Christar

Organizational Principles

Purpose & Mission Statement:

The vision of Christar is to cultivate Christ-honoring transformation in communities where He is yet to be worshiped.

Doctrinal Statement:

Statement of Faith The Triune God We believe that there is only one living and true God. He eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the same in essence and attributes, equal in power and glory. We believe that God, by His Word and for His own glory, created the heavens and earth out of nothing and has graciously given it to man as a gift to manage according to His purpose. God reveals Himself through that creation, His mighty deeds in history, the Scriptures and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Triune God, not the creation, is the ultimate reality and standard for truth, beauty and good. The triune God has no need beyond himself for relationship and love; the triune God models within himself self-giving, love and relationship.  (Genesis 1:1,31; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-13: 45:21-22; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19-20; John 4:23, 24; Rom 1:19,20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:3-6) The Scripture We believe that the Bible consists of the sixty-six (66) books of the Old and New Testaments. The Bible is fully inspired by the Holy Spirit. This inspiration extends to the words of the Bible, not just the concepts. We believe the Bible is entirely true and never false in all it affirms. It alone is the only authoritative word of God and is worthy of our trust and obedience.  (Ps 12:6; 19:7-11; 119:89,160: Matthew 4:4; 5:17-19; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20, 21) God the Father We believe that God the Father loves the world and gave his Son to be its Savior. He is the Father of all who trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation. He is rightly passionate about His glory and desires and delights in the praise of His glory by the nations. His will is for man to firstly know, then worship, trust, love and obey Him. His plan for fulfilling this purpose involves the restoration of creation and man to His original creation purpose and under the headship of Christ. God’s completion of this plan includes the witness of His people in every age.  (Gen 1:26-28: Ps 67 and 96; Isa 43:10-13; John 3:16-17; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:15-17; Ephesians 1:10: 2:4-8; Galatians 3:26; 4:6) God the Son We believe that God the Son became human in the person of Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. He was born of a virgin named Mary. He is truly and fully God, truly and fully man. He lived a perfect, sinless, obedient life. All His teachings are true.  (Luke 1:34-37; John 1:14-18: Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-19; Hebrews 1:1-8; 7:26; 1 Timothy 3:16) We believe that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the whole world on the cross, according to the Scriptures. His death was a sacrifice in the place of sinful human beings and was entirely sufficient to deal with sin.  (Mk 10;45: John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Gal 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9; 1 Pet 3:18; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 2:2) We believe that the dead and buried body of Christ was raised from the grave, according to the Scriptures, and is a proof of the effectiveness of his sacrificial death He ascended into heaven and He sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.  (1 Corinthians 15:4; 12-20; Hebrews 2:17-18; 7:24-25; 10:12; 1 Jn 2:1,2) God the Holy Spirit We believe that God the Holy Spirit is personal, not just a force. He is the author of the Scriptures. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. He is the agent of regeneration. He indwells, seals and baptizes all believers into Christ. This baptism of the spirit also places believers into the universal church called the body of Christ. All these works of the Spirit occur at the time of the believer’s conversion. The Holy Spirit enables the believer to understand and apply the Scriptures. He empowers believers for godly living, and He equips them for witness and service.  (John 16:7-11; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:4-16; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; 6:19; 12:4-7; 12:13; Ephesians 1:13, 14; Titus 3:5; 2 Peter 1:21) Humanity We believe that the human race was created in the image of God with dignity and for fellowship with God, each other and with nature. Although marred by sin, mankind’s status as God’s image is retained. God’s goal for mankind is their worship of Him, their effective management of the world and their living in unity, love and respect with other humans. Due to sin, mankind can reach these goals only after being created anew through God’s grace.  (Genesis 1:26-28; Psalms 8:3-8; James 3:9) Sin Adam sinned and, as a result died spiritually. This means his fellowship with God was broken. In addition physical death entered creation through Adam’s sin. Consequently, all people as descendants of Adam, are considered sinners and enemies by God and have a sinful nature. Every human being is sinful in thought, word and deed, and absolutely in need of salvation. Sin manifests itself in the lives of people through stubbornness, pride, violence, shame, greed, evil intemperate desire and broken relationships with others. Sin affects mankind individually and corporately, even nationally.  (Genesis 3:16-19; Romans 3:23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3; 4:17-19; James 3:13-16) Satan We believe in the existence of a personal Satan and evil angelic powers and that they all have been judged by God in the death and resurrection of Christ. They are powerful and intelligent beings whose goal is marring God’s glory in the world. Temptation, intimidation, deceit and fear are the main weapons Satan and demons use to tempt Christians to sin. The believer needs to be alert and enter into spiritual warfare against Satan and demons. This spiritual warfare is fought with God’s weapons and armor. Believers most clearly face spiritual warfare in evangelism.  (Matthew 25:41; Luke 4:1-13; John 16:11; 2 Corinthians 10:4,5; Ephesians 6:10-20: Revelation 12:9; 20:10) Angels Angels are created beings and are therefore not to be worshiped. Although they are a higher order of creation than man, they are created to serve God and to worship Him and minister to those who are saved.  (Luke 2:9-14; Hebrews 1:6-7, 14; 2:6-7; Revelation 5:11-14; 19:10; 22:9) Salvation We believe that salvation is only by grace, through faith. All who by faith trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior are united with Him, are given spiritual life by the Holy Spirit, are restored to a peaceful relationship with God and declared righteous in God’s sight. Jesus Christ is the only savior of the world, trusting in Christ is the only way for anyone to be saved; people’s good/religious works or wisdom are all insufficient to save. All who are truly born again have been given eternal life, can never lose that salvation by any sin (including doubt) and shall never face God’s eternal punishment in hell. God’s salvation plan includes the restoration of creation, not just salvation of people.  (John 3:16; 10:28; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:8, 9; 8:18-39; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 1:10; 2:8-9; 4:30) The Church and Ordinances We believe that the Church is the focus of God’s redemptive plan for this period of time. The church’s purpose includes the worship of God, the growth of believers and evangelism of the lost. The church exists as a universal body, including all believers in Christ from Pentecost forward and from every nation. It also exists as a local group of baptized believers under God-called and equipped leadership. The Church although diverse in gifts, social and economic status, nationality and race, is wholly one in purpose and character. It is the responsibility of the members of the Church to participate in making disciples of Jesus Christ from every and to live out their faith with good works, such as justice and mercy. The metaphors of the church in the NT (i.e. temple, body) emphasize the unity in purpose, diversity in background and gifting and mutual support and help for growth and encouragement. There are two ordinances, baptism and the Lord's Supper. Neither baptism nor the Lord’s Supper are a part of or add to the salvation of believers. Taking part in these ordinances is commanded of all believers. They provide an expression of faith regarding the believer's identification and fellowship with Christ and are opportunities to celebrate the unity of the church.  (Matthew 16:18; 28:18-20; Romans 15:20-21; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 12:12-26; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:8, 9; 2:19-22; 3:10, 21; Tit 2:14, 3:8,14; James 1:27) The Return of Christ We believe that Jesus Christ will return personally and bodily to take believers in Jesus to be with Him. Christ will return to establish His physically visible kingdom upon the earth and reign in righteousness, justice and peace over the world in fulfillment of Old Testament promises.  (Isaiah 9:6,7; 60; Daniel 2:44,45: 7:13,14; Zechariah 12-14; Romans 11:12-32; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Revelation 3:10; 20:1-10) Resurrection We believe that both believers and unbelievers will be raised from the dead with renewed bodies. The redeemed in Christ will enjoy eternal blessedness in heaven. Those who have not trusted in Christ for salvation will suffer eternal, conscious punishment in hell.  (Daniel 12:2; Mark 9:47-48; John 5:28, 29; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:3,4) Christian Life We believe that the Christian life is to be lived by faith, trusting the Lord to meet all needs. All believers are new creatures in Christ and have been given all they need to live godly lives, in victory over the flesh and Satan. These provisions include the indwelling Holy Spirit, prayer, the Scriptures and the local church. Believers are holy through their union with Christ and are called to live holy lives and to discipline themselves for the purpose of godliness.  (Matthew 6:31-34; Jn 17:17; Romans 6:8, 7:8; Gal 2:20-3:5; Ephesians 6:10-20; Phil 2:13, 3:16: Heb 10:10,14: 1 Peter 1:13-15; 5:8-11; 2 Peter 3:11-14; 2 Timothy 2:3-6; Titus 2:11, 12; Hebrews 12:14)

