ONLY IN A CHURCH

Being part of a church family is a sacred thing. As such, the church is set apart. It’s holy. So in church, we place importance of life events in keeping with the Word of God. We place God at the center of our celebrations and invite his will through them.

MEMBERSHIP

Joining Oak Hills Church does not have it’s “privileges,” it really has it’s responsibilities. Annually signing your name on a covenant form says, “You can count on me this year. I’m in. I’m here to serve, to give, to be accountable with my Christian life and to see the mission of the church move forward.” Membership Application

BAPTISM

The ordinance of baptism by immersion in water is commanded in the Scriptures (Mark 16:16). All who repent and believe in Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior are to be baptized. This act of baptism symbolically declares to everyone that the old sinful life and lifestyle of the baptized believer died with Christ at salvation and a new spiritual being has been raised with Christ (in His resurrection) to live a new life. (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16, Acts 10:47-48; Rom. 6:4) We offer baptism periodically throughout the year during special services. Contact Julie at julie@oakhillschurch.net for more information.

CHILD DEDICATION

The Bible says that children are a heritage and a reward from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). God has given parents the tremendous responsibility of raising their children in the ways of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). He entrusts parents with the responsibility of establishing a foundation built upon Jesus Christ early in the lives of children. In view of this responsibility, Oak Hills Church believes child dedications are actually family dedications. Christian parents are to do all they can to “set apart” their child for God until that child can make his or her own choice regarding a relationship with Jesus Christ. Parents make a vow to raise their child in God’s ways and not their own. Milestone 1: Child Dedication

WEDDINGS

God takes marriage seriously; it’s a sacred covenant not to be taken lightly. Oak Hills also takes marriage seriously. We offer pre-marital counseling and recommend it begin one year in advance. It is an honor for Oak Hills and it’s Pastors to be a part of your wedding ceremony and we are committed to making it a meaningful and joyous time in your lives. If you are interested in being married at Oak Hills Church and by one of our Pastors, please contact the church office at 651-289-1570.

PRAYER FOR HEALING

We believe divine healing from God is an integral part of the gospel and deliverance from sickness is provided in the Atonement (Christ’s suffering and death for our reconciliation with God). Even today, God miraculously intervenes in the lives of hurting people suffering from emotional, spiritual and physical pain. Though we cannot explain why some are healed while others are not, God knows all and does all things well according to a purpose only He knows.

The fact that some are not healed does not destroy the fact that God can and does heal. We believe neither the laying on of hands nor anointing with oil is indispensable for healing, for often in Scripture healing takes place without either. But at times, the touch of a praying person and the application of oil are an encouragement to faith, and such a practice is enjoined by Scripture (James 5:14-16). We have a special emphasis on prayer for healing with anointing with oil on a monthly basis at our weekend services.

HOLY COMMUNION

The Lord’s Supper or Communion, consisting of bread and the fruit of the vine, is a memorial of Christ’s suffering and death (1 Cor. 11:26). In eating and drinking the symbols of Christ’s suffering and death, the believer expresses his awareness that through salvation he (1) has been made right with God, and (2) shares the divine nature of eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4). The ordinance also looks forward to Christ’s second coming (1 Cor. 11:26) for it is a reminder to proclaim the Lord’s death “until He comes!” We offer open communion on a monthly basis.

8 CORE VALUES

We all have personal values that are central to our lives. Oak Hills Church does, too, and we believe that applying these values to everything we do and teach keeps us focused on who we are and who we strive to be.

1. Authenticity – We value real, authentic relationships with God and People.
2. Servanthood – We value service to God with our time, talents, and treasures.
3. Evangelism – We value people outside our church of every faith, race, and culture, and desire to point them toward faith in Christ.
4. Discipleship – We value people inside our church and desire to help them on their journey to becoming fully devoted followers of Christ.
5. Leadership – We value servant-hearted leaders who have a passion to tell others about Christ.
6. Community – We value loving and accountable relationships.
7. Character – We value holiness in our lives.
8. Celebration – We value fun and excellence in every area of our lives and ministry.