AN INCLUSIVE CONGREGATION
NorthHaven Church exists for those individuals and families seeking a progressive Christian witness taking Jesus for his word, that all people are invited to follow him. Regardless of ethnic background, economic position, political affiliation, or past indiscretions, NorthHaven welcomes you to be a part of our family and experience the grace and love of God. LGBTQ+ persons are welcomed and affirmed in all levels of church membership and leadership and are subject to all the rights and responsibilities therein. For too long, churches have focused upon an exclusionist approach to faith.
An example of this inclusivity comes in both our communion practices and our baptism policies. We practice open communion at NorthHaven, which means that you don't have to be a member to observe this sacrament with us. Any professing believer of Jesus Christ is welcome to come to the Lord's table with us. Our membership policies allow believers who have been baptized through any tradition to partner with us, with no need to be baptized again. This remains true even if the person did not go through baptism by immersion. For new believers, we still practice baptism by immersion.
At NorthHaven, we want to be known for welcoming all people and empowering them to be disciples of Jesus. In addition, NorthHaven exists for those individuals and families that have felt the cold sting of hurtful religion. Unfortunately, there are too many stories where the church has failed to love as Jesus loved…too many stories where grace is only a word and not a practice…too many stories where the doors to the kingdom have been slammed shut and not thrown open. At NorthHaven, we offer an invitation to any persons who have suffered at the hand of hurtful religion. We welcome you, scars and all.
Finally, being an inclusive congregation means promoting and practicing an egalitarian view of family and church life. We believe men and women were created equal to serve as co-laborers in the home and church. We believe in a shared responsibility between husbands and wives; where mutual submission encourages humility and respect. As well, we hold that God calls and equips men and women for the purpose of service within his church. Gender should never be a factor in whether a person serves God in any manner of ministry. God loves every one of his children equally, so his church should seek to do the same. We ordain both men and women as ministers and deacons of the Church.
An example of this inclusivity comes in both our communion practices and our baptism policies. We practice open communion at NorthHaven, which means that you don't have to be a member to observe this sacrament with us. Any professing believer of Jesus Christ is welcome to come to the Lord's table with us. Our membership policies allow believers who have been baptized through any tradition to partner with us, with no need to be baptized again. This remains true even if the person did not go through baptism by immersion. For new believers, we still practice baptism by immersion.
At NorthHaven, we want to be known for welcoming all people and empowering them to be disciples of Jesus. In addition, NorthHaven exists for those individuals and families that have felt the cold sting of hurtful religion. Unfortunately, there are too many stories where the church has failed to love as Jesus loved…too many stories where grace is only a word and not a practice…too many stories where the doors to the kingdom have been slammed shut and not thrown open. At NorthHaven, we offer an invitation to any persons who have suffered at the hand of hurtful religion. We welcome you, scars and all.
Finally, being an inclusive congregation means promoting and practicing an egalitarian view of family and church life. We believe men and women were created equal to serve as co-laborers in the home and church. We believe in a shared responsibility between husbands and wives; where mutual submission encourages humility and respect. As well, we hold that God calls and equips men and women for the purpose of service within his church. Gender should never be a factor in whether a person serves God in any manner of ministry. God loves every one of his children equally, so his church should seek to do the same. We ordain both men and women as ministers and deacons of the Church.
A MISSIONAL CONGREGATION
NorthHaven is committed to making a difference in the community and world. We are constantly looking for local and global opportunities to embrace people with the hope of Jesus. We are a missional congregation engaged in the culture and dedicated to working with others. We forge networks and partnerships that share our passion for helping the poor, the needy, and the sick. We take Jesus at his word when he said, "whatever you do for the least of these, you do it for me" (Matthew 25:40).
NorthHaven offers missional opportunities to members and non-members through sending teams to Africa with HisNets to distribute mosquito netting, gathering supplies for displaced veterans, sending care packages to soldiers serving in Iraq, feeding the homeless in Norman, repairing homes in the Rio Grande Valley, adopting local students through the Regional Food Bank, and many more ventures. NorthHaven is committed to being the presence of Christ where we discover needs. If you, or your family, wants to be part of this new and exciting missional strategy, please join us this Sunday and get plugged in to the excitement.
NorthHaven offers missional opportunities to members and non-members through sending teams to Africa with HisNets to distribute mosquito netting, gathering supplies for displaced veterans, sending care packages to soldiers serving in Iraq, feeding the homeless in Norman, repairing homes in the Rio Grande Valley, adopting local students through the Regional Food Bank, and many more ventures. NorthHaven is committed to being the presence of Christ where we discover needs. If you, or your family, wants to be part of this new and exciting missional strategy, please join us this Sunday and get plugged in to the excitement.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Empowering individuals and families to develop their spirituality is a priority at NorthHaven. Through meaningful worship, insightful Bible study, challenging book studies, reflective small group discussions, strong binding relationships, and exciting missional endeavors, individuals are encouraged to reflect upon their spirituality and connectedness to God. At NorthHaven, we believe the mind, body, and soul are the three essences that make up our individuality. However, through the pursuit of our individual spiritual formation we recognize the importance and necessity of being part of a community. Whether it is family or church, we move forward together in an effort to bring glory and honor to the name of Jesus.