Our Mission
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The Mission Statement of New Hope Community Church:
New Hope Community Church exists to glorify God: in worship, in service to our community, in outreach to the lost and unchurched, and in providing a place of nurturing relationships and spiritual growth.
Expanded mission statement:
Jesus gave the clearest description of what a church should do and be in what we know today as the Great Commandment and the Great Commission:
The Great Commandment
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” the man asked. Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:36-39 NLT (see also Mark 12:29-31)
The Great Commission
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
The elements of the mission as identified by Jesus are:
Loving (glorifying) God = Worship
Loving our neighbor = Service
Going, making disciples = Outreach, evangelism
Baptizing = Fellowship ( the most basic idea behind the word “baptism” is identifying with Christ, becoming part of His Body, being included in the Church.)
Teaching them to obey = Learning and spiritual growth.
This mission was being fulfilled from the very beginning days of the Church:
Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity – all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:41-47 NLT
The Early Church lived out the mission described by Jesus, just as we seek to live it out today:
THEY:
- were devoted to the apostles’ teaching
- were devoted to fellowship, breaking bread from house to house, sharing as anyone had need
- were devoted to worship, prayer, filled with awe, saw wonders and signs
- were devoted to outreach, the Lord was adding to their number…those who were being saved
- were devoted to serving others by meeting their needs
WE:
- devote ourselves to biblical teaching and life-long learning
- devote ourselves to fellowship and building relationships
- devote ourselves to worship and the work of the Holy Spirit
- devote ourselves to outreach and evangelism
- devote ourselves to serving others by meeting their needs
And so we know we are fulfilling our mission when New Hope is characterized by:
- Fellowship opportunities that lead to deeper involvement and relationships.
- Learning resources that develop the skills and knowledge of believers.
- Outreach and evangelism training, direction, and opportunities.
- Worship experiences that inspire awe and equip for a life of devotion to God.
- Service that meets needs, offered to anyone in need by the Body, smaller groups of believers, and individuals.