MINISTRY CORE MEETING … 24October2024
PURPOSE OF MEETING … To develop A VISION STATEMENT and A MISSION STATEMENT
GUIDING QUESTIONS …
Who are we?
What are we?
Why are we?
How are we to do what we need to do?
From Post sent to the GCJ Ministry Core WhatsApp group … 07:41 … on 10/18/2024 …
- The MAIN points touched briefly on our IDENTITY as a church, our PURPOSE as a church and drafts of MISSION and VISION STATEMENTS.
- … a summary of what we’ve come up with thus far:
1. Who are we?
- We are NOT just the people of God (as Israel was), BUT the BELOVED CHILDREN OF GOD.
2. What are we?
- We are a CHURCH … but we are also THE BODY OF CHRIST.
3. Why are we?
- God’s desire for us is TO GLORIFY GOD in all that we do, especially as we LOVE GOD and LOVE NEIGHBOUR and MAKE DISCIPLES.
4. VISION STATEMENT (tentative)
- = A loving, vibrant, Spirit-filled community where people from all walks of life can find belonging, growth, and purpose
5. MISSION STATEMENT (tentative)
- = To glorify God by making disciples, equipping believers, and serving our community/neighbourhood .
6. CORE VALUES —
- To be decided** … based on input from all members of the Core Ministry Team.
- ** To help us come up with core values that we, in the Core Ministry Team, can agree upon … and then take to the general membership for consideration … we are asking that EACH member of this team submit some ideas of what he/she believes are the core values (about 5) that we should perhaps adopt and inculcate.
- To help with that exercise, please consider the following questions:
1. What values do you believe will help us become the kind of church we want to be … as mentioned in the vision statement?
2. What values do you believe will help us accomplish our mission of making disciples?
NOTE: Please post your values as comments in this chat.
[07:55, 10/18/2024] Michael Mitchell: RE: Reflection Question #2 above … it may help to consider the following question:
- HOW SHOULD WE, given where we are located, GO ABOUT MAKING DISCIPLES FOR CHRIST?
Here are definitions and examples of vision, mission, and core values specifically relating to a church body:
Vision:Â Â Â Proverbs 29:18, Habakkuk 2:2-3Â Â
- Definition: A clear and compelling picture of what God wants the church to become or achieve in the future.
- Examples:
- “To become a beacon of hope and light in our community, reaching 1,000 unsaved people with the Gospel within the next 5 years.”
- “To build a vibrant, Spirit-filled community where people from all walks of life can find belonging, growth, and purpose.”
- “To establish a network of house churches, empowering believers to spread the Gospel and make disciples in their neighborhoods.”
- “To be a healthy church”
Mission:  Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8
- Definition: A concise statement of the church’s purpose and objectives, summarizing its reason for existence.
- Examples:
- “To glorify God by making disciples, equipping believers, and serving our community.”
- “To share the love of Christ with our city, fostering spiritual growth, community engagement, and global outreach.”
- “To empower believers to live out their faith, sharing the Gospel, and making a positive impact in our world.”
Core Values:Â Â 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Ephesians 4:1-16, Philippians 2:1-11
- Definition: Fundamental principles that guide the church’s decisions, behaviors, and culture.
- Examples:
-
- 1. Worship: “We value passionate, Spirit-led worship as the foundation of our relationship with God.”
- 2. Community: “We value authentic relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among believers.”
- 3. Outreach: “We value sharing the Gospel with our neighbors and the nations, demonstrating God’s love through service.”
- 4. Discipleship: “We value intentional growth in faith, equipping believers to become mature followers of Christ.”
- 5. Prayer: “We value prayer as the engine of our ministry, seeking God’s guidance and empowerment.”
- Bible-based teaching
- Evangelism
- Fellowship
- Generosity
- Humility
- Integrity
- Leadership development
- Missional living
- Multigenerational ministry
- Spiritual growth
Biblical Foundations:
1. Vision: Proverbs 29:18, Habakkuk 2:2-3
2. Mission: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8
3. Core Values: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Ephesians 4:1-16, Philippians 2:1-11
Remember … these are just examples.
Your church’s vision, mission, and core values should be unique, reflecting God’s specific call and purpose for your community. ‎
LIST OF CORE VALUES
Living and sharing the Gospel involves:
1. Personal Relationship with God:
- Cultivate a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus.
