Ministry Objectives
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in that measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Ephesians 4:16 KJV
The Friendship family has been blessed with many opportunities for showing the love of Christ through a variety of ministry opportunities. Every member is vital in filling various roles and functions of outreach that show the heart of our Lord Jesus to the world. No one is indispensable to the work of the ministry. Each of us has a place of service, an opportunity of ministry to use the gifts that we have freely received of our Father.
Bible Study and Apologetic Training
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
The local church is to be the pillar and ground of God’s truth. It is our desire to continue developing a Bible training institute for our people and to provide resources to ground individuals in sound doctrine. This will be a point of emphasis throughout our Sunday School and training ministries. See our Sermon Series for Biblical instruction and training.
Outreach and Discipleship
In conjunction with being strong in the Bible and understanding the use and application of Biblical apologetics, is the opportunity to bear faithful witness to non-believers. Our desire is to equip every member to be alert to soul-winning and discipleship opportunities. Through going door-to-door, jail ministry, nursing home, neighborhood outreach and Faith Promise Missions giving, we are praying for more souls to be saved, nurtured and growing in grace.
Practical Missions Training
When missionaries go to the field they will encounter situations financially, medically, mechanically and practically that leave them with limited options compared to what they would have available in the States. Our desire is to develop a ministry of short-term practical training to benefit them in preparation for these unforeseen circumstances. This training could include help with basics in construction, electrical, plumbing, auto mechanics, first aid, emergency preparedness, ham radio operation, and computer skills. Coupled with this ministry outreach is also a desire to provide a haven of rest, refreshment, and renewal for families on furlough as well as for pastors and families in ministry.
Church Planting and Church Re-Starts
To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you…
2 Corinthians 10:6a
Friendship began as a church plant 28 years ago. Our pastor and family know what it is like to relocate to a new area and start from the bottom as a mission of a local church. Friendship is uniquely equipped for continuing to be a lighthouse and resource for church planters and those rebuilding struggling churches.
August Conference
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
1 Corinthians 16:15 KJV
The annual Spring River Bible Conference has touched countless lives through the years. Yearly pastors and ministers are eager to gather around like-minded people. The conference continues to have the potential to use the grace of God we have received through the years for a holy influence to edify and encourage the saints.
Marriage and Family Conferences and Retreats
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband…And, ye father, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Ephesians 5:33, 6:4 KJV
In recent years the Lord has opened up opportunities for our pastor and Mrs. Peggy to travel and assist other churches and ministries through teaching and preaching on principles of building a godly marriage and home. This is a ministry with far-reaching influence and continues only with the support of our people. It is our hope that in the future our church can host more special events geared towards the theme of Building Godly Generations.
Disaster Relief
As we have therefor opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:10 KJV
Through the work of R.E.A.C.H we have been able to be a helping hand for numerous individuals and families in stricken areas. The acronym REACH represents two complimentary aspects of ministry: Raising Emergency Assets for CHurches and Rendering Emergency Assistance and Community Helps. This ministry is operated under Bro. George Smith’s leadership and through it we have brought aid through a number of local churches and various states.
Strengthening Families
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thy house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table
Psalm 128:3 KJV
Friendship began as a ministry dedicated to strengthening the foundations of marriage and family. It continues today with that purpose and goal. One way we do this is by cultivating an atmosphere that promotes masculine and feminine character and values based on Scripture. Although we live in a culture that debases virtue and promotes vice, we believe that our families can flourish and thrive as we’re anchored in faith and obedience to God’s word. Furthermore, this requires a spirit of love and tenderness to the widow, the fatherless, the lonely and the friendless.
A father to the fatherless, and a judge of widows, is God in His holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
Psalm 68:5-6 KJV