Statement of Missional Focus

The members of Messiah Lutheran Church think, plan and act in alignment with God’s calling in the Great Commission. The vision, mission, staffing, policies, priorities and budget are intentionally determined in light of our role to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our community and to the very ends of the earth. This missional focus is as important as serving the needs of our own existing members.  

Six Key Values

Worship is vibrant and Christ-centered. (Read 1 Chronicles 16:29.)

1. A clear proclamation of Law and Gospel is present in all services, and the Sacraments are faithfully administered.
2. Believers are challenged to a life of service to Christ and to others, because of what Christ has first done for us.
3. Music is contextually relevant, and worship materials presented in a clear manner, understandable to guests and members alike.

Discipleship is strong, calling members to personal growth in and through the Word of God. (Read Psalm 119:105.)

1. Personal Bible study and daily devotions permeate the believer’s life.
2. Led by God’s Word and Spirit, believers faithfully respond to opportunities to share their hope with one another, and with those who do not yet know Christ.
3. Life-long Christian education is the expectation of all believers, both young and old.
4. Messiah’s ministries are intentionally transformational, challenging believers to grow in their calling to know, share and serve Christ.

Service is intentional, seeking to connect the community to Christ, and Christ to the community. (Read Matthew 5:16.)

1. Believers are taught to understand and use their spiritual gifts and abilities.
2. Community needs are identified and specific ministries developed to meet those needs.
3. Biblical principles of stewardship are taught and practiced as a response to the outpouring of Christ’s blessings of time, talent and treasure upon each believer.
4. All groups within the congregation seek to include service opportunities in their programs and activities.
5. The congregation coordinates servant events in the community, country and overseas. 

Outreach is focused, actively reaching out to those who do not yet know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.  (Read Acts 1:8.)

1. Messiah’s members are committed to reaching the lost for Christ.
2. Outreach drives the mission and ministries of the congregation.
3. Believers are engaged in mission locally, nationally, and globally. 
4. Everyone at Messiah is trained and encouraged to articulate the Gospel with fellow believers as well as with those who do not yet know Christ.

Leadership is taught, purposefully developing servants to multiply ministry. (Read 1 Peter 4:10.)

1. Members are taught and equipped to use their spiritual gifts and abilities in ministry.
2. Messiah’s leaders routinely review, modify and augment existing practices for the sake of those who do not yet know Christ.
3. Leaders are purposefully chosen and diligently trained based on their gifts and abilities, and not just on their availability.
4. The decision-making structure in the church is streamlined to remove obstacles to ministry and to put mission ahead of institutional control.
5. Leaders diligently adhere to biblical principles in all areas of church leadership.

Congregational Life is celebrated, supporting individuals and families as they grow together in Christ. (Read Galatians 6:10.)  

1. Every believer at every age and stage of life is valued, nurtured and loved.
2. A strong sense of community pervades the life of the congregation.
3. Youth are recognized as the church of today, not the church of tomorrow.
4. Those absent from the faith-life of the congregation are missed, and are actively sought out.
5. The congregation is committed to the development of strong, Christ-centered marriages and families.
6. Every home is a mission-outpost, reflecting the love and care of Christ to the community.
7. The congregation is committed to caring for the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of believers within the body.