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Ministries
The church is supposed to be prophetic and 1 Corinthians 14
indicates that everyone should desire to prophesy – and that all prophecy be done in order.
As a result, all those in “good standing” are allowed to prophesy in the home groups and in the worship
meetings whenever the Holy Spirit gives them utterance.
The prophecies are judged by designated leaders who hear and judge them prior to their actually being released. Outside the confines of church meetings, individual prophesies are not allowed without at least one witness, preferably someone able to judge the word.
Many unbelievers and ungifted visitors receive prophesies in our worship
meeting as is seen in
1 Corinthians 14:22-26. Varying prophetic modes have been experienced to include: prophetic words in tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophetic words in English, prophetic words in song, songs of the bride and bridegroom, prophetic dance, instruments prophesying, prophetic intercession, dreams and
visions, and interpretation of dreams. Since the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophesy, there is always a demonic scheme trying to eliminate or pervert the prophetic in the
church. We have determined the enemy will not succeed in this area.
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Praise and worship is
emphasized and is a must for any church that is intent on
following the Holy Spirit. The Lord inhabits the praises of His
people (Psalms 22:3) and we certainly want His presence in our
church. In addition, He is Lord and is more than worthy to be
the focus of our worship. In fact, one of the primary reasons
for us to congregate is to bless Him for Who He is and what
He’s done.
This is not intended only for the church meeting or home groups; we are to live a lifestyle of praise and
worship, acknowledging His presence and His wonders in our lives
continually – and so we are to continually praise and thank
Him (I Thessalonians 5:18). In the church and home group setting,
His presence results in ministry to the body in praying for the
sick, words of knowledge, and prophetic utterances for
individuals and for the body.
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The Bible is taught here as the total truth, without reservation or excuse.
If something differs from the measure or standard that is set forth in God’s Word, then that
something has to change – for His Word is forever settled in heaven.
The Word of God is extremely important to all Christians, but the devil has robbed and stolen much understanding of
it. As a result many perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6).
However, as we focus on the Bible, putting away our worldly tradition and wisdom, we will learn the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:31-32).
This is why it is imperative that the unabridged version of the truth be preached, taught and exemplified:
so that no one may be, in any way, misled from the right path,
giving the devil a foothold as a result.
Jesus is the Word and therefore the pure word
must be taught so that the true picture of Him is not tainted.
It is the Word of God that is the mirror (James 1:23) that shows us who we are to be – who we really are in the Spirit.
The intent is to preach/teach the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) without any “political correctness” creeping in due to the fear of man.
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Personal ministry is the name given to the ministry we have that most know as deliverance and inner healing.
However, this ministry is intensive and is a thorough look at one’s whole life from the womb to the present.
The intent is to expose any schemes (Ephesians 5:13) that the devil has perpetrated to hinder the person from walking fully in the purpose God ordained for him before the foundation of the earth (Ephesians 2:10). Once identified, these schemes are eliminated through:
repentance; forgiveness; dealing with any soul ties, judgments, rash
vows and word curses; breaking ancestral iniquities and curses; inner healing prayers; and addressing any areas of demonic control.
Once freedom is attained, a walk in the newly found freedom is monitored to assure the individual can handle any future attack, whereby the eney tries to come back (Luke 4:13).
In addition, all those who have been ministered to are encouraged to learn how to do this type of ministry, so
they, in turn, can help others get free (2 Corinthians 1:4-5).
People from other churches in San Antonio and other cities come to
be ministered to. This is also a refuge where elders and fivefold
ministers
can receive ministry from the pastor and elders, who will personally take time for these servants of God.
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The intercessors have become a vital part of what the church is doing at any given time.
They are vigilant to keep pace with what is going on in the spirit realm.
They meet weekly in the evening and pray on their own during the remainder of the week.
At times, a number of intercessors are given specific assignments regarding special issues to pray through for the pastor.
Also, the intercessors as a group may go to specified locations (businesses, sister churches, etc.) in the local area that necessitate being prayed over.
Regular communication takes place between the head intercessor and the pastor to make sure there is total agreement
as to the path of the intercessors. All-night prayer meetings are periodically
scheduled, as well
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The men's ministry is designed to instill in men a deep appreciation and understanding of God’s Word, thus enabling them to step up and become real fathers in the faith.
