Why we exist.
Our purpose, in the words our own constitution uses: to preach the gospel, to build up believers, and to care for people in need.
Article II of our constitution sets out why this church exists. It is not a slogan written for a website. It is the statement the church was founded on, and it still describes what we give our weeks to.
The purpose of the church
- Preaching the gospel to all nations
- Equipping believers by teaching, discipline, and training, so that they reach the fullness of Christ
- Planting new churches and sending missionaries
- Keeping the faith and the unity of believers
- Encouraging members to be faithful to their Lord and to serve him
- Helping those who are in need
Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
What that looks like here
On a Sunday it looks ordinary. The word is preached, believers are taught and corrected and encouraged, and people who are struggling are helped without a fuss. Over years, that is how a church grows up into Christ rather than simply growing larger.
We are one church, and keeping that unity is part of the purpose, not a happy accident of it. If you are new here, you are not joining an audience. You are joining a body that has work to do.
Six purposes
Article II of our constitution sets out six purposes. Every member has a part in each one.
Preach the gospel
To all nations. It is the first purpose our constitution names, and it is still why we meet on Sunday.
Equip believers
By teaching, discipline, and training, so that people grow to the fullness of Christ.
Plant and send
We plant new churches and send out missionaries from this one.
Keep the faith and the unity
One church, holding to the faith we were given and staying united. Unity is part of our purpose.
Encourage faithfulness
We call each other to be faithful to the Lord and to serve him, every week.
Help those in need
Practical help for people who are struggling, with no conditions attached.
Find your place in it
Whether this is your first Sunday or your fiftieth, there is a place for you.