Our Vision for Living as Devoted Followers of Jesus
Among Jesus’ last words to his followers was the commission to “Go make disciples of every nation.” The word “disciple” refers to “devoted followers” who shape their lives after the teaching and example of the master teacher. Jesus’ life is the model for our lives as his followers. When we look at Jesus’ life and listen to his teaching, we find a life that is called into four vital relationships:
LOVE GOD as Jesus taught us to.
First, Jesus lived in a vital relationship with God, and called his followers to do the same. Jesus was constantly devoted to prayer, and he called his disciples into times of quiet intimacy with himself and God. He knew the Word of God, followed it, and taught it. And he said that the greatest command is to love God with all your heart and soul and strength. Loving God is not only our first and most important relationship, it shapes all our other relationships.
Through our Sunday morning worship we join together in expressing our love and devotion to God and we celebrate what he has done for us in Jesus Christ. Through preaching and bible classes we seek to know God’s will for our lives. Through our own personal times of prayer and reflection on God’s Word, we seek to grow in a deeper, life-giving relationship with our Heavenly Father.
LOVE EACH OTHER as Jesus loved us.
Second, Jesus lived in a loving relationship with his followers and called them into a community of love and faith (the church). His first followers were devoted to a partnership in life and faith (“fellowship”), taking care of each other’s needs and eating together (“breaking bread”). Jesus gave his followers a new command: “love each other as I have loved you.” Following Jesus is not a solo religion—it’s an “each other” life.
Through our home churches (and other small groups) we seek to live in loving relationships with other followers of Jesus. We encourage each other, serve each other, share each other’s burdens, and love each other as Jesus loved us.
LOVE OUR FAMILIES as Jesus loved the church.
Third, Jesus lived in a committed relationship to his family—from his obedient relationship to his parents when he was a child to providing for his mother’s care at his death—and he taught us to do the same. In his teaching Jesus emphasized the Ten Commandments, including what it means to honor one’s parents and to be faithful in marriage. The Bible teaches us that marriage should be modeled on Christ’s relationship to the church, calls us to take care of family members in need, and provides guidance for raising children in the Lord.
Through our family ministry we partner with parents to help their children become devoted followers of Jesus. Specials classes, occasional workshops, and our counseling ministry all provide resources to strengthen and heal marriages and families.
LOVE THE WORLD as Jesus gave himself for the World.
Fourth, Jesus lived in a serving relationship with people around him, and called his followers to join his mission in this world. He constantly demonstrated compassion for people who were sick, oppressed, outcast, and lost. He sent his followers out to heal and to spread the good news. As Jesus’ followers, we are called to shine as lights through our good deeds, to “love our neighbors as ourselves,” to care for “the least of these,” and to make disciples from every nation.
Through various ministries like our Benevolence Center and Room-in-the-Inn we seek to help the hungry, the homeless, inner city children, and others in need in our community. Through our support for mission efforts around the world, as well as in prisons and on college campuses, we try to reach out to those who need a saving relationship with Jesus. Through home churches and bible classes we want to encourage each other to find personal ways to touch the lives of people in the world around us.
Join us in living as devoted followers of Jesus who love God, love each other, love our families, and love the world around us.
