The purposes of Common Ground

What Common Ground is not

The Core Beliefs of Common Ground

The Holy Bible is the inspired and infallible word of God to man. [2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12]

God is three-in-one. God the Father is the creator and sustainer of all things; God the Son, Jesus Christ, was incarnated, lived a sinless life, died, and rose again for the salvation of mankind; God the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin and indwells all believers. [1 John 5:7; Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:38; 2 Corinthians 13:14]

All people are born in sin and, therefore, must be born again. One can be forgiven only through repentance and faith in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the Cross and in His resurrection. [Genesis 3:1-24; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12-21; 2 John 1:7-8; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 5:8; John 3:3-6]

We believe in eternal life to those who are saved by grace and in eternal damnation to those who reject the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. [Matthew 10:28; Mark 9:43-47; Revelation 20:10-15; John 3:16; Romans 5:21; Titus 3:7]

The Church should be shaping our culture’s understanding of morality, and the secular culture should not be shaping the church. Therefore, we believe that Christian pastors must strive to live pure, holy lives that are pleasing to the Lord. [1 Timothy 4:12; Romans 12:2; James 1:27; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Timothy 2:22; James 3:13]

Code of Conduct

As a participant in Common Ground, I pledge:

Ready to join? Have questions? Use the Contact page to send us a message.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the leadership structure of Common Ground?

Common Ground is led by a coordinator whose role is not to control or dictate, but, rather, to serve one’s fellow laborers by encouraging them to connect with one another. Currently, Common Ground is coordinated by Matthew Zang, Senior Pastor and founder of Abundant Harvest Church, an independent, nondenominational, and growing body established in 1999.

How did Common Ground come about?

As pastor of an independent, nondenominational church, Matt at times felt isolated, with no avenue of release for the frustrations inherent in ministry. He knew he needed other pastors to speak wisdom into his life and encourage him, and he desired to do the same for them. Matt longed to see pastors overcome denominational barriers and love and pray for one another. Existing groups proved discouraging due to differing values, priorities, and purposes. In his quiet time, as he was praying for unity among the churches, God told him to establish a new group for like-minded pastors and call it Common Ground.

What happens at a Common Ground meeting?

There will be about an hour and a half of fellowship and discussion. Pastors are encouraged to openly share their struggles and frustrations and to reach out to exhort and encourage one other. The meeting will close with a time of corporate prayer.

Is Common Ground truly a safe place to share my heart?

The Code of Conduct signed by all pastors upon joining Common Ground includes a pledge of confidentiality. Breaches of confidentiality may result in a member’s being asked to leave the group.

What activities does Common Ground hold?

Common Ground provides an opportunity for pastors to develop relationships with colleagues holding similar Biblical values and to encourage, support, and pray for one another. Common Ground will not organize, or participate in organizing, community events or unity services. Any activities outside of the monthly meetings that members choose to pursue are solely at their own discretion.

What will I be asked to do?

You will be asked to make a priority of participating in meetings as much as possible in order to pray for, encourage, and exhort your fellow laborers. You will be required to sign, and abide by, a Code of Conduct. You may be given an opportunity to display signs or distribute materials as part of a public information campaign in support of our shared values, although participation is strictly voluntary. You will not be asked to serve on a committee, organize or participate in events, or donate money.

What does it cost?

There is no cost to join or to participate in meetings. All costs are currently borne by the home church of the coordinator.

How do I join Common Ground?

If you agree with Common Ground’s Core Beliefs and are willing to pledge to its Code of Conduct, send a message via our Contact Page, and the coordinator will contact you with further details.

How do I sever ties with Common Ground?

You may resign from the group at any time for any reason with no questions asked. Please inform the coordinator by email of your intent.

On what moral issues does Common Ground take a stand?

Common Ground stands firm on the clear Biblical principles of marriage between one man and one woman and protecting the life of the unborn.