Last night during The Truth Project, Professor Del Tackett spoke to the issue of eternal life. He asked what eternal life is and the students present gave various answers. I asked the same question in our small group. “What is eternal life?” Have you ever been asked that question? Have you ever taken time to really think about it? I believe eternal life is life that begins here and now, when we surrender our lives to Christ and goes on into all eternity. It is the abundant life Jesus speaks of in John 10:10b: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full! Dr. Tackett went on to quote another definition of eternal life that Jesus gave in John 17:3 as he prayed to his Heavenly Father: Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Intimate knowledge of God and Jesus is eternal life. It’s all about knowing Him.

Monday night at our Administrative Council meeting, I offered a vision or mission statement for First Church. After more prayer, I expanded the phrase I presented the next morning to our Staff. It’s a phrase I believe the Lord gave to me for this time. I also believe it is a “work in progress” as the Lord continues to refine and clarify His specific vision for First Church. I trust it is the next right step for each of us and for our ministries. This has been birthed in part from our Tuesday evening Prayer & Praise Gatherings over the last year and a half; my own personal life goal, Staff discussions and learning to listen to God in new ways through our Experiencing God Bible Study. The Truth Project is giving us further insight into the heart and mind of God, as well. We’re growing in spirit as a church family and it is humbly and exciting at the same time.

I offer this vision/mission statement to you today…

The mission of First Church is... “To Know Jesus in all His Glory; To Make Him Known in all The World.”

How does it feel to you? For me it encompasses Discipleship (“Knowing Jesus” - through personal methods of reading, studying, memorizing God’s Word, prayer, fasting, Sunday school classes and small groups, The Truth Project, etc.), Worship (“In all His Glory”), Outreach (“Known in all the world” – locally and globally through Skyline/City Rescue Mission participation, Urban Neighbors, support of missionaries, VIM trips, etc.) with the foundation of Prayer. We’re all called to be missionaries – at home and beyond!

It’s a blessing to serve as your Senior Pastor along with Kirk and a wonderful Staff of committed Christians. Together, we are The Church!

Yours in Christ,
Mark