Christ the King Church in Oxford believes everybody has SHAPE.
SHAPE stands for Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experiences.
‘SHAPE is the idea that God has given everybody something to do in life to make the world a better place,? said Bob Holt, pastor of Christ the King. ‘It’s not just about your career or field of work, it’s about finding your passion and using it to serve God by helping others.?
‘Everybody has SHAPE regardless of who they are, where they come from or where they are on life’s spiritual journey,? Holt noted.
Christ the King’s 600 adult members and 200 youth members are encouraged to use their SHAPE by becoming actively involved in the church and community, particularly through the church’s 60 to 70 ministries.
Holt said at the nondenominational Christ the King ‘everybody gets to be a minister, not just the guy on the platform.?
‘Not everybody’s called to be a pastor, but everybody’s called to be a minister,? he said. ‘People are free to start ministries. Ministries are any tangible act of love given to somebody in the name of Christ.?
Christ the King has ministries for youth of all ages, senior citizens, men, women, outreach, missions, ‘you name it,? according to Holt. ‘Whereever you feel you can help people, you can start a ministry,? Holt said.
When someone joins Christ the King, Holt said they make three commitments ? 1) to attend services; 2) to form relationships with others in the church; and 3) to get involved.
‘We’re not looking to pump up our numbers with lots of inactive members,? Holt said.
To help encourage member involvement and participation, Holt said he tries to make church services and his sermons ‘relevant to people’s lives, so they can take something home with them that makes sense.?
‘It’s about drawing on the principles of God’s Word and applying them in relevant ways to people’s everyday lives and the real situations they struggle with.?
Holt said he gives ‘how-to sermons,? not just ‘ought-to sermons.?
‘It’s all about helping people change their lives and helping them find God,? he said. ‘Our mission is to glorify God by reconciling people to His plan and purpose for their lives.?
‘It’s not about arguing over religious differences or having condescending or pretentious attitudes that somehow we’re superior to others. Whereever you are on your spiritual journey, you’re welcome here.?
Holt said Christ the King prides itself on being a ‘true community church? from its regular financial contributions to the Problem Pregnancy Center and Crossroads for Youth to its participation in the Oxford-Orion Ministerial Association, which promotes cooperation and understanding between area churches.
Christ the King holds weekly services on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.; Saturdays at 5 p.m.; and Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m. While the church follows orthodox Christian teachings, Holt said Christ the King’s services are ‘unorthodox? in that they incorporate contemporary music and theater productions, again to make the words more relevant to people’s lives.
The church is located at 1550 W. Drahner Road on a 27-acre parcel along Clear Lake. For more information call (248) 628-0038.