Mobilize Leadership
We will continue to develop an environment of care and support, encouraged by the leadership of the church. The work of elders and deacons will be primarily people-oriented, instead of focused on systems and policy. While administration is good and profitable for a healthy church, the leadership will spend more time in care and support of the members. 1 Peter 5:1, 2 says, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care…—not because you must, but because you are willing.” Our leaders, the elders and deacons, are encouraged and enabled to lead through relationship with the people in their shepherding groups. Rather than spending most of their time in meetings, the majority of their time is spent listening, caring, and supporting the people in their groups. Elders and deacons will view their ministry as invigorating, for the most part, rather than draining. People in the church will think of their elder and deacon as a source of encouragement and care. The administrative work will be secondary to the pastoral work of our elders and deacons.
Show Unconditional Love Within Our Church Family
We will not be able to address, or even have concern, for the needs of our community if our own needs are not being met. Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Our Lord is calling us to be a place where people are connected to one another, where burdens are shared and encouragement is expected. Each person knows, and is known by, one another. We are dedicated to fellowship, like the early Christians were in Acts 2. When someone has a need, their first thought is to share it with their family at Peace. If someone begins to drift away, they have people who know them and love them who will miss them and call them. Our love for one another will be shown in regular interaction for everyone in the church. Our church will be known as a place where you can belong.
Show Unconditional Love In Our Communities
We recognize that people connect to Jesus at the point where He meets their needs. In order to more effectively connect Jesus to the needs of our neighbors, we must be able to actively and effectively be involved in community. We will know the top five needs of the people surrounding our church, and our individual homes, and will be able to point to quantifiable ministries that are addressing those needs. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” Our community will view Peace Church as a vital, and necessary, participant. At the same time, members of Peace Church will be given the resources necessary to be representatives of this church in their own neighborhoods. We will be aware of the greatest needs in our community, both of the church and the individual members. We will be able to identify practical aspects of the church’s ministry that address those needs. Our budget will reflect this awareness and response.
More People Will Surrender Their Lives To Jesus
The primary end of the church of Jesus Christ is to make more disciples, teaching them to obey everything that Jesus has commanded us (Matthew 28:19, 20). Jesus said that the harvest is ready, but the laborers are few (Luke 10:2). Since the harvest is ready, and since Jesus told us to make more disciples, we should be witnessing and participating in conversions, where unbelievers are coming to the realization that Jesus is their Lord and Savior. We will expect to participate in the conversion of people to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Rather than be satisfied with planting seeds, we will be part of the harvest as well, on a regular basis. We will live in an atmosphere of expectation, eagerness, and celebration as people give their lives to the control of Jesus Christ. We will be able to identify new brothers and sisters who have come to salvation in Jesus.