About Marsalis Avenue Baptist Church's Ministry Principles

MAMBC Ministry Principles

Marsalis Avenue Missionary Baptist Church believes the source of our ministry is GOD - not human effort. Christian growth is totally beyond the realm of human effort, for apart from Christ, we can do nothing. This is why John 13:3 says, "I am the vine, ye are the branches; He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit;
for without me, ye can do nothing."

The guide for our ministry is the Bible - not human wisdom.
Because the Bible is inspired by God (II Timothy 3:15-16), it is the final authority for Christian faith and practice. It must be interpreted correctly
(II Peter 3:16) with the help of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:18 and
II Corinthians 2:12-13). We believe the Bible serves as God's message,
method, and measuring book.

The foundation of our ministry is the Corporate Body - not Individualism.
The word "koinonia" simply deals with those persons in Christ being "the community of God" or "having fellowship with God." There are too many people who only focus on self when they think about all of the ministries of the church. Many never consider others
when they speak or act. These acts take away from the true meaning of
community and fellowship with God.

The focus of our ministry is People - not Programs.
It is easy to become so program focused that we forget what the
church is all about. Marsalis Avenue Missionary Baptist Church must
never become so attached to the programs that we lose sight
of the real meaning of the church. The church is neither a building, an institution, an organization, nor a program. The church is People! Everything the church does is for the sake of the people. All programming is a means to the end of effecting changes in people. Focus must always be on people. This is why we should always ask the question -
"Why are we doing this at MAMBC?" If the answer does not benefit
the people of God, it is out of order.

The Goal of our Ministry is Making Disciples - not Members!
We must learn the importance of working together, worshipping together,
and walking together. The Psalmist talks about the importance of dwelling
together in unity (Psalm 133:1). Paul talks about love exceeding all
other Christian virtues (I Corinthians 13). When there is division
and discord, most times you can find selfishness at its' roots.