As many of you know, the mission statement of Good News United Methodist Church is to offer the children, youth, and families of Cedar Park/Leander the opportunity to encounter the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ in our worship, small groups, special events, and daily lives so as to transform the world one relationship at a time. But what many of you may not know is that there are seven overriding principles on which this mission is based. In other words, there are seven core values on which this church operates. These are the reasons the church does what it does. And, why a church is different than any other organization in the world today.
Value #1 – To make ministry (defined as the different expressions of our Mission) our only business. The only reason we exist is to be a source of the kingdom of God – a real life, flesh and blood, tangible example of God’s grace. To be a place that offers forgiveness, acceptance, and love unconditionally so others may encounter its reality for themselves. A place where people can not only begin a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, but also grow that relationship and begin to offer the same back to others. In addition, our business is rooted in four areas: teaching, relationships, the Sacraments, and prayer. (Acts 2:42)
Value #2 – To seek new ways to achieve our mission and have faith in God to provide what we need to get it done. This means we are called to do our job and to allow God to do God’s job. Too often a new way to meet the needs of our neighbors (ways to offer the kingdom of God) is not started by a church because the people do not think they have what it takes to get it done. (Not enough people and/or money) But according to Jesus, this is backwards thinking. Our job is to seek the kingdom first, build and grow the kingdom as God gives us the opportunity to serve first, and let God provide what we need as we go. Where would Israel be today if Moses had decided not to go back to Egypt based on the high cost of travel? What would the Gospel be like today if Peter decided it would not be cost effective to leave his fishing career? And where would the Church be today if Paul decided he could not spread the message of Jesus to the gentiles because he didn’t have enough help? Being faithful and obedient is all God asks us to be. (Matthew 6:33)
Value #3 – To glorify God in all that we do rather than glorify individuals, or church, or our denomination. It others words, it is not about us. It is not about who gets the credit, who gets the praise, and who gets rewarded. It is about glorifying God in all that we do. This also means that whatever we give to Good News is really given to glorify God not just the church or an individual. In the church, when we sing, or when we teach, or when we serve on a committee, we do it for God. In whatever Good News accomplishes, people should see God’s hand in the work and not just ours. Our mission is not to do things so that people will encounter just our church, but so that people will encounter the body of Christ. It means keeping the main thing the main thing. And for followers of Jesus, the main thing is God. (Matthew 5:16)
Tune in next week when we'll talk about the remaining four. As always, I welcome your comments and questions. God bless and have a great week.
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