Core Values:

Additional Information:

Distinctives The Purpose of Operational Distinctives Operational distinctives are elements which have emerged over time as the ethos of Christar. In some cases, they are procedures which help us function more effectively. In other cases, they are positions on issues which allow us to focus on our stewardship–church-planting–rather than argumentation. Operational distinctives are not intended to criticize organizations that operate differently. Daily Prayer Partners Christar requires all workers (as couples or single), before leaving for the field, to recruit 100 people to pray for them daily. The prayer of a single person offered in the name of Jesus has great power. Though the number 100 is not specified by Scripture, this expectation reminds us of our dependence on God and our partnership with those who have sent us. Working in Teams The work of Christar primarily takes place on teams. The definition of a Christar team is a small group of people linked to Christar with complementary gifts who are committed to the goal of planting churches among the least-reached through an agreed-upon ministry plan, mutual care and mutual accountability. Some Christar workers may work on teams with people who are not from Christar. Our desire is to demonstrate the value of the Body of Christ through teamwork. Understanding of Certain Spiritual Gifts Our focus is on our stewardship of planting churches among the least-reached. We understand the typical practice of tongues today is not the same as the sign gift of speaking real languages in New Testament times. We believe that all followers of Christ receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation. Therefore, Christar expects its workers and Mobilization Centers not to practice or propagate “speaking in tongues.” Men and Women in Ministry Men and women in Christar are full partners in the ministry of establishing churches. We approach the ministry of church-planting teams as not only the accomplishment of a vision, but also as living out the Body of Christ in the midst of least-reached communities. Therefore the biblical principles of ministry within the context of the local church are foundational to team ministry as each team seeks God's leadership to make appropriate application of those principles to local culture. Baptism Baptism is the public demonstration of one’s faith in Jesus Christ. It is symbolic of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Therefore the baptism of believers by immersion is taught and practiced in and through our ministries. Contextualization Christar is committed to the principle of contextualization. Our understanding and application of contextualization begins with the unalterable foundation of Biblical absolutes revealed in the Bible which are applicable to any and every culture. This invariably results in unbiblical parts of the receiving culture needing to be changed. However, there are many cultural forms which need not and should not be changed. It is our stated purpose to preserve these forms and, as much as possible, adjust our living levels and ministry methods to include and use these forms in communicating the Word of God to national groupings. We recognize that the lack of perfect conformity to cultural norms will not prevent God from saving people as we are filled with the Holy Spirit, speak the truth in love and trust God for the results. We further commit ourselves not to inhibit local indigenous communities from expressing and living the Gospel in their own cultural forms when biblical truths and practices are maintained. We recognize that the scriptures and founders of other religions may communicate some aspects of truth, but we will not claim their scriptures or founders to be of divine origin. Bi-vocational Work Much of the world in which we work does not officially allow overt Christian witness. Thus, it is necessary for many of our people to both plant churches and work within for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. The goal of these entities is to build gospel bridges to the communities that we are seeking to reach.

Training Required for Service:

Blaze 4 day training for Short Term New Personnel Orientation (2 weeks) for Long Term Pre-Departure Orientation (2weeks) before leaving for the field Long Term

Training Provided by Organization:

Blaze is a strategic time of spiritual, relational, logistical and cultural training. The preparation will fan the flames of the gifts the Lord has given you and help equip you for ministry to least reached people. New Personnel Orientation: We will help you get to know Christar, train you in support-raising and prepare you for effective church planting among the least-reached. Personal interviews with Christar staff during NPO are designed as the second stage of your application process as well as to begin preparing you for long-term fruitfulness. You will attend group sessions to be trained in areas like Pre-Field Ministry, writing prayer letters, dealing with expectations and spiritual warfare. Personality and temperament profile assessments will also be used in guiding you toward specific areas of needed growth.

Long-Term Missionary Accountability Practices:

Christar serves in teams and there are team leaders who help with practical on-field pastoral care and accountability. Christar also has a Member Care department that works with our workers on the field to ensure their well-being. Each worker also submits at least 6 prayer letters per year to their supporters and they are also required to complete monthly reports to their supervisor.

Application Process:

TBC.

Characteristics of the Ideal Missionary:

Core Qualities Core Qualities = The things we expect workers to embody before they leave for their field of long-term service. The three main aspects:  Character - Who we ARE  Skills - Things that we can do  Knowledge - Things that we need to know or understand. Character The worker: 1. Is growing in the first Great Commandment (Deut 6:5) and exhibits the fruit of the Spirit. 2. Is characterized by purity, chastity and integrity. 3. Demonstrates flexibility, willingness to be accountable and teachable. 4. Exhibits love and humility in relationship with others. 5. Has submitted his/her lifestyle, finances and prayer life to the Lord for the fulfilling of the Great Commission. Skills The worker: 1. Demonstrates consistency in the personal and family spiritual disciplines. 2. Has led someone to faith in Christ. 3. Has discipled someone else in the faith. 4. Is able to read and write in his/her own language. 5. Can communicate sufficiently in English - TOEFL 20,20,20,24 {speaking}. 6. Has effective interpersonal skills (abilities used every day to communicate and interact effectively with other people, individually and in groups). (see a list of examples below in the text box) 7. Has developed strong relationships with people of other cultures. 8. Effectively uses his/her spiritual gifts in ministry. 9. Has acquired the technical skills required for his/her role. 10. Maintains adequate physical health for cross-cultural life and ministry. 11. Maintains adequate emotional health necessary for cross-cultural ministry Knowledge The worker: 1. Knows how to learn another language. 2. Has read the entire Bible through at least once. 3. Understands and agrees with the Christar Statement of Faith and be able to communicate these foundational truths to another person. 4. Understands and can explain how a church or churches may be established in the intended ministry location. 5. Can identify and apply principles of spiritual warfare in life and ministry. 6. Can explain the risks of ministry in cultures where Christ is not known, and accepts the risks involved in that ministry. 7. Understands and can explain the cross-cultural issues related to ministry and team life in the anticipated ministry location. 8. Understands the ethos and organization of Christar. 9. Can explain and complies with International and Mobilization Center financial procedures. 10. Has completed one of the Perspectives family of courses.