It should be noted that this value statement is not necessarily in order of importance. The importance of each value varies according to situations and circumstances. Austin reviews these values on a consistent and regular basis to ensure that each one receives its proper appropriation and attention in his ministry.
Commitment to Relevant Bible Exposition.
Austin believes that the Bible is God’s inspired Word, the authoritative and trustworthy rule of faith and practice for Christians. the Bible is both timeless and timely, relevant to the common needs of all people at all times and to the specific problems of contemporary living. Therefore, he is committed to equipping Christians, through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, to follow Christ in every sphere of life.
2 Timothy 3:16
2 Peter 1:20-21
Ephesians 4:12
2 Timothy 2:15
Commitment to Prayer.
Austin believes that God desires His people to pray and that He hears and answers prayer. Therefore, Austin’s ministry, and his actions surrounding his ministry, is characterized by a reliance on prayer.
Matthew 7:7-11
James 5:13-18
Commitment to Lay Ministry.
Austin believes that one of his primary responsibilities as a leader in the Church is to “prepare God’s people for works of service” (Ephesians 4:12). This is accomplished through his service in the Church, the articles provided on this site to be used as training opportunities, and through practices which encourage reader and user participation in the areas of leadership, responsibility, and authority to witness and advance the Kingdom.
Ephesians 4:12
2 Timothy 1:6-8
Acts 1:8
Commitment to Fellowship.
Austin is committed to cultivating deep, abiding relationships within the body of Christ, stimulating spiritual growth. He values people’s differences as well their commitment to teamwork. Therefore, he exhorts each reader and user to find those with like interest and work together to further fellowship.
Romans 12:5
1 Thessalonians 5:11
1 John 1:3
1 Corinthians 1:9
Commitment to Excellence.
Austin believes that the God of our salvation deserves the absolute best we have to offer. The Lord himself is a God of excellence, as shown by the beauty of creation; further, He gave the best that He had, His only Son, for us. Paul exhorts servants, in whatever they do, to “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” This will be achieved when every person is exercising his or her on God-given spiritual gift to the best of his or her ability.
Romans 8:32
Colossians 3:23
1 Corinthians 12
Commitment to Growth (Evangelism).
Although numerical growth is not necessarily a sign of God’s blessing, and is not a sufficient goal in itself, Austin believes that God desires for us to reach as many people as possible with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Therefore, he pursues methods and policies which facilitates numerical growth, without compromising his integrity or his commitment to biblical truth. In addition, he seeks to grow spiritually by rooting all users and readers of this site in the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:15
2 Corinthians 5:20
2 Timothy 4:5
Acts 2:38
Commitment to Serve.
Austin believes that Jesus came to serve rather than to be served. He also believes that transformational leadership occurs through servant leadership. “David served God’s purpose in his own generation.” Further, Jesus said, “He that would be great among you, let him serve.” Therefore Austin seeks to serve, rather than be served. We will be second, so Christ might be first.
Acts 13:36
Proverbs 19:17
Acts 20:35
Matthew 5:16
Hebrews 6:10