For the Gospel and the City

Vision

In the midst of a hurting city, we labor and long to become a different kind of people who are celebrating the city.

 

A different kind of people

Reverent.

  •  A humble sobriety and awareness of the holiness and awesome nature of God. (Isaiah 6:1-3; Romans 11:20, 33-36)
  • A joyful passion for the Gospel. (Hebrews 12:28)
  • A deepening sense that we were made for seven days of worship, not just one. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
  • A growing hunger for the weekly preaching of the Word, celebration of the Sacraments, prayer and worship. (Acts 2:42ff)
  • Intimate gatherings of approximately 200 people meeting in a highly visible, public location in the city for worship.

Changing.

  • Growth in humility, generosity, and sacrifice. (Psalm 18:27; Hebrews 13:1-2; Philippians 2:3; Romans 14:19)
  • A teachable spirit, open to correction from others. (Hebrews 3:12-14; 2 Timothy 2:23ff)
  • A quickness to repent of sin and seek Gospel change. (1 John 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:23-26)
  • A restless commitment to connect belief and behavior. (James 2:14ff; 1 John 3:17-18)
  • A patient recognition that each member is God’s handiwork. (Romans 14:19-20; Ephesians 3:20ff; Philippians 1:6, 2:13; 1 Corinthians 6:20)

True.

  • A communal life of authenticity. (Acts 2:42ff; Hebrews 3:12-14; Romans 2:28ff)
  • A commitment to speak the truth in a spirit of love. (Ephesians 4:15; Hebrews 3:12-14)
  • A holy hatred for falsehood, hypocrisy, flattery, insincerity, and facades of all kinds. (Ephesians 4:15; Proverbs 6:16-19; Proverbs 26:21ff

 

Celebrating the City

Gospel-centered.

  • A spark igniting a multi-faceted Gospel movement of three Church plants, reaching 750 people in the city by 2020.
  • A diverse multi-racial, socioeconomic, generational people. (Revelation 7:9; Matthew 25:31-46)
  • A drive to engage and confront the doubting, skeptical, disenfranchised, and struggling with the Gospel. (Romans 15:20; 1 Corinthians 9:16; Jude 1:22)
  • A development plan for diverse leadership in place by 2010.

Compassionate.

  • A refusal to divorce the Word & Deed of the Gospel. (Matthew 25:31-46; James 2:14ff; 1 John 3:17-18)
  • A confident motivation for justice and compassion found in the present reign of King Jesus. (Hebrews 1:8; Luke 10:1ff)
  • A quiet and tearful resolution that waits for the return of the King and true righteousness. (Luke 6:21; Romans 12:15; Revelation 22:20)
  • An active public voice for righteousness amid wicked injustice. (Luke 10:1ff)
  • A faithful prayer for the peace and prosperity of the city. (Jeremiah 29:4ff)
  • A commitment to develop a multi-pronged mercy plan.

Positive.

  • A joyful participation in the life of the city. (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Corinthians 8; Romans 14; Revelation 22:14)
  • A commitment to speak positively about the city. (Jeremiah 29:4ff; Psalm 24:1ff)
  • A refusal to simply pity the city. (Jeremiah 29:4ff)
  • A celebration of the diversity of the city. (Genesis 1:26-28; Revelation 21:22)
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