The previous times we met we kept getting mixed up in regards to whether we were talking about mission, vision, or core values. Once we clarified that, it prompted quite a bit of discussion. Two statements came in via email this last week that kind of pulled us into a strong working of what we were talking about. They were these:
WE PASSIONATELY SEEK THOSE WHO WOULD JOIN US IN BECOMING PASSIONATE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
and
PREACH THE GOSPEL, WORSHIP THE CREATOR, AND LIBERATE THE CAPTIVES
As we discussed it further, the reasons we liked these two aspects of it, the reason we didn't like certain ones, we came to a pretty strong consensus. We're not in 100% agreement yet, and we're also not completely done with the wordsmithing of this statement, but what we landed on tonight is this:
To Passionately Preach the Gospel, Worship the Creator, Disciple the Seekers
There was strong agreement amongst our diverse group as we have pulled together into a team of people that this likely represents much of what we're seeking to say. Now we're going to let it sit for a few weeks and germinate as we work on the vision and core values and then we'll come back to it after it sits for awhile.
I'd like to heard your comments on it. I'd be curious to hear your thinking. Please feel free to add a comment below - either anonymously or with your name. Please let us hear what you have to say.
(First) WE PASSIONATELY SEEK THOSE WHO WOULD JOIN US IN BECOMING PASSIONATE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST – We need to be careful about limiting who we will passionately seek. If it is only after people who “would” join us it may limit how we seek. We need to take into account those who would not join us but still need to be passionately sought after through intimate friendship, a witnessing lifestyle, and prayer.
ReplyDelete(Second) To Passionately Preach the Gospel, Worship the Creator, Disciple the Seekers – The word “preach” is a very pulpit sounding word. What about to Passionately “Live” or “Share” the gospel? This allows all of us who don’t preach or don’t understand the bigger implication of how the word preach can apply to the average person who lives and works in their community.
Overall, I like the second selection over the first.
Hi-I second the (second) The word preach can mean condemnation to some. "better than you" attitude to many. Share the gospel is good. "Seeker" , hmm-many are not seeking God, don't know they need him, don't even think about it or they are afraid of being judged. Vickie
ReplyDeleteI like the statement, "To Passionately Preach the Gospel, Worship the Creator, Disciple the Seekers," except the preaching part. I prefer "share the gospel," as that is something we, as a church, can all do, whereas preaching is something only the pastor does.
ReplyDelete