• The authority of Scripture, inspired by the Holy Spirit and governing our lives
• The Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
• The Deity of Christ and His virgin birth
• The sinful imperfection of every person
• The forgiveness of sins only by the blood of Christ
• Salvation by grace through faith
• The Church as the universal body of Jesus Christ, expressed locally
• The guidance and gifts of the Holy Spirit
• The return of Jesus Christ to judge all people

A church's vision is the specific picture of the way in which a particular local body of believers intends to best accomplish their mission in a certain time, place, and culture.

Our vision is...

1.  To Become A School OF Discipleship Where We Can Grow Spiritually

-  We believe that the Great Commission is not fulfilled by just winning people to Christ, but by making disciples.

-  We believe a disciple is someone who obeys Jesus Christ as Savior and as Lord.  Obedience to Christ involves growing in the knowledge of Christ and becoming more like Him.  It also involves serving Him with our spiritual gifts, talents, passions, and time, as well as sharing the love of Jesus at home, in our neighborhoods, at the workplace and in our social network.

-  We will continue to expand and improve our Sunday School for all ages, Pioneer Clubs, Vacation Bible School, Children's Church, Nursery, Youth and Educational Ministries.

-  We also intend to develop a set of three different classes for church membership which include everything from how to become a Christian to knowing and using your spiritual gifts in ministry.

2.  To Become A Lighthouse Of Truth In The Prevailing Moral Darkness

-  We desire to take a stand against the attacks that threaten the Biblical values intended by God.

-  We will encourage our people to get involved, to make a difference, to do things that will bring positive change for God.

-  We especially will try to reach out to the poor and hurting and do things to demonstrate the love of God to them.

-  We are committed to reaching across racial and denominational barriers and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ.

3.  To Become A Hospital Of Grace Where The Sick Can Find Healing From Life's Bumps and Bruises

-  We will provide a non-judgmental, loving atmosphere, where people can come and be accepted and find God's forgiveness.

-  We will provide both lay and pastoral counseling to all who request it.

-  We will establish prayer teams to minister to those in need.

-  We will provide small groups for a variety of needs.

4.  To Become A Banquet Table Of Joy Where People Celebrate God's Goodness

-  We desire that every person, both believer and seeker, have a living encounter with Jesus Christ by participating in worship in their own way.

-  We will seek to be bold, innovative, creative, sensitive, reverent, relaxed and joyful in our worship services.

-  We will strive to have a blend of contemporary praise songs, hymns, drama, special music, testimonies and practical Bible messages.

-  We desire that prayer will become a priority at Oak Bend.

5.  To Become A Family Of Believers Where Everyone Can Love And Be Loved Unconditionally

-  We believe that people today need fellowship on at least three levels:

Celebration (60 people or more)
Congregation (15-60 people)
Cell (6-12 people)

-  We believe our Sunday morning worship celebrations are an effective means to communicate the love of Christ.  Therefore, we will strive to create an atmosphere where a seeker can see, feel, and hear the love of Christ.

-  We will provide Adult Bible Fellowship congregations according to life stages.

-  We envision our cell ministries continually expanding into all kinds of small groups such as: care groups, support groups, men's and women's groups, etc.

6.  To Be An Army Of God Marching Forth With The Gospel To The Ends Of The Earth

-  We will endeavor to reach the unchurched people from the Perrysburg area and beyond for Jesus Christ and turn them into fully devoted followers of Him through worship services, small groups, and outreach events.

-  We will encourage people who have the gift of evangelism to exercise their gift.

-  We will train and urge all our members to build relationships with their unchurched neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family and to minister to them for Christ, potentially inviting them to a church program or event.

-  We will pray for, financially support, sound the call, and send workers into missions at home and abroad.