LEBEC COMMUNITY CHURCH EXISTS TO MAKE DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST BY LEARNING, LIVING, AND TEACHING THE BIBLE, THE WORD OF GOD.
Explaining the Mission Statement
“Making disciples of Jesus Christ is the goal of this church (Matt. 28:18-20). When one places faith (Eph. 2:8-9, John 1:12) in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ (Person: He is incarnate God – John 1:14) (Work: He died for our sins and rose from the dead – 1 Cor. 15:3-5), through the preaching of the Good News (Rom. 10:17), that one becomes a Christian, and a disciple of His (John 13:34-35, 14:15). The goal of every believer, then, ought to be to fulfill what Paul exhorted Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” In this way, Christians seek to share and bring to faith and maturity those who have not yet believed in Jesus.
It is a great blessing to learn from God’s Word about what He has done and will do for those who love Him (John 15:7-8, Rom. 8:35-39). As one grows in the knowledge of who God is and how He desires His people to enjoy this world, the Christian will apply himself to “living out” the Good News that God has put in him (Phil. 2:12). As one practices the principles of God’s will, that one will become obviously and positively “different” from those around him. As they experience God’s abundant life, the light of their new life will shine for all to see (Matt. 5:16). And as the Christian’s light shines, he must “be ready to give an answer to every man who asks a reason for the hope that is in him” (1 Pet. 3:15). This simple response is a witness to, or a teaching of the truth (John 20:31) and ought to be a part of every believer’s daily and natural response to share Jesus with others.
The church members of Lebec Community Church (LCC) commit themselves to carrying out this mission statement to the glory of God and to the spreading of His Good News through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Accomplishing the Mission Statement
We put this Mission Statement into practice by recognizing and responding to the following Six Principles:
Principle #1 – Man’s Nature is Depraved
Man’s nature is depraved from birth (Ps. 58:3). Man, in his natural born state does not seek God, nor respond appropriately toward God (Rom 3:10-12).
All mankind has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23). He is swayed by the world (1 Jo. 2:15), the flesh (1 Jo. 2:16), and the devil (2 Cor. 4:3-4; 2 Tim 2:26). There is no hope for him unless he is born again (John 3:3).
Because mankind is depraved, and is swayed by the world, the flesh, and the devil, people need to hear the message of God’s love, and find hope in His Son (Rom. 10:17, Col. 1:5, 27).
Principle #2 – The Church has a Responsibility
God does not want anyone to perish, but His desire is for all of mankind to repent (1 Tim. 2:4, 2 Pet. 3:9).
Therefore, it is the church’s spiritual duty to declare the Gospel to all as commanded in the “Great Commission” (Matt. 28:18-20), which is to go and make disciples, baptize them in the Name of the One True God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and to teach them the precepts of God as found in the Bible.
The believers at LCC are to proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ so that all may respond.
Principle #3 – God Works through His Church
God works through the preaching of the Gospel to bring saving faith to mankind (Rom. 10:17) and causes them to be born again into His Kingdom (John 3:5). Upon belief, the Holy Spirit transfers that person into God’s Kingdom (Col. 1:13).
The physical manifestation of God’s Kingdom at this time is the Church-worldwide made up of born again believers (1 Pet. 2:9-10). Every Christian, therefore, ought to desire to fellowship in a local church (Heb. 10:25) for reasons that include personal/spiritual accountability, encouragement of others, prayer, and to participate in God’s plan to reach the world with the Gospel (Mark 16:15).
A Christian should become an official member of the local church that he attends. At LCC, church membership is conferred upon each adult who completes the Church Membership Process, entitling them to all the rights and responsibilities of our church.
Principle #4 – The Spirit Gifts Servants
The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to all Christians (Rom. 12:6, 1 Cor. 12:4-7). He empowers and motivates His people to exercise these spiritual gifts, which are needed for the church to function at its full potential (Eph. 4:11-16).
Members exemplifying spiritual gifts of service, mercy, and compassion (among others) are encouraged to use these gifts to encourage the Body. Believers with gifts of wisdom, leadership, and administration (among others) are encouraged to use these gifts in applying God’s Word in the service of His Church.
While the Holy Spirit gives gifts to every believer, He also gives the church gifted leaders who will help others develop their spiritual gifts to serve God more fully.
Principle #5 – The Elders Equip Servants
Ephesians 4:11-12 explains that God gives gifted men to the church for equipping His servants to function effectively in building up other believers. The elders of LCC are committed to making disciples through the teaching and application of God’s Word.
Upon completion of the membership process, each believer will be personally encouraged to discover his or her area of service within the church body.
The elders aspire to present every