:: Cedarcrest Vision (4) ::

Mission Statement Update, Part 3

March 16th, 2011

The final part of our mission statement, “together in Christ,” is based on John 17:20-23.

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one. I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”

In this passage, Jesus prays for His followers, and as a follower, this prayer is for you—His church. What does he pray for? Unity! Three times in these verses Jesus prays that believers may be one!

As I have prayed about the focus of our church I have been reminded over and over again how important unity in the body of Christ truly is. TOGETHER is in our mission statement, because we want to emphasize the importance of unity in the body of Christ—and not simply for the sake getting along but for the sake of advancing the Gospel.

The world is watching the Church to see if what we say is true. Unity becomes one of the great testimonies to the world. If people look at the Church and see nothing but fighting and turmoil, why would they think we have anything that they need? Unity in the body of Christ presents a picture of God’s love to the world!

Finally, Jesus prays that His church would become perfectly one. The only way to be perfectly one is to be focused on Christ in all that we do. When we focus on Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life, the disagreements and opinions and petty differences fade away, because we are reminded that the church exists for Christ and His glory! It is all about Him!

Are you striving for unity with other believers and reflecting that unity to the world around you?

Loving God and loving people as we grow together in Christ!

My prayer for you is that as you hear this mission, if this is the place that you feel led to call your church home, you will live it out. We show our love for God in the way we love people while we focus on growing in our faith while unified in Christ!

Entry Filed under: CC Vision