Men are encouraged to be steadfast, able to disciple and be an example to others; capable of taking the lead spiritually in their families, on the job and in their community. The monthly meetings are conducted on a level that assumes men want to be leaders and fathers.
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The women’s ministry, "The World Changers", is
intended to build the women into spirit-filled Christians who are capable of literally changing the world around them.
They are to be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10) and develop into wise spiritual mothers to impact the kingdom of God.
The monthly meetings are designed to be fun, informative, and very deep in Biblical truth - emphasizing the narrow way and everyday applications of God’s Word.
There is also an annual conference held each year.
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The youth ministry is called "3-D Youth Ministries" which stands for
destroying the devil’s domain. The intent is to equip them to be a viable force in the kingdom of God, recognizing we have in our midst the future of God’s kingdom including
fivefold ministers.
Therefore, the straight truth is taught, “holding back no punches.”
Additionally, the youth are encouraged to develop their gifts, talents, and creative abilities.
This includes writing skits/dramas, learning dance routines, and even developing sermons.
The result is outreach efforts in nursing and juvenile homes, parks and wherever else the gospel can go forth.
The children’s ministry is divided into four main areas so that the needs of the basic age groups can most easily be addressed.
The areas include the "Kingdom’s Kids"
(nursery and toddlers), "Kids In Action"
(elementary) and "Rising Generation" (middle
school). The intent is not to simply keep the children occupied and happy, but to instill, even at an early age, an appreciation and understanding of the Word of God, a salvation encounter with the Lord,
development of their individual gifts and talents, and a development of a kingdom mentality.
We want our children to be strong in the Lord and equipped early
in life. The children, even the youngest, are not only receptive (Mark 10:15), but
are hearing God, experiencing dreams, prophesying (Acts 2:17) and enjoying worship.
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The marriage is certainly important and is an issue that is stressed in the church.
There is currently a 13-week marriage course that is scheduled several times
per year through the marriage ministry. It is based on the principles of covenant and is an in-depth and “no holds barred” approach
for dealing with all the relevant issues that confront couples. Spiritual warfare, teaching, counseling, and follow up are all
aspects involved with this ministry.
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The Home Groups are an integral part of the fellowship at the City of Refuge.
Here, personal relationships are developed, open discussions on biblical topics take place, prayer needs are met, and encouragement is received.
This is not just a social environment, but an extension of the church leadership where spiritual growth and maturity are
augmented and future spiritual fathers and mothers get an opportunity to express their opinions, develop their spiritual gifts, and even teach at times.
The emphasis is not totally internal, as the Home Group is also an entry point for newcomers into the church.
Outreach is an important arm of the home group just as it is in the church.
The vision, therefore, is for each group to grow, divide and thus reproduce itself, as any healthy cell in our natural body does.
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The Arts and Drama ministry primarily consists of drama and dance.
It is an effective tool inside and outside the church. It greatly augments church conferences and seminars as well as being an integral part of certain Sunday
meetings.
The Arts and Drama Ministry is also used as an outreach tool in various churches,
prison ministries and other evangelistic avenues. This ministry encompasses many gifts, talents and experiences, which includes set construction, costume design and assembly, administrative abilities, singing, dancing, acting, and sound.
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It is clear in the scriptures that healing was a vital part of Jesus’ ministry and should therefore be evident in His church.
Recognizing this fact, the church corporately and individually lay hands on and pray for those who are sick.
In addition, there is a prayer team that is assigned to go to the hospitals to pray for church members who are hospitalized, or for all others who may call the church requesting such ministry.
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When people have a need, the hospitality ministry can be an invaluable tool to assist the church to minister to its members.
Prepared meals for those families with hospitalized members or for families suffering the recent loss of a loved one are
of great assistance in these times of crisis. Other opportunities to minister include helping mothers with their young children and household chores or the men with mowing the grass.
Helping in these many areas can be a blessing. There is always room for those willing to serve.
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This church is involved in supporting missions on a regular basis.
Financial support is given monthly to apostolic ministries in Mexico, Pakistan, India, Nicaragua, and Spain.
The pastor, his wife and others have traveled to and ministered in Mexico and Nicaragua.
The youth have made trips to Mexico where they have ministered on the streets.
Currently, this ministry is being reviewed to establish programs that would allow more people the opportunity to go on affordable missions trips, particularly to Mexico, Nicaragua and India.
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