It is our belief that there are two prevailing understandings of this statement. First, the Church's mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ through the nurturing of those persons who have already committed their lives to Christ and are growing in faith and discipleship. Second, the Church's mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by sharing the Gospel, the good news of God's grace through Jesus Christ, to those who have not committed their lives to Christ.
As a nurturing congregation of United Methodists, First United Methodist Church commits itself to the ministry of all believers. We consider the calling of all Christians to be a calling to lay-shepherding, in which all members of the congregation are responsible for other's care in times of need and sharing in times of joy. We are committed to the Christian education of all members of our community, while emphasizing the Christian education of our children, and by this we live our commitment to guide them in the faith and to teach them the doctrines of The United Methodist Church.
Our mission to the non-committed and un-churched is a ministry of evangelism. We view evangelism as best carried out by being a welcoming congregation to newcomers in the church and the community. A meaningful worship experience is but one way we offer a welcoming atmosphere to newcomers and an opportunity for nurture to members.
We are a church in mission locally and beyond. The ministry of First United Methodist Church is intended to impact not only the membership and the local community, but is also a ministry to God's children in all parts of the world; in other words: "The world is [our] parish." In our global ministry we recognize the needs of all people, especially the needs of those perceived as the marginal in society, as is often the case with, but not limited to, seniors and children.
Those participating in the ministries of First United Methodist Church consider it a blessing that we are a connectional church in ministry with other United Methodist Churches around the world. We, therefore, consider it our calling to support the connectional ministries of The United Methodist Church with our prayers, presence, gifts, and service.
By the grace of God we are called and committed to this ministry. With prayerful thought we offer it as an opportunity in which all who come our way can share, as we strive together "to make disciples of Jesus Christ."
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