WHAT WE BELIEVE

1.) ABOUT GOD 

We believe that there is only one true sovereign and loving God who eternally exists in three Persons as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is the independent creator of heaven and the universe and is all-knowing, all-powerful, perfectly just, loving and completely truthful and holy. He is worthy of all honor, praise and glory as the creator, sustainer, and beginning and end of all things. (DEUTERONOMY 6:4; MARK 12:29; ISAIAH 43:1,10,21; MATTHEW 28:19; EXODUS 20:2,3; REVELATION 4:11; 5:9-10) 

2.) ABOUT JESUS CHRIST AND HIS MELLENIAL REIGN 

We believe that Jesus Christ in the flesh was both God and man. That He was conceived by a virgin, and was sent on earth to pay for the penalty of our sins. By His blood, the Lord Jesus Christ made a perfect sacrifice for sin once for all time and was raised from the dead on the third day. Later, He ascended to the Father’s right hand where He is the head of the Church and intercedes for believers. We believe He is coming back to earth bodily and visibly to set up His kingdom. (II THESSALONIANS 1:7; REVELATION 19:11-16; REVELATION 20:1-7) 

3.) ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT  

We believe that the Holy Spirit is God and possesses all the Divine attributes. He indwells all believers, baptizes them into the body of Christ and seals them at the moment they trust in Jesus Christ to be their only Savior and Lord. He controls and empowers the true believers to live the Christian life in response to their obedience, confession of sin and submission to Him. Believers are instructed to be filled by the Holy Spirit and not to grieve Him. The main work of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin, and of righteousness and judgment. The Holy Spirit also guides the believers into all truth. He does not bring glory to himself but will bring glory to Jesus. The evidence that the Holy Spirit truly dwells in the believer is the manifestation of the fruit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (EPHESIANS 1:3; 5:18; 4:30; JOHN 16:8,9; 16:13,14; GALATIANS 5:22). 

4.) ABOUT THE BIBLE 

We believe that the Bible is the word of God revealed to man. It is supernaturally inspired, inerrant and infallible. It is our supreme authority in all matters of faith, doctrine and conduct and is superior to conscience and reason. (II TIMOTHY 3:15-17; II PETER 1:21; HEBREWS 4:12; I THESSALONIANS 2:13)

5.) ABOUT MAN, HIS FALL AND REDEMPTION 

We believe that man was created good and upright, in the image of God, but by voluntary transgression, fell, and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, by virtue of Him who is the Son of God, who died for our sins and rose again from the grave. We also believe that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in the Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. We believe that Salvation, with its forgiveness of sins, impartation of a new nature, and eternal life, is a free gift from God received when a person trusts in Jesus Christ to be his only Savior and Lord. Salvation is given by God’s grace received through faith and cannot be earned by man through good works, baptism, church membership or by any other means. We also believe that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. (GENESIS 1:26-31; 3:1-7; ROMANS 5:12-21; TITUS 2:11; EPHESIANS 2:8, 9; ROMANS 10:13-15; LUKE 24:47; TITUS 3:5-7; I JOHN 5:11.12; I JOHN 5:18) We believe that the inward evidence to the believer of this salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit. (ROMANS 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness, true holiness and bears the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (EPHESIANS 4:24; TITUS 2:12; GALATIANS 5:22-23). 

6.) ABOUT BAPTISM IN WATER 

We believe that the water baptism is an act of obedience to Christ’s command. It is a public confession of our personal faith in Jesus Christ. It symbolizes our identification with Christ. As Christ died for our sins, we die to sin. As Christ was raised from death, we walk in newness of life with Him. (MATTHEW 28:19; ACTS 10:47,48; ROMANS 6:4). 

7.) ABOUT THE LORD’S SUPPER 

We believe the Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements, bread and the fruit of the vine is the symbol of Christ being the bread of life offered and was broken for us; and His blood shed for our sins. Believers are enjoined to celebrate the Lord Supper in remembrance of Him (1 CORINTHIAN 11: 23-26).

8.) ABOUT THE CHURCH 

We believe that the church is the body of Christ, composed of all believers in Christ, the habitation of God through the Holy Spirit, with Divine appointments to fulfill the great commission and to be light and salt of the earth. (EPHESIANS 1:22; 2:19-22; HEBREWS 12:23; MATTHEW 5:13, 14)

9.) ABOUT EVERY CHRISTIAN’S MISSION 

We believe that it is God’s will and command for every Christian to be actively engaged in sharing to others how to establish a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ and in discipling those who respond to this good news. (MATTHEW 28:18-20). 

