We have Ten Ministry Principles that guide the church leadership. These Principles describe who we are and how we do ministry at Summit Heights Fellowship.
We aspire to be...
1.Biblically Faithful: We make scripture the final authority rather than church tradition. We seek to be innovative and flexible as long as we do not violate scripture. 2.Culturally Relevant: We try to adapt our ministry to current needs and trends in American life, without compromising biblical absolutes. We attempt to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ to American Society in ways it can understand. 3.Grace Oriented: We emphasize God’s unconditional acceptance and full forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We attempt to motivate people through love and thankfulness rather than guilt, shame, and duty. 4.Seeker Sensitive: We know that many who are not yet committed to Christ are attracted to our ministry; therefore, we desire to create a non-threatening environment in which they are free to explore the Christian faith at their own pace. 5.Growth Responsive: We appreciate the advantages of a small, intimate congregation, but also feel we should respond to the numerical growth that often results from reaching out to those who are exploring Christianity. We do not set a particular limit on the size of our congregation, but trust God to show the Church Leadership what our facilities should be and how best to utilize them. 6.Relationally Centered: We stress healthy relationships among Christians. We emphasize small groups as a primary means for Christians to care for each other, develop friendships, and share their lives. 7.People Developing: We seek to help people grow spiritually. We provide biblical instruction, and we encourage believers to discover and exercise their spiritual gifts. 8.Family Affirming: We seek to provide and atmosphere that strengthens marriages and families. We are committed to strong youth and children’s programs. 9.Simply structured: We assign the ultimate leadership of the church to elders and the daily operations of the church to paid staff who are responsible to set up effective programs. 10.Cross Culturally Effective: We reach beyond our own culture as we seek to have an effective impact on the cultures with the gospel.
Summit FAQs
Here is some information that will help you feel more at home.
1. How can I get more involved at Summit Heights?
Summit Heights Fellowship is a church of small groups. Everything we do is based on the premise that people are connected to others through relationship. First a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and then to others through small groups in homes. Each semester we offer a new series of small groups for all people.
2. Where do my kids go? What ministries are offered for children and students?
A safe and secure nursery is provided during all of our services. Children are welcome in our services, and many families choose to worship together. We encourage you to check out our nursery and children’s area. We have an outstanding staff that provides age appropiate material for your children and your kids will love it! To learn more about the location of these groups, visit our welcome table and someone will personally give you a tour of our facilities. Our student ministry meets every Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM at the Lodge.
3. How do I join this church?
"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” --Romans 12:4–5
As Christians, we are members of God's household (Ephesians 2:19) called to function, participate, and minister in a particular place within the body of Christ. A healthy body requires that each member do its part well. For this reason, Summit Heights holds its members in high regard.
God, in His sovereignty, placed us in Holly Lake Ranch, among these people, in this century, for a reason (Acts 17:26–27). Summit members are missionaries who live, eat, and breathe the climate of East Texas everyday, placed in the culture to emulate Jesus. Members also serve within the church: during Sunday services, as Small Group leaders, as teachers, 2nd Mile Teams, on prayer teams, offering support to the sick and needy, showing hospitality, and on and on.
Being a member of Summit Heights Fellowship is really about being part of a family. Members who enter into a covenant with their local church are called to a higher degree of responsibility and service.
I want to be a member: What should I do?
1) Start acting like one. Demonstrate your love for the church by volunteering.
2) Make yourself known. Don’t keep your life to yourself. Join a Small Group and get with other Summit Heights people to grow together in maturity, leadership, and love.
3) Get on mission. All prospective members are asked to take Summit 101 Membership Class to study and learn the essential mission of Summit Heights Fellowship.
