 

In the process of raising men and women into places of service and leadership we desire to follow the specifically designated guidelines as prescribed by the Scriptures.

Concerning Elders and their Wives.

In the letters of instruction given to Timothy and Titus we read:

"This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work."  (1 Timothy 3:1 NKJV)

When writing to Timothy, Paul used the word "episkopos" to describe the elder

(bishop KJV). "Episkopos" is defined as: a superintendent, i.e. officer in general charge of a (or the) church, bishop, pastor/teacher or overseer.

"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:2-7 NKJV) (See Also Titus 1:5-9)

Concerning Deacons and their Wives.

Paul used the word "diakonos", (Deacon). It is defined as: one to run on errands; an attendant, i.e. a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); deacon, minister, servant.)

"Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 3:8-13 NKJV)

In addition to the guidelines found in the pastoral epistles we believe it is important to have leaders in the local fellowship who fulfill the following Biblical standards.

Doctrine and Philosophy of Ministry

It is necessary to have those who serve as leaders in the local assembly, share a common view on the fundamental doctrines of the Bible as well as a common philosophy of ministry. (Amos 3:3) As Paul mentions in his comments to Timothy and Titus one of the distinguishing marks of an elder is that they are "able to teach." (1 Tim. 3:2) Therefore those who serve together should be working together for the common good of the body and make every effort to provide them with "sound doctrine." Therefore we look for men who embrace and support those fundamental points of doctrine as recorded in our "Statement of Faith."

Paul exhorted: "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Cor. 1:10) "But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine." (Titus 2:1)

Secondly, because there are various and distinct methods of leadership in the churches today, it is necessary (to avoid confusion and discouragement to the body) that those who serve as leaders agree upon the methods and mannerisms employed.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Ps. 133:1) "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph. 4:1-3)

Spirituality

It has become increasingly popular to utilize methods and agendas developed by humanistic and secular society to dictate the programs, methods and directives of the local Church.

We believe that the local Church is to be led by the Spirit of God. Therefore men who serve as leaders in the local assembly are to be men who first of all are men of the Word. We are called to "study" (2 Tim 2:15) the scriptures and "be ready always to give an answer to every man…" (1 Peter 3:15) We are to be men who’s lives are directed by and submitted to the Holy Scripture.

Secondly, men in leadership should be men who are in the habit of spending time in prayer, waiting in the presence of God. An elder should be a man who faithfully brings up the needs of the fellowship before the Lord in prayer. Paul said: "(We)…do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." (Col. 1:9-12)

Jesus is the ultimate example of Christian leadership and has left for us an example of His discipline and dependence upon His Heavenly Father by spending time in prayer. If He spent time in the presence of His Father, consider the greatness of our need as fleshly men of a fallen and sinful nature.

Accountability

Men in leadership should be men who humbly attend to counsel and make themselves accountable to fellow believers. No man will ever be a great leader who has not first learned to be a faithful follower. It is of greatest importance to understand that a leader in the body of Christ is a servant to the body of Christ, not a ruler who dictates to and lords over the flock of God. An independent, glory seeking, power hungry and/or self-willed spirit must be set aside if one is to be a servant/leader to the body of Christ.  

Because people look to the elders and deacons in the local assembly as examples, it is important that their lifestyle depicts integrity, consistency and faithfulness. Paul told Timothy to: "…be…an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Tim. 4:12)

Commitment

An elder should be a man who is committed to the flock. Not a hireling who when persecution, opposition and difficulty arises flees and leaves the body unprotected and unnourished.

Jesus said: "The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep." (John 10:13) He went on to say that He is "the good shepherd; and (that He) know(s) (His) sheep, and (is) known by (His) own." (John 10:14) We are called to follow His example.  

Men in leadership at Candlelight are those found in the habit of regularly attending Sunday services, Wednesday evening prayer meetings and small groups. We look for those who are willing servants who are generally among the first to arrive and last to leave. There are always things to do and people to serve. Those in leadership are willing to do any task that serves the body.  

Secondly, as examples to the local body, men in leadership should be men who faithfully support the local assembly through the giving of their tithe and offerings.

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (Mal. 3:10)

It is obvious to everyone today that there are financial responsibilities that accompany the work of the ministry. We are of the opinion that "where God guides, He provides"; however, it is clear from the scripture that in the New Testament Church, God has chosen to use the body of Christ as the primary avenue by which He provides the needed finances for the operation of the ministry.

Visibility and Availability

Serving in leadership is much more than filling a position in the church; it is a passion for the body of Christ. Therefore, we believe that elders and deacons should be available (as much as is possible) 24 hours a day, ready to serve in times of crisis and as under-shepherds ready to assist the local body with its growing need.

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." (1 Peter 5:2-5)

"If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work." (1 Tim. 3:1)

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