10.) ABOUT SANCTIFICATION 

We believe that each believer in Christ must pursue a holy life by walking in obedience to the Word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit thereby is changed from glory to glory to the character of Christ. (HEBREWS 12:14; I PETER 1:15, 16; I THESSALONIANS 5:23, 24; I JOHN 2:6; ROMANS 8:3, 4; II CORINTHIANS 3:18; 1 JOHN 3:2-3). 

11.) ABOUT DIVINE HEALING 

We believe that the sick should be prayed for, with the anointing with oil by the laying of hands upon their request. We believe God is sovereign over the sick and we can trust Him both in His allowing healing or not, knowing that all things work for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. (MARK 6:13; 16:18; JAMES 5:14; ROMANS 8:28)

12.) ABOUT THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD 

We believe that the dead in Christ, together with all believers who are alive, will be translated to the Kingdom of Heaven when Jesus Christ comes again. It is imminent and is the blessed hope of the Church. (I THESSALONIANS 4:15-18; ROMANS 8:23; TITUS 2:13; I CORINTHIANS 15:51-55)

13.) ABOUT THE LAKE OF FIRE 

We believe that the devil and his angels, the beast and all false prophets, and whoever is not found in the Book of Life, will be cast out into everlasting punishment in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (REVELATION 19:20; 20:10; 21:8). 

The ministry’s focus is fulfilling the Great Commission - TO GO and MAKE DISCIPLES. Basically, brethren from ACMI share the Gospel to all kinds and walks of people who are willing to hear it. This is done on a man-to-man basis, small group witnessing, mass evangelism and/or crusades, in classrooms, during Christmas and Easter, during wakes and during free medical clinics. The ministry’s aim is that evangelism becomes a lifestyle of the members. Those who responded and are available for bible studies are trained until they too become committed and equipped/disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. In ACMI, new believers are followed up in Bible studies, man-to-man (one-on-one), if possible. Later, as they commit themselves to the Lord Jesus, they too can help others grow, and the process continues to other generations of believers. 

The ministry has two structures, namely; the GO structure and the NOURISHMENT structure. In the go structure, the members share the Gospel to people and train them to be Christ’s disciples. On the other hand, in the nourishment structure, believers meet together every week as a church, worship together, hear His Word preached, and fellowship with each other. It also organized cell groups to meet the personal needs of believers for fellowship and encouragement. 

For the ministry’s social concerns, the Arise Foundation, Inc. (AFI) was founded to cater to the social implications of the Gospel, i.e., socio-economic needs of members. The foundation helps farmers to avail of small loans for their farms, come up with livelihood projects, and assists sick brethren all over Mindanao who can not afford medical expenses, especially minor and major operations among poor brethren. The foundation also gives minimal financial support to brethren who are poor for the education of their children. It also works hand-in-hand with other Christian Organizations in the conduct of medical missions in the ministry’s community outreaches (and also other churches). So far, the foundation had conducted free medical-dental-surgical clinics to depressed areas of Mindanao. During these free clinics, patients heard the Gospel shared to them by the members of ACMI.

The people involved in the ministry are heterogeneous. Although the first fruits of the Gospel were the students, later they became professionals. These professionals in turn shared the Gospel in their places of work, and some spent weekends doing outreach works - sharing the Gospel in other far places. The ministry’s constituents are; professors and faculty members, students, businessman, office workers, laborers, housewives, farmers and children.  Some of the ministry workers have also started helping unreached people groups in Mindanao. At present, we have contacts who are members of indigenous people groups, such as, Higaonons, Kaolos, Mandayas, Manobos and Muslims. Today, we have trained committed leaders from the Higaonons who were ordained as pastors. They are now reaching out to their fellow Higaonons. The contacts from the Kaolos, Mandayas and Manobos are also being followed-up, discipled and trained. 

MINISTRY DISTINCTIVES

THRUSTS

EVANGELISM

This is one of the main thrusts of the ministry. As mandated by the Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15), Christians should go into the entire world to preach the good news to all creations. All brethren involved in the ministry are encouraged to witness to members of their families, relatives and friends. Each member is encouraged to make evangelism as a lifestyle. 

DISCIPLESHIP

The Arise Christian Ministries, Inc. (ACMI) is a disciple making ministry. As a disciple making ministry, everyone is encouraged to learn from a disciple maker, until he grows up spiritually, and be able to disciple others, too. The disciple is taught skills in witnessing; memorize scriptures/verses, obedience to the Lord, etc. The brethren are being trained to be Faithful, Available, Sacrificial, Trained, Equipped, Servant-Leaders and Teachable (FASTEST). These are being done to make the brethren become more like Christ.    

