At Celina First Church of God, we believe that serving in ministry is both a privilege and a responsibility. Those who serve represent Christ and our church to others. Because of this, we ask all volunteers to serve in alignment with our shared beliefs, our ministry direction, and a life that reflects ongoing growth in Christ.

We recognize that volunteering and church membership are not the same thing. Many people begin serving before they become members, and others may still be exploring their beliefs or learning more about our church. We welcome that and are grateful for those who choose to serve alongside us.

Because our volunteer teams include both members and non-members, we believe it is important to provide some clarity regarding the beliefs, values, and expectations that guide our ministry. The purpose of this document is not to create unnecessary barriers to serving, but to ensure that those representing Celina First have a clear understanding of the theological foundation and ministry philosophy from which we operate.

Our Primary Beliefs
The following is a summary of the foundational beliefs we hold as a church. These are essential convictions that guide our teaching and ministry.

• We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are one in essence and community.
• We believe in God the Father as the almighty Creator of heaven and earth.
• We believe that Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh, fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, was crucified, died, was buried, rose again on the third day, and ascended into heaven.
• We believe in the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer, convicts of sin, empowers holy living, comforts, teaches, and gives spiritual gifts.
• We believe that humanity is created in the image of God, has fallen into sin, and can be saved only through the grace of God by faith in Jesus Christ through His atoning work.
• We believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
• We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, called to make disciples of all nations and to be salt and light in the world.
• We believe in the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, final judgment, eternal life, and the new heavens and new earth.

Alignment in Secondary Issues
In addition to affirming these core beliefs, we ask all volunteers to serve in alignment with the teaching and direction of Celina First Church of God. We recognize that there are secondary matters where faithful Christians may hold different convictions. We do not expect every volunteer to agree on every secondary issue. However, we do ask volunteers to support the unity and mission of the church while serving. 

These areas can include, but certainly aren’t limited to, areas such as human sexuality, political convictions, alcohol use, gambling, military service, and many other questions of Christian living. While these are not primary or salvific issues, they still shape how we live, lead, and can become sources of conflict. In these areas, we ask volunteers to support the unity and mission of the church by serving in a way that reflects its teaching and leadership. This includes using wisdom in how you speak and act, avoiding creating confusion about what the church believes, and not promoting personal views in a way that could become divisive or distracting within ministry environments. If you have questions, concerns, or disagreements regarding the church’s stance on any issue, we ask that you bring those directly to an elder for conversation rather than addressing them within a ministry setting.

Character and Readiness to Serve
We are not looking for perfect people, but we are asking for people who are pursuing a life that reflects ongoing transformation in Christ. Those serving in ministry should seek to live with integrity, humility, and consistency, recognizing that leadership carries influence and responsibility. We also want you to know that we care far more about you as a person than we do about you filling a volunteer role. If you are walking through something difficult or facing a personal struggle that may be impacting your life or ability to serve, we encourage you to come talk with an elder. Our desire is to support you, pray with you, and walk alongside you.

There may be times when a volunteer is walking through a known personal struggle that affects their ability to lead well. In those situations, we may ask that individual to step back from serving for a season. This step is not taken out of judgment or punishment, but out of care for the individual, the health of the ministry, and the people we are serving. Our desire is to create space for support, healing, and spiritual growth. By serving in ministry, you acknowledge and accept that this kind of step may be necessary at times, and that it will always be approached with grace, discretion, and a heart for restoration. Our goal is always to walk with people toward health and to see them return to serving when they are ready.

Our Commitment Together
By serving at Celina First, you are agreeing to uphold these core beliefs, to support the unity of the church, and to live in a way that aligns with the mission and values of this ministry. We are committed to walking together in grace and truth as we point people to Jesus and make disciples.

We are not asking volunteers to sign anything formal. As our church has grown, we want to ensure we are all on the same page in what we believe and how we serve together. This is simply meant to provide clarity and shared understanding. If at any point you have questions, concerns, or feel out of alignment with any of these beliefs or expectations, we ask that you come speak with an elder. Our goal is open conversation, mutual understanding, and unity as we serve together.