What we are most committed to both as people and as the church define who we are and what we will become. As we look to the future we must come to terms with what kind of church are we now and what kind of church we want to be. When I think about FUMC, I dream about a community working together to mend scared lives and broken dreams, a community united by worship, growing in fellowship, focused by study and prayer, and energized by the Spirit of the Living God. In short,
“a place where people are so engulfed by God’s presence and love that they can’t help but respond to that love.”
Would you join a cause like that and then invite your friends? I know I certainly would!
Last month I shared with you some thoughts on three core values that will help us be that kind of a church, a place where people exalt God as God, where disciples are equipped to know God and themselves, and a place where we express our love to God through service to others. I would like to complete the list and encourage you to prayerfully consider where you personally can help.
Exalt to love God as God
Equip to know God and to know myself
Embrace to love others as God loves me
Express to serve others as Christ served me
Evangelize to share Jesus and change the world
Embrace – to take in or include as a part of a more inclusive whole
You and I were created by God to be in relationships, we need to belong. John Wesley said, “The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion.” Life is hard enough without trying to go it alone. We need to be in community – to support, encourage, challenge, and inspire one another. At FUMC, we will continue to create opportunities to engage each and every member and attender in real, authentic and meaningful relationships. We want every member to get connected, to become part of the whole, and move from friend to family. I believe we can do this through small groups, community building dinners, and just good old fashioned hospitality. Everyone should walk out of our church feeling loved, valued, and inspired.
“They broke bread together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely” Acts 2:46 (CEV)
Evangelism – sharing your faith, hope and love with compassion
Evangelism is simply one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. Because of our new life in Christ, we have found the fulfillment and hope that makes life worth living. If you have found this salvation, then three things must follow, (1) we must continue to feed on His word, (2) we must come to understand that others still do not know the power of His love and forgiveness, and (3) we must have the compassion to share it. At FUMC, we want to share the hope we have in Christ and invite all who will come to join us at the banquet table, because we know what its like to be on the outside looking in.
Did You Know?
Nearly 9 out of 10 Christians accept Jesus as their Savior before the age of 18? Studies indicate that nearly half of all Americans who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior do so before reaching the age of 13 (43%), and that 2 out of 3 Christians (64%) made that commitment to Christ before their 18th birthday?
“You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)
We have been given the greatest gift of our lives through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We have also been given highest calling, to share that message and transform the world. We must be intentional about it, or we will do nothing at all. I have tried to share with you some of the core values that I believe will enable us to be the church we are called to be. It is my prayer that as we move into the future, we will focus on these values, benchmark our progress, and implement programs to get better and stronger.
Together, we can Make Disciples and we can Make a Difference.
And each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved. Acts 2:47 (CEV)
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