For I, The LORD, do not change;
Malachi 3:6a
Malachi 3:6a
As we begin the next phase in the life of this congregation, change is expected, and change will happen even as we remember and celebrate the past (see last week’s article if you have not yet read it.) Yet in the midst of changes, be assured that there are some things that will not change.
First, our mission of making disciples will not change! This has been the mission of the church since Christ gave it that great commission before He ascended into heaven. At times the greater church has wandered from that mission of growing up (teaching) and growing out (baptizing / evangelism) and leaned too far on one side or the other. However, she has always returned to that Great Commission as her purpose on earth.
Second, we will always be a Bible teaching and preaching church! While newer methods may be used (e.g. sermon series, outlines, and video clips on the screen), the Truth and His truths we teach and proclaim will never stray from the Word of God.
We will remain thoroughly Lutheran in our doctrine and in our worship. Please don’t understand this to be only a certain style of liturgy or music, but a Christ-focused, grace-filled, Law and Gospel balanced service where we confess our sins, profess our faith in the Triune God, receive His gift of forgiveness through His Word and Sacraments, and respond in our prayers and praise. As in the past, we have done so with different styles of worship, so we will continue to do in the future.
Above all, Christ crucified for the sins of all man-kind will continue to be preached, taught, and confessed through our words and actions. He will continue to be glorified in all we do and say, inside and outside the walls of our building.
Yes, things will change in the future as they have in the past (more on that in next week’s article). But what will NOT change are those things that make us distinctively who we are!
May God continue to guide us, reveal to us His will, and bless us as we make disciples who make an impact for Jesus!
In His Peace,
Pastor Cory Burma
First, our mission of making disciples will not change! This has been the mission of the church since Christ gave it that great commission before He ascended into heaven. At times the greater church has wandered from that mission of growing up (teaching) and growing out (baptizing / evangelism) and leaned too far on one side or the other. However, she has always returned to that Great Commission as her purpose on earth.
Second, we will always be a Bible teaching and preaching church! While newer methods may be used (e.g. sermon series, outlines, and video clips on the screen), the Truth and His truths we teach and proclaim will never stray from the Word of God.
We will remain thoroughly Lutheran in our doctrine and in our worship. Please don’t understand this to be only a certain style of liturgy or music, but a Christ-focused, grace-filled, Law and Gospel balanced service where we confess our sins, profess our faith in the Triune God, receive His gift of forgiveness through His Word and Sacraments, and respond in our prayers and praise. As in the past, we have done so with different styles of worship, so we will continue to do in the future.
Above all, Christ crucified for the sins of all man-kind will continue to be preached, taught, and confessed through our words and actions. He will continue to be glorified in all we do and say, inside and outside the walls of our building.
Yes, things will change in the future as they have in the past (more on that in next week’s article). But what will NOT change are those things that make us distinctively who we are!
May God continue to guide us, reveal to us His will, and bless us as we make disciples who make an impact for Jesus!
In His Peace,
Pastor Cory Burma
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