Our
Mission |
| During
the month of July, 2005, Pastor Kris taught a four week
series on our values at First Missionary Church. Our purpose
or mission statement is fairly well known: “First
Missionary exists to exalt the King and extend His kingdom
through worship, outreach, connection and stewardship.”
This statement seeks to answer the question of what we do. |
Throughout
this series, we highlighted seven values that we hold to
at FMC.
A values statement reaches behind the mission statement
to answer the
question of why we do it. Put another way, somebody noted
the importance
of values by summarizing the point like this: If we weren’t
doing these things
here, we’d probably go somewhere else. |
Those
seven values complete the statement, “At First Missionary
Church,
we passionately value... |
1. Honoring
God’s Word
2. Receiving salvation through Jesus Christ
3. Growing in intimacy with Christ
4. Living the Great Commission
5. Experiencing authentic friendships
6. Supporting and protecting Christ-centered families
7. Pursuing integrity in leadership.”
|
To
illustrate these values, a multi-colored triangle was created,
highlighting
the essential themes that summarize these seven values: |
|
| 1. |
The
first level of this triangle is the foundation of truth.
Read John 18:37-38; 14:6; 17:17. Why is truth so essential
as a foundation for life? What happens when we allow truth
to erode within
our most basic relationships? |
| 2. |
For each of
these Sundays, the congregation was encouraged to make
commitments that would demonstrate our desire to align our
lives with these values. For this first week, attenders
were encouraged to commit to reading the Bible on a daily
basis, as well as entering into accountable relationships.
What tools or practices have you discovered to make daily
Bible reading easier to practice? |
| 3. |
Week Two centered
on family... entering the family of God through salvation,
and protecting our earthly families. Read Ephesians 3:14-19.
Describe a way in which your family provides safety and
freedom to grow. |
| 4. |
The congregational
response for this level had to do with praying for opportunities
to share Christ with others, as well as establishing a regular
time for family devotions. |
| 5. |
The third week
centered on connection. Read Romans 12:9-13 and John 15:9-17.
Truly the Christian life is summarized in this statement:
Loving God and loving people.
Without going into names, what kind of person typically
grates on your nerves? Pray for God to give you grace in
dealing with that kind of person. |
| 6. |
Relationships
reach their full potential only in relation to the time
that is invested in them. Have you ever intentionally spent
a half-day with God? When will you schedule your next extended
time with God? |
| 7. |
The final part
of the puzzle – indeed, the culmination – comes
with the piece called “Go and tell.” The Great
Commission is, of course, central to the Christian life.
Read Matthew 28:18-20. Realistically, what part of “all
nations” are you able to reach? |
| 8. |
The response
that was encouraged for this piece of “living the
Great Commission” involved getting involved in a hands-on
experience of sharing the love of Jesus, either in Berne
(or Geneva or Decatur), or through the church plant in Portland,
or on a national or international workteam. What is holding
you back from getting involved in serving
others in a tangible way? |
| These
seven values and four key phrases can be summarized in just
five words: bringing God and people together.
That’s what we’re all about at First Missionary! |
