bits from bob....
Church: Purpose-Identity-Agenda-Renewal
by Bob Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]
Consider the sequence reflected in the title. The church must know who it is before it can find renewal. The church must understand its identity in order to experience genuine renewal. Until the church understands its purpose, it will struggle with understanding its purpose. Any new dream with appropriate goals and structures to support ministry must have as its foundation the purpose and identity of the church. Many churches seek renewal, and struggle with the renewal process, because of the tendency to move into strategies and actions before the purpose and identity are in place.
Every church must struggle with its "identity" statements. Here is a sample list of identity statements that came from a congregational meeting during a weekend consultation.
This church....
Shares a heritage of restoration ideals
Is part of a fellowship of Restoration churches most of whom are identified as "churches of Christ"
Is a community or family where the love of Christ is lived out in our personal relationships
Has a strong respect for the Bible as the word of God, believing that it can be understood and must be obeyed
Desires to focus on Jesus as the answer to the problems of humanity
Is a "believers' church" that identifies as Christians those with personal faith, commitment, and obedience to Christ, lived out daily
Seeks to be a place where those whose allegiance or loyalty is to Jesus Christ can find a welcome and spiritual home
Focuses on providing a meaningful worship experience as the body of Christ assembles each week
Practices baptism for the remission of sins as a believer's faith response to Jesus
Believes the church through its members has been charged with sharing the gospel, both locally and globally
Is actively involved in taking the gospel to the world, especially through various missions efforts
Wants to serve the needs of our community (and world)
Shares a great concern for youth-both in the church and in the community, and thus seeks to develop and serve our youth
Articles Index
http://www.bobyoungresources.com/articles/church_purpose-identity-agenda-renewal.htm
Last updated May 6, 2011
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