In addition to being centered in the triune God of the Bible, the Gospel, and Scriptural authority, there are three principles with respect to how we minister that are especially important to Gospel Depth. We want to minister relationally, contextually and affordably. As much as possible, we want our ministry to be personal and in relationship with real people. We believe the Bible sets everything human in relational terms, and good theology sees a personal God in deep relationship with His people and calling His people to be in deep relationship with each other as well as with Himself. The deep and often mysterious truth of Godʼs revelation can best be understood together and in relationship with one another, i.e. theology can be done best in community. We will do all we can to get to know and be in relationship with those with whom we work. One of the greatest descriptions of theology comes from the inspired pen of the apostle Paul: “speaking and living the truth in relationships of love” (Eph. 4:15).
We are also committed to the truth that as God has personal involvement with His people, so every group of Christians in its own setting and situation has a special and in some ways unique relationship with the God of the Bible. This principle of contextualization flows out of the relational principle. Every congregation has its own context, different from any other church in the world! Good theology is hearing the Word that God is specifically speaking to that particular congregation in that particular time (by the way, the reason theology is always a vital activity for His church: times go on and things change, and God continues to speak). So we donʼt propose to dictate a congregationʼs theology to them and for them, but to help them learn to listen to what God is saying to them in their context through His Word. Theology needs to be tailor made for each person and each congregation, and we at Gospel Depth are committed to this.
We are also committed to making this ministry available and therefore affordable for anyone or any church or group who is serious about that desire. We are truly nonprofit. We desire to be a lean operation with a modest budget. There will be no fees. When invited somewhere, we will ask for expenses and, if possible, an honorarium, but this honorarium is optional and never to be given an amount by us. If they can do neither, we will still plan to go and serve.