Our Mission Statement

Printed in House To House/Heart To Heart

Mission statements are important. Businesses have them for their purpose; athletes have them for team-spirit; and people have them for identity. God’s kingdom has a mission statement, which is to glorify God and to draw close to him in the image of Christ (Ephesians 3:21). The Lord’s church carries out this mission statement in three ways: evangelism—saving the lost; benevolence—assisting the needs of others; and edification—strengthening the saved. All of these are equally important to the church and to Christians, and together they help us accomplish our mission statement.

First, we believe in saving the lost. It was Jesus’ mission (Luke 19:10), which he commissioned to his disciples and the church (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). Our duty as lights in a dark culture and salt in a bland world is to bring the gospel, the good news, to a lost and dying world because its message is hope, peace and comfort for their souls. The gospel saves people from sin (Romans 1:16). But, people must hear it to have faith (Romans 10:17). Their faith must be in Christ (John 8:24) and lead them to repentance (Luke 13:5), confession (Romans 10:9-10) and baptism (Galatians 3:27). Our evangelism ministry supports gospel preaching locally and abroad for the single focus of saving those who are lost.

Second, we believe in assisting those who have physical needs. Jesus, whose example we follow, helped people for three very important reasons. First, he valued God’s command to help those in need (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). Second, he had compassion on people and their abundant needs (Matthew 9:36). Third, he was most interested in their souls often forgiving their sins (Mark 2:5, et al).

Our benevolence ministry exists for several reasons. Jesus wanted his disciples to practice it (Matthew 25:35ff). It demonstrates our faith (James 2:15-16). It demonstrates our compassion (1 John 3:17). It provides an outlet for good (1 Timothy 6:18). It helps us practice the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). It is grace applied (Proverbs 3:27). It brings joy to the giver (Acts 20:35). It brings God’s favor and deliverance (Psalm 41:1). It comes back to the giver (Proverbs 11:25).

Third, we believe in building up the body of believers. Jesus edified Peter and charged him to strengthen others (Luke 22:32). Congregations should pursue this same call (Romans 14:19) seeing that its trait is admirable (1 Corinthians 10:23). The strong are to help the weak (Romans 15:2). Finally, the fruit of love is edification (1 Corinthians 8:1).

Edification is important because edified members are the heartbeat of ministry. In fact, the evangelism and benevolence ministries thrive only when the local congregation is edified and strengthened. All roles served in the church exist to equip and edify the disciples (Ephesians 4:11ff) because God wants every Christian to move from milk to strong meat (Hebrews 5:13-14).

Christians are edified in several ways. Preaching and teaching edify listeners (1 Corinthians 14:3). Orderly worship edifies participants (1 Corinthians 14:26). God’s authority through his message builds up those who hear (2 Corinthians 10:8). Our speech should edify one another (Ephesians 4:29). Fellowship with other Christians strengthens the body (1 Thessalonians 3:10). And Jesus’ second coming edifies Christians who await his return (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

We want to glorify God and draw near him in Jesus’ image. We accomplish this goal through evangelism, benevolence and edification ministries.

Dear Reader: I humbly request that you evaluate these things in light of the Scriptures. Does your church practice these things? If so, how fervently? If you are frustrated with manmade doctrines, may we have the opportunity to study with you? Our commitment is to begin with Bible and journey through it together. Our promise is to rely on the pure and simple truth. Our plea is to speak where the Bible speaks and to be silent where the Bible is silent. We invite you to call us today.