Our Church's Vision and Strategy:
Every church should have a specific reason for existing - a unique niche in its community. After years of prayer and deliberation, God called Emmanuel to a definitive vision in December 2008. This vision defines and articulates who we have been since the inception of our church. The aim of this vision also determines and drives all that we want to be as a church.
Vision Slogan: Transferring Truth to the Next Generation
Our vision is simple and straightforward: We exist to transfer the truth of God’s Word to the church of the 21st century. Two particular Scriptures have impacted our thinking:
These Scriptures emphasize the importance of ensuring that God’s Word is passed on to our children, grandchildren, and future leaders. It’s been said, “Christianity is just one generation away from extinction.” Practically speaking that is true, although God will always have a remnant of believers because the gates of hell will not overpower the church (Matt 16:18). Our vision, therefore, is to ensure that we are participants in Christ’s program. We are to “proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ” (Col
Vision Strategy: Worship together, Walk together, and Work together
Worship together. God created humankind to worship Him alone (Ps 86:8–12;John 4:23 –24).
Although worship
is an all-consuming seven day a week lifestyle (1 Cor 10:31) there is something
extraordinary about worshiping God with His people. When the church gathers, we
exalt God through song, hear from God through His Word, communicate with God
through prayer, honor God through the giving of our money, and participate with
God and others through baptism and communion. The Sunday morning celebration gathering
is intended to fill our spiritual tanks so that we can transfer truth to the
next generation from week to week. Indeed, we must “consider
how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own
assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another;
and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Heb 10:24–25).
Walk together. As important as the celebration gathering is, true and meaningful community occurs in the context of small groups (Acts 2:42–47). The “one another” commands (e.g., “encourage one another,” 1 Thess 5:11; “bear one another’s burdens,” Gal 6:2) can be fulfilled in a small group in ways that are nearly impossible in a celebration gathering. Five components of small groups are essential: God’s Word, fellowship, prayer, service, and outreach. Ideally, every Christian should be involved in some type of small group for the purpose of spiritual giving and receiving.
Work together. God expects every Christian to exude good works (Matt 5:13–16; Eph 2:10; Jas 2:14–26) to build up the body of Christ (1 Cor 3:10–15; Matt 20:26–28). He has given every believer spiritual gifts, natural talents, and passions. We must recognize these gracious provisions and then put them to work for God’s glory and others’ good.
Every church should have a specific reason for existing - a unique niche in its community. After years of prayer and deliberation, God called Emmanuel to a definitive vision in December 2008. This vision defines and articulates who we have been since the inception of our church. The aim of this vision also determines and drives all that we want to be as a church.
Vision Slogan: Transferring Truth to the Next Generation
Our vision is simple and straightforward: We exist to transfer the truth of God’s Word to the church of the 21st century. Two particular Scriptures have impacted our thinking:
- Psalm 71:17-19: “O God, You have taught me from my youth, And I still declare Your wondrous deeds. And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come. For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You?
These Scriptures emphasize the importance of ensuring that God’s Word is passed on to our children, grandchildren, and future leaders. It’s been said, “Christianity is just one generation away from extinction.” Practically speaking that is true, although God will always have a remnant of believers because the gates of hell will not overpower the church (Matt 16:18). Our vision, therefore, is to ensure that we are participants in Christ’s program. We are to “proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ” (
Vision Strategy: Worship together, Walk together, and Work together
Worship together. God created humankind to worship Him alone (Ps 86:8–12;
Walk together. As important as the celebration gathering is, true and meaningful community occurs in the context of small groups (Acts 2:42–47). The “one another” commands (e.g., “encourage one another,” 1 Thess 5:11; “bear one another’s burdens,” Gal 6:2) can be fulfilled in a small group in ways that are nearly impossible in a celebration gathering. Five components of small groups are essential: God’s Word, fellowship, prayer, service, and outreach. Ideally, every Christian should be involved in some type of small group for the purpose of spiritual giving and receiving.
Work together. God expects every Christian to exude good works (Matt 5:13–16; Eph 2:10; Jas 2:14–26) to build up the body of Christ (1 Cor 3:10–15; Matt 20:26–28). He has given every believer spiritual gifts, natural talents, and passions. We must recognize these gracious provisions and then put them to work for God’s glory and others’ good.