How can we maximize the impact of the ministry the Lord has called us too? What would such a ministry look like? In a sentence, we believe that a ministry that accomplishes all the Lord has called us to do would like this:
"A caring church, growing through a purpose driven,
balanced ministry reaching all people without compromising
Biblical Truths - A Lighthouse dispelling the darkness."
While the church is many things to many people, we believe scripture is clear in our call as we minister to North Chicago and the surrounding communities:
A Caring Church -
Jesus indicated that the mark of a Christian is the love that is displayed:
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13.34-35
Growing -
Jesus indicated that those who truly have a relationship with him are like a vine - constantly growing a bearing the fruit that only he makes possible in their lives:
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15.15
Through a purpose driven -
If we do not have a purpose, we are just wandering meaninglessly through life. Jesus gives us the prime example of motivation when, in the final days of his ministry, knowing it will mean certain death, he resolutely sets out for Jerusalem, because he was completing the work given to him by the Father:
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
Luke 9.51
We need to be just as driven and just as purposeful in our ministry
Balanced ministry -
God has given the church many gifts; it would be a wasteful squandering of such gifts if we did not use them in a wise and balanced way:
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Eph 4.11-13
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Pe 4.10-11
Reaching all people -
Making disciples of "all nations" is one of the more commonly known tenets of the Great Commission:
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matt 28.18-20
Without compromising Biblical Truths -
Jesus and the writers of scripture make it clear that if we do not believe that Jesus is who he says he is, or change the message in any way, the only thing we can expect from God is wrath and judgment:
I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." [Jesus speaking]
John 8.24
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!
Gal 1.8
A Lighthouse dispelling the darkness -
Even as Jesus is the "light of the world" (John 8.12) He has called us, the church, to shed light in the darkness of those who live without Christ and without God's word:
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matt 5.14-16
It is from imagery like this that our logo (the lighthouse) has been derived. |
