What we do and why we do it...

 

ATM is an apostolic resource center of a tightly knit, interdependently related churches, ministries, and leaders dedicated to equipping the church (local and global) to be disciples of Jesus Christ. We are convinced that disciples make a tangible difference in the world. We believe that part of that difference is made though passionate and intentional pursuit of the Holy Spirit and that proper relationship with the Holy Spirit drives us to commit to relating together over the purposes and assignments of God in our lifetime.

 

Therefore, we are firmly committed to:

1. Equipping believers of all ages and experience to advance and promote the kingdom of God.

2. Teaching all believers to understand their role and responsibilities as priests unto the Lord. 

3. Training and developing men and women to be leaders.

4. Establishing strong families grounded in biblical reality.

5. Building and strengthening local churches and their members to stand in adversity.

6. Teaching the body of Christ how to hear and properly respond to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

7. Planting and establishing vibrant and influential churches.

8. Global missions with an apostolically-minded mandate to make disciples of the nations

9. Equipping the saints of God for the work of the ministry, which takes place both in within the four walls of the church and outside the walls in the community.

 

Our Philosophy of Ministry

In our desire to please the Lord and fulfill His purposes in the earth, we believe it is important not only to have proper ministry goals in view, but proper methods and attitudes as well. Thus we subscribe to the following Philosophy of

Ministry:

 

SERVANTHOOD: We will fail in our mission to see the life of Christ formed in others if we do not exemplify it ourselves. Perhaps nowhere does the nature and character of Christ shine in contrast to the spirit of this world than in his posture as a servant. If Deity can humble Himself to take the form of a bondslave (Phil.2: 7), can we as mere mortals dare to do anything less. Thus, as much as lies within us, we will endeavor to have this same mind that was in Christ Jesus (Phil. 2:5) and serve our brethren and humanity in humility and simplicity of spirit.

 

EQUIPPING: We firmly believe that God’s work is not to be done by a gifted few, but rather, the ascended Christ has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers that they might equip or prepare all of the Lord’s people to do

work of the ministry to the end that His Church would reach the fullness in quantity and quality which He intends (Eph. 4:11 13). Thus we reject such artificial distinctions as clergy/laity in God’s people and secular/Christian in their work.

 

TEAM MINISTRY: When Christ sent out His disciples by two’s. He established a pattern of team ministry, which continued, after His Ascension. Thus we see in the Book of Acts extra-local ministry carried on by apostolic bands such as Peter & John and Paul & Barnabas while at the local level-elders in plurality were established to give guidance and care to each new community of believers. From Scripture and experience we have grown to appreciate the inherent wisdom and value of team ministry:

• In the multitude of counselors there is safety and wisdom (Prov. 11:14; 15:22). If one falters the others can pick him up. (Eccl. 4:9-12)

• No one person has all the needed gifts for a situation, thus they can complement one another.

• A team ministry provides a ‘mini-workshop’ of how the whole body is supposed to function in coordination and cooperation with each other.