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Servant Leadership is an approach to leadership development. Servant-leadership emphasizes the leader’s role as stewards of the resources (human, financial and otherwise) provided by the organization. It encourages leaders to serve others while staying focused on achieving results in line with the organization’s values and integrity. The model servant leader is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Mark 10:42-45).  Leadership is influence.

INDIGENOUS AND SHARED LEADERSHIP PATTERNS

Indigenous Leadership

The ministry adheres to indigenous leadership patterns. In a locality, whoever God raised and used to spread the Gospel and follow up others, he is the leader. The rest who are being used by God in that area form a core team to lead, plan, and coordinate ministry matters/activities.

Reaching out to People’s Groups (Communities of Believers/Tribes) 

The Bible commanded God’s followers to share the gospel to all people’s groups. God planted in the hearts of the leaders to reach out to tribal groups in Mindanao. At present, we have contacts who are members of indigenous people groups, such as; Higaonons, Kaolos, Mandayas, Manobos and Muslims. Today, we have trained committed leaders from the Higaonons who were ordained as pastors. They are now reaching out to their fellow higaonons. The contacts from the Kaolos, Mandayas and Manobos are also being followed-up, discipled and trained.

Shared Leadership

Shared leadership should not be a new concept to Bible-reading Christians. Shared leadership is rooted in the Old Testament institution of the elders of Israel and in Jesus’ founding of the apostolate. He personally appointed and trained twelve men. The twelve provided marvelous example of unity, humble brotherly love, and shared leadership structure. Shared leadership is also evidenced by the seven men who were appointed to relieve the twelve of the responsibility of dispensing funds (Acts 6:3-6). As a body of servants, they worked on behalf of the church in Jerusalem. Based on all evidences, the seven formed a collective leadership council.

The leader does not make decisions alone. He consults with other members of the core. The leadership is being rotated to other members as the core decides. Every member is a co-laborer for the Gospel, not just the core team. The Umbrella organization leadership serves as encourager and help, and reminds each of the areas of the ministry’s vision and mission and come up with training for leaders. The leadership regularly visits the ministry areas and outreaches for encouragement.

SERVICES

There are common activities/services that are being rendered by the leaders/core members to our members/constituents such as;

-Sunday Fellowship (Worship Services)

-Individual and Group Bible Studies

-Tutorial Services Among Students in Universities

-Counseling

-Wedding Services

-Burial/Necrological Services

-Water Baptism & Child dedication 

The ministry adheres to indigenous leadership patterns. In a locality, whoever God raised and used to spread the Gospel and follow up others, he is the leader. The rest who are being used by God in that area, form a core team to lead, plan, and coordinate ministry matters/activities. Every member is a co-laborer for the Gospel, not just the core team. The umbrella organization leadership serves as encourager and helps and reminds each area of the Ministry’s vision and mission and comes up with training for leaders. The leadership regularly visits the ministry areas and outreaches for encouragement. In some ministry areas, especially the fast growing ones, we have full time workers. At present we have seventeen (17) full time ministry workers. Their work is to facilitate and help in evangelism and follow up of people being reached out. They are also invited to go to other areas to help. Four of the full time workers are Higaonon tribal leaders who help teach tribal members with the Word of God. Their areas of concern are the localities where they live/reside. 

The ministry’s operations (ACMI umbrella and local areas) are financed by the grace of God, by contacts, friends and other people touched by God to share the load through their prayers, encouragement and material/financial resources. Full time workers are encouraged to live simply and sacrificially so that they can help carry the load of others, too. Funds to finance the ministry’s free clinics and medical assistance for the sick brethren, livelihood projects, and other concerns/activities, come from members and good Samaritans (local and abroad). The ministry has links/networks with Christian organizations/churches which occasionally give financial support.

THE MINISTRY’s OFFICIAL LOGO

The Circle - represents the world.

The White Dove inside the circle - represents God and the Holy Spirit who indwells the believer.

The Various Shapes of Houses inside the circle - represents various people groups, socio-economic status and     age levels (adult, youth and kids), being reached out with the Gospel.

The Twelve Leaves attached to the circle - represents the original twelve ministry areas which organized/founded the Arise Christian Ministries, Inc. 

The Book right below the circle - the Bible, the Word of God, the foundation of the ministry. 

The Colors  

Blue         - knowledge about God.

Red          - blood of Jesus that washes the sins of the people (The ACMI at the middle)

Green      - represents growth of the disciple-making ministries.

THE MINISTRY’S PRESENT UMBRELLA OFFICERS

President:              Bro. Santiago R. Evasco Jr.

Vice- President:     Bro. Fernando Herrera

Secretary:              Bro. Carmelito E. Go

Treasurer:             Sis. Amparito P. Otero

Auditor:                  Bro. Sergio R. Canoy, Jr.