What exactly does that mean? Is it just another slogan "filled with sound and fury, signifying nothing" [Macbeth]? Well I certainly hope not, but I do think it probably needs some further discussion. I believe we all have a purpose in life, something that God is calling us be, and the church is no different. All churches are guided by principles, spoken or unspoken, that guide every decision and move the people of God either closer to the Kingdom, or farther away.
Making Disciples –we exist to fulfill the Great Commission [Mt 28:18]. The church exists to make disciples to Jesus Christ, period. Without Jesus, life will not make sense and the future will be chaotic at best. Jesus gives life meaning, hope, and direction. Who doesn't need that in their life?
Making a Difference – we exist to make a difference in the world. As disciples we are called to use our gifts, talents and resources to make a difference in the lives of people forgotten by society, to offer hope to those in despair, to give a hand up, and to serve others as Christ served us.
But how do we fulfill this mission? During the next several months I will share with you five key areas that I believe will help us achieve this mission and transform our church from an audience to an army and from consumers to contributors. What follows are the guiding principles that I hope you will embrace personally and the church will act on collectively.Exalt – to love God as GodEquip – to know God and to know myselfEmbrace – to love others as God loves meEnable – to serve others as Christ served meEvangelize – to share Jesus and change the worldExalt – to elevate by praise, to bestowing honor, praise, or admiration± I believe that we find our true selves when we enter into authentic worship. We all worship something, but when that something is ourselves we are left with broken dreams and unfulfilled promises. Only God can fill the emptiness and the longing in the human heart. "He has set eternity in the hearts of men." Eccl. 3:11
I believe that people come to worship God for a variety of reasons, with needs, hurts, and longings for something more meaningful. Our goal is to offer worship opportunities for everyone to enter into the fullness of God's love and grace. We currently offer three worship services, regular sacraments, wedding and funerals.
"They devoted themselves to…breaking of bread and prayers…praising God." Acts 2:42Equip – to prepare for service or action by appropriate trainingI know I'm not where I want to be, but how do I to apply God's word to my life, my job, and my family? Can somone help? Spiritual growth must be intentional, it requires a commitment (Romans 6:13) and effort. Becoming like Christ is the result of the commitments we make – we become whatever we are committed to. Our goal is to encourage and support programs that enable Christian discipleship so that all believers, at all ages, can continue to grow to be disciples and prepare them for life-changing service. We offer Bible studies, small group classes, Sunday School, Women's circles, stewardship, and special opportunities for spiritual growth at every level and every age."They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching." Acts 2:43Enable – to provide with the means or opportunity, to make possibleWe all need someone from time to time to speak hope to our hearts when it's filled with doubt or to light a candle in the darkness to help us find our way. Inspired by God's grace, FUMC is filled with people who express their love for God through service. We currently support numerous outreach ministries such as the food pantry, clothes closet, Community Breakfast, Hearts and Hands Ministry, conference missions, Leprosy Missions, etc. FUMC will continue to express the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus Christ.Having a heart for missions is the fuel that spurs spiritual vitality, personal growth and the passion for our own local church. It is the outward expression of an inner transformation that is beginning to overflow in service to others. [Luke 6:38] Outreach is not an option in the Christian Faith, but a central goal.
"They gave to anyone as he had need." Acts 2:44
These are some of the values that I believe will help each of us become all that God is calling us to be and to fulfill our purpose in our community and in our world. You will hear more about these critical values in the weeks and months ahead. Until then, share them with your family, friends and in your small groups. Let me know what you think and then let's commit to
Making Disciples ~ Making a DifferenceBlessings,Steve
[…] into the wilderness of faith, but don’t know how or need a guide and mentor to Encourage, Equip and Energize them to take those first few nervous steps. Naturally I began my drawing by envisioning […]
What exactly does that mean? Is it just another slogan "filled with sound and fury, signifying nothing" [Macbeth]? Well I certainly hope not, but I do think it probably needs some further discussion. I believe we all have a purpose in life, something that God is calling us be, and the church is no different. All churches are guided by principles, spoken or unspoken, that guide every decision and move the people of God either closer to the Kingdom, or farther away.
[…] into the wilderness of faith, but don’t know how or need a guide and mentor to Encourage, Equip and Energize them to take those first few nervous steps. Naturally I began my drawing by envisioning […]