• Expository Preaching – expository preaching is an approach to proclaiming God’s Word in a way that rightly communicates the intent of a given passage of Scripture. When we preach, we strive to explain the text, illustrate the meaning, and apply it to our modern lives as followers of Christ. “Preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).
• Personal Disciple-Making – making disciples is intentionally investing in others to teach and model the Christian life for the purpose of spiritual maturity. The goal of making disciples is to see people grow both in their knowledge of Christ and in likeness to Christ. “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).
• Christ-Centered Worship – we believe that Christ is to be central in every aspect of the Christian worship service, the gathering of His body, His saints, His bride. In our preaching, singing, prayers, and ordinances, our aim is to make Christ the center and hero of our worship. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col. 3:16).
• Passionate Evangelism – in everything we do, we want the worth of Christ to be glorified and the word of Christ to be magnified! Every service and event we do is an opportunity to bear witness, in word and deed, to the power of the gospel so that those without Christ may believe in Him for salvation. “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20).
• Gospel-Centered Fellowship – as believers in Christ, we have the greatest thing in common – our relationship with Him! Because of Christ, we are a loving family that delights to spend time together. “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Phil. 2:2).
• Reaching the Next Generation – as we are passionate about evangelizing and discipling the lost, we are equally as passionate about reaching our children and youth with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Children and youth are treasured at First Southern, and we long to see them come to know Christ in a personal way. “You shall teach [these words] diligently to your children” (Deut. 6:7).