- Study and meditate on Scripture.
- Pray and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.
2. Sharing the Gospel:
- Share your testimony: Tell others about your experience with Jesus.
- Use biblical truths: Explain salvation, forgiveness, and God’s love.
- Show God’s love: Demonstrate compassion, kindness, and humility.
3. Lifestyle Evangelism:
- Live a life of integrity: Reflect Christ’s character in your actions.
- Build relationships: Connect with others, showing genuine interest.
- Serve others: Volunteer, help those in need.
4. Verbal Witness:
- Share the Gospel message: Clearly explain salvation through Jesus.
- Use evangelism tools: Tracts, Bible studies, or evangelistic events.
- Answer questions: Provide biblical answers to spiritual inquiries.
5. Digital Evangelism:
- Social media: Share Gospel content, engage in online discussions.
- Online communities: Participate in forums, groups.
- Blogging or vlogging: Share your faith journey.
6. Community Involvement:
- Local church: Get involved in outreach programs.
- Mission trips: Participate in short-term missions.
- Neighborhood outreach: Host events, serve your community.
7. Discipleship:
- Mentor others: Guide new believers in their faith.
- Teach Bible studies: Help others grow in their understanding.
- Encourage accountability: Support fellow believers.
8. Prayer and Fasting:
- Pray for opportunities: Ask God to open doors.
- Fast for spiritual breakthroughs: Seek God’s guidance.
9. Gospel-Centered Values:
- Love and compassion
- Humility and servant-leadership
- Integrity and authenticity
- Forgiveness and mercy
- Evangelism and discipleship
Scriptures to Share:
1. John 3:16
2. Romans 5:8
3. Romans 10:9-10
4. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
5. Ephesians 2:8-9
Tips for Effective Sharing:
1. Listen actively
2. Be sensitive to others’ beliefs
3. Use everyday conversations
4. Be respectful and patient
5. Rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance
Remember, sharing the Gospel is a lifestyle, not an event.
May God empower you to live and share His love with others! ‎
… prepared by Charles Fleming for discussion on Priorities and Goal-Setting
Belonging
Acceptance  Comfort  Compassion  Empathy  Equality  Inclusion  Kindness  Peace  Respect  Thankful  Welcoming
Spirituality
Community  Family  Generosity/ Giving  Grace  Harmony/Unity Hope  Humility  Inspiring  Loyalty  Maturity  Meaning Reverence  Selfless/ Stewardship  Service/Sharing
Integrity
Accountability  Commitment/Dependability  Dignity  Honesty  Honor  Responsibility  Sincerity  Transparency  Trust/Trustworthy  Truthful
Creativity
Creation  Curiosity/Discovery  Expressive  Imagination/Innovation  Intuitive  Openness  Originality  Uniqueness  Wonder
Freedom
Independence  Individuality  Liberty
Achievement
Accomplishment  Credibility  Drive/Risk  Effectiveness  Empower  Endurance  Leadership  Mastery/Professionalism  Results-oriented  Significance  Sustainability  Teamwork
Enjoyment
Amusement  Celebration  Contentment  Enthusiasm  Fun/Joy  Gratitude  Happiness  Humor  Playfulness/Recreation  Spontaneous  Surprise
Presence
Alertness  Attentive  Awareness  Beauty  Calm  Clear  Concentration/Focus  Silence  Simplicity  Solitude
Courage
Bravery  Conviction  Fearless  Valor
Intelligence
Common sense  Decisiveness  Foresight/Insightful  Knowledge/Thoughtful  Learning  Logic  Openness  Realistic  Reflective/Wisdom  Vision
Strength
Assertiveness  Boldness/Confidence  Dedication  Discipline  Fortitude  Persistence  Restraint/Temperance  Rigor  Self-reliance  Toughness  Vigor  Will
Order
Accuracy/Careful  Certainty  Cleanliness  Consistency/Thorough  Control  Economy  Moderation  Organization  Security/Stability  Structure  Timeliness
Health
Energy  Self-care  MentalHealth  Vitality
Participation
Cooperation  Collaboration  Adaptable  Openness  Service  TeamPlayer
Unity
Harmony  Connected  Relationships  Consensus  Interactive
Justice
Fairness  Equitableness  Honor  Respect  Restitution
