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Our Words & Action
In the New Testament, James writes extensively about how Faith will be accompanied by actions – in terms of our
interactions with others and our interactions with this world (James 1:19-3:18).
This message of deeds accompanying our words is articulated well by James, and it is also woven throughout the Scriptures.
Speaking the words of our Lord are important, for the whole world will benefit from the message of the Gospel.
But, perhaps God knows that we make more of a difference and carry more moral authority when these words are also
accompanied with corresponding actions combined with the power of the Holy Spirit.
If you are interested in looking at a statement of beliefs, you are welcome to review these
classic teaching positions that are held by The Orchard. But, if you want to understand
more about The Orchard, perhaps it is best to consider some key actions of our Church community:
1. Showing love to those outside the Church ...
When we become a Christian, we are now known as Ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). God wants us to demonstrate
love toward those who are around us, even our enemies and those who can't give us back anything in return.
We know that real love goes beyond a token gesture, for it will take time and resources and a power greater than ourselves.
The Orchard made some strategic decisions when we began this Christian community, and among these would be that we
would be generous, and show more love toward others than we showed to ourselves. As a result we devote over half
of our tithes and offerings specifically toward helping others in our community, and we use the minority of our money
for things such as buildings, salaries, and personal "church" comforts.
In addition, over half of our ministry activity is devoted out into the community. We sponsor people who desire to get back on
their feet after tragedies. We mentor children and their families. We have street-level relational ministries
that serve homeless populations. We proactively go out and spend time with people of different cultural,
religious, and economic backgrounds.
And, through these actions of kindness, people get to experience the love of God.
2. Being part of a larger Church ...
Historically, denominationalism has divided Christ’s church – this has resulted in criticism of other churches, a refusal
to interact with other churches, and isolationism. We understand from Scripture that Christ wants His churches
connected with one another.
As a result, The Orchard is not independent, we do not erect denominational boundaries (we are non-denominational),
and we do not believe that The Orchard is the only place that a Christian might thrive.
This is why this website shows you other churches in the region that may be more fitting with the direction God has for you.
If The Orchard is where God is leading you, then welcome! We will do our best to be a supportive church community
for you in terms of authentic friendships, discipleship and ministry. But, if not, then please
contact us because we
know of many quality churches in the area that may be a better match for you.
3. Spiritual leadership by Christ ...
In a region dominated by highly educated and skilled professionals, it is tempting to create a Christian church institution
based upon our own abilities and strengths, furnished with our own resources and talents, and with activities that we design.
It is really quite a
straightforward process to create a façade of church without ever involving Christ.
But that wouldn’t be His church, would it?
We know that the head of the Church is Christ, and this means that our obedience, strength, and directions are from Christ.
Simply put, this means that we pray a lot as we spend spiritual time discerning His directions, seeking His provision,
relying upon His strength, and celebrating His activity
We have a whole period of time devoted on Sunday just to prayer ... the primary qualification of leadership is their
prayer life ... we don’t launch a new ministry or a new mission without significant time in prayer ... each member of The Orchard
is regularly prayed for.
4. Building a healthy community ...
There is a growing movement within America to become more and more isolated from others. Anonymity is important.
Self-reliance is important. Independence. Barriers are erected to protect us from strangers and those who may do you harm.
But we all know that this is a failed philosophy, and it is not the way that Christ has designed His church.
We all need a healthy community around us that supports us, knows us, and works with us to improve our lives.
This is essentially the “church” and it looks like a large healthy family.
At the Orchard, we are trying hard to develop strong supportive relationships within the community by hosting regular events to
build genuine friendships.
We host multiple retreats every year to help with this ... we hold a community luncheon every week where people can join in even
if they didn’t bring any food ... we even involve the kids in our main church service each week, because they are just as
much a part of the church as the adults.
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