Vision:
To see 1800 people* (roughly 25% of the combined population) from the Lisbon/ Mt. Vernon area gratefully experiencing and spreading the love and hope of Jesus Christ for God’s glory in our lifetime and for generations to come.
This will be measured by...
- Testimonies of Repentance and Baptism (the result of the coming to faith in Jesus Christ)
- Identifiable Fruit of Transformation (a.k.a. Fruit of Spirit, the result of the Spirit’s work helping us to obediently live our “in Christ” identity, gifting, and calling)
- Church Maturity and Unity (the result of grace-filled submission to scripture and love for one another)
- Community, Cultural, and Relational Renewal (the result of the body of Christ spreading the love and hope of Christ practically, relationally, and spiritually)
- Multiplication of Bible-centered, God-honoring, Christ-exalting, Spirit-empowered Churches (the result of more people being drawn to trust and follow Jesus Christ)
Mission:
Short: Experiencing and spreading the love and hope of Jesus Christ together.
Long: We exist to experience and spread the love and hope of Jesus Christ together by responding to the call, living in the identity, serving by the power, and producing the fruit of Jesus for the glory of God and the joy of all people. **
Values:
Uncommon Conviction that Jesus Christ satisfies our deepest needs
Uncommon Confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit and the effectiveness of prayer
Uncommon Commitment to life-giving relationships
Uncommon Courage to follow Jesus no matter the cost
Uncommon Compassion spreading the love and hope of Jesus to all people
Uncommon Consistency making a spiritual impact for generations to come
Uncommon Contentment trusting Jesus for rest and provision
* Why 2000 people? A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of London (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aas8827) concluded that to effect cultural change, you need 25% of the population to accept the change you desire. This percentage also ensures that a cross-section of people will be reached. See Acts and Revelation – all nations, tongues, and tribes drawn to and engaged in worshiping Jesus Christ.
** See Matthew 28:16-29 & 1 Peter 2:9-10 – Trusting and Following Jesus is shorthand for responding to the call, living in the identity, serving in the power, and producing the fruit of Jesus Christ for God’s glory.