Why We Are Here

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”  Matthew 28:19-20

As we remember the past and look to the future here at Peace, one key thing we need to keep in mind is why we as a congregation exist.  Without this guiding principle, our congregation is like a ship without a rudder – not going in a specific direction with a specific purpose.  Our focus is scattered with different groups and people going in different directions. 

Our mission statement is like the rudder for Peace.  It states why we exist and sets the direction for the church and unites us in our common purpose.  Our mission is:

          Making Disciples who Make an Impact for Jesus

There are two parts of our mission statement.  The first is more focused on those already inside the church walls.  In Jesus’ Great Commission shown above, it is the baptizing and teaching aspect of His call to His church.  That is the “making disciples” of our mission statement.

A disciple is more than someone who is following Jesus, but someone who is committed to learning from Him, growing in Him, connecting through Him, and making an impact for Him.  A disciple is someone who trusts in Jesus and lives their life in the obedience which flows out of faith.  However, being a disciple is not simply an end goal, but an ongoing process throughout our lives here on this earth.

The second part is focused on those currently outside the church, and more importantly, those who do not know the promises found in Jesus.  This is the “Go”, or translated a better way, “While you are going,” part of His Great Commission.  As we go about our day-to-day lives, at our work, in our homes, around our neighborhoods, and on the sports fields, we are called to reflect Christ’s love to those around us through our words and actions. 

As a church, it’s important for us to keep these two parts in balance.  A church that directs its energy solely on feeding the found becomes selfish and self-focused, not caring about the lost but only about the church taking care of its own inside the church.  On the other hand, the church that directs most of its energy outward will not develop the next generation of strong disciples to continue the church in the future.

Certainly, the church exists to provide worship, education, fellowship, and ministry opportunities to its members, but it’s also called to reach out into the community with the love and forgiveness found in Christ Jesus.  Moreover, it is the members who are the church who are called to be the ones who do that reaching out.  That is Christ’s commission for each of us!  What an exciting calling He has given to each of us!

May God continue to guide us to make our church a place that makes disciples who make an impact for Jesus!

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