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. In November of 2024, we'll be expanding our declaration and spending some time trying to more fully understand the role that Jesus calls us to play in our community.
Here is a sneak peek at our new declaration:
Heavenly Father,
As we enter into worship today, we are believing for our city’s transformation!
…souls saved and set free,
…godly dreams and desires being birthed,
…your will being done in Billings as it is in Heaven.
We’re seeking to be the Body of Christ. Teach us to be
…in love with the Gospel story,
…living in the Holy Spirit’s power,
…Christlike disciples making Christlike disciples.
Make ours a church where individuals and families can be restored, revived, and transformed by the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Through us, transform Billings into a community where every home proclaims Jesus as Lord!
We thank you, LORD, for choosing us, for such a time as this, to proclaim your Kingdom to our beautiful city. 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!
Use us as we go about each day. Through us
…sow Your hope where there is hopelessness
…spread Your peace in the midst of chaos
…shine Your light into the darkness
We thank you, for choosing us to serve this beautiful city. Now fill us with your Holy Spirit as we leave this building and go into the world to be the church.
Amen!