"We are a community of Christian believers seeking to grow in unity, grace, compassion, and love. We desire to be a place where you get to know Jesus, not just know about him."
Several years ago, we began reciting "our declaration" at the beginning of our service on Sunday. It is a reminder of who we are, who we are called to be, and what things we are called to do. We've expanded our declaration, trying to more fully understand the role that Jesus calls us to play in our community.
Our declaration:
Heavenly Father,
As we enter into worship today, we are believing for our city’s transformation!
Begin the transformation in me…
Use me for Your glory…
Make me more like Jesus...
I want to know you, not just know about you…
Today, as we offer our songs of praise,
As we proclaim Your Word,
As we submit our prayers,
As we worship you in spirit and in truth,
Draw us into Your presence.
Amen
Jesus gave his disciples instructions that have been dubbed, the Great Commission. "...go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the command I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20).
Paul clarified the mission of the church in 2 Corinthians 5. Because we have been reconciled to God through the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are now ambassadors of reconciliation to a lost and broken world.
In Ephesians, Paul reminds us that the church gathers so we can be equipped to serve. We learn how to use our gifts and talents in unity so we can reach into the hopelessness and rescue those that are caught in the traps and lies of the enemy.
We have a sign in our foyer that reads, "Ladies and gentlemen, the church is leaving the building." As we wrap up our gathering each Sunday, we are reminded that we are not called come to church...we are called to be the church.
Heavenly Father,
As we leave from worship today, we are believing for our city’s transformation!
We thank you, for choosing us to serve this beautiful city.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit as we leave this building and go into the world to be the church.
Amen!