We begin each of our Sunday services with the following declaration:
"As we gather into worship this morning, we are believing for our city's transformation. Souls saved and set free, godly dreams and desires being birthed, heaven coming to earth. The body of Christ in love with your story, living in the Holy Spirit's power, and making Christlike disciples. Families fully restored, every home in our community proclaiming Jesus as Lord. We thank you Lord, for choosing us, for such a time as this to bring 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 Spriit. 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 "the service is concluding, now we are invited to go and be the church."