A vision statement is a goal, an image, a concrete description of what we are trying to become as a congregation. We have divided our vision statement into three categories representing three different perspectives. As our congregation intersects with the lives of these people, we hope that this is what they find:
Our community will view this congregation as an indispensable source of hope and support as we strive to meet their physical and spiritual needs in the name of Jesus.
Our guests will be welcomed and inspired to return to this congregation because we treat them as valued members of God’s family for whom Jesus died.
Our members will experience this congregation to be a confident, united, and growing family that learns together, serves together, reaches out together, and shares the love of Jesus with one another.
Mission statements are about focus. Our culture today places many demands on us. Many different needs and opportunities compete for our energy and attention. Our mission statement reminds us why we are here and what we should be doing. It keeps us from going too many different directions at once.
Our mission statement did not come out of thin air. It is drawn directly from the Scriptures and summarizes what God has sent us to be and do as His people in this place. Let’s break it down:
Living a new life in Christ – To be a Christian is to live a new life. This new life begins at baptism, where God unites us to Jesus, forgives our sins, gives us His Spirit, and sends us to live as His people.
For us – This new life is for us. Not me. Christians are never alone. Like a family, we care for and support each other in good times and in bad.
For all – We are not here for ourselves only. We exist to serve all people in the name of Jesus and lead them to salvation through faith in Him.
Forever – The new life that begins at baptism never ends. We look forward to the return of Christ and the restoration of all things. Everything we do has that eternal perspective.
Growing in discipleship, sharing Christ’s love, and serving all – These three phrases summarize what our new life in Christ looks like. We grow in discipleship by listening to Jesus. This takes place as in worship, Bible study, and daily devotions. We share Christ’s love by forgiving each other, comforting each other with God’s promises, and telling others about what God has done for us in Christ. We serve all by giving our time and energy and finances to provide for the spiritual and physical needs of everyone God puts into our lives.
Our mission statement is nothing new. It is simply a summary of what God has sent us to be and do as His people in this place.