- Gather, Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Amongst all creation, which was deemed, “good” by God, the one thing deemed, “not good” is for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). God designed humans to be in community. Therefore, we gather in two ways. First, we gather as the church for corporate worship and teaching. Secondly, we go out into the community to gather the lost, in order to make disciples just as Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). When we gather in a God-honoring community of faith, centered on Christ Jesus, by His Spirit, we are in a position to be equipped to do what He has called us to do.
- Equip, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” We equip one another through our intentional community, in person, within the walls of Hope Church and through the ministry of our small groups. Furthermore, the congregation is equipped from the pulpit, through the preaching of Scripture, which is the living Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” As we are equipped, we grow in Him, by Him and through Him.
- Grow, God does not desire for His people to remain stationary or to become stagnant. He desires His people to grow and mature, in order to accomplish His purposes here on earth. We see the precedence for that laid out in Hebrews 5:12-13, 1 Corinthians 3:2 and 1 Peter 2:2. Furthermore, Scripture demonstrates the call of a pastor, from Christ Himself to equip the church in order to build them up (growth), resulting in unity and maturity, “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13). While growth can be measured in numerous ways (attendance, service to ministries and to the community at large, leadership development, faithful stewardship of finances, the fruits of the Spirit), the growth we experience will propel us deeper into the pursuit of our church’s mission – a continuation of gathering, equipping and growth. This is the proper recognition and expression of His call on our lives.
All three of these statements (to gather, equip and to grow) are futile if not built on the foundation of Christ Jesus. He is the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-21). He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). His is the Name above all names (Philippians 2:9-11). When Peter acknowledged Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, Jesus stated that His church would be built upon that rock of truth (Matthew 16:18). We will, in humble obedience to His Lordship, continue to build the church on His name.
VISION STATEMENT
Jesus will be made known, lives will be changed and disciples will be made in Spencer and to the ends of the earth.