A few years ago we partnered with Tim Wallingford from Center for Church Leadership and through his “Navigation” program we embarked on a redefining journey to “renew our focus” as a church. This process included a church-wide Bible Study and Sermon Series on Jesus’ plan for the ideal church, a Demographics Study of our surrounding area, a S.W.O.T. Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), a church-wide Dream Event followed by a church-wide Spiritual Gifts Test and a Dream Interest Event, lots of meetings, lots of work, and lots of prayer.
So far in this endeavor we have generated a new Mission Statement, developed new Core Values, defined target areas of ministry, and began making adjustments as we have launched this renewing process. Through the course of “Renewing the Focus” our whole church has been involved, unified, strengthen, and energized. This has brought an atmosphere of enthusiasm, increased faith, and optimistic hope that has been exciting to experience together.
Our next step is to create a 3 year vision and strategy. The Dream Event, Spiritual Gifts Test, and Dream Interest event led us to these 3 specific areas of improvement to focus on for the short term (3 years) as we continue to work toward longer term goals.
Increased involvement, volunteering, and partnership with organizations that offer assistance and service to those in need
Improve the overall aesthetics of the church building and grounds
Intentional increase of a visible presence promoting our church and it’s ministries to our communities (Publicity)
Mission Statement:
Growing in God, Investing in People
Core Values:
God is First – In all things following Him is the priority.
37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.” – Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV 2011)
(Additional Scriptures: Exodus 20:1-7; Matthew 6:33, 22:35-38 )
Devoted to God – A full dependence on Him and a complete abandonment of self.
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24 (NIV 2011)
(Additional Scriptures: Matthew 4:18-22, 6:33-34, 10:37-39, 16:24-27; Luke 9:62; Romans 12:1-2)
Growing God’s Kingdom – Increasing and developing devoted disciples of Jesus.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV 2011)
(Additional Scriptures: Matthew 4:19-20; Luke 6:40; John 8:31-32; 2 Timothy 2:2)
Actively Investing – Taking personal responsibility; doing whatever it takes to move the Gospel forward.
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. – 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NIV 2011)
Connecting with people – Building real relationships with others through compassion, service, and support.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. – 1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV 2011)
(Additional Scriptures: Matthew 9:35-38, 20:25-28, 25:31-46; John 13:12-17; Romans 15:1-8; Galatians 5:13-14; Ephesians 4:12-16; Colossians 3:12; Hebrews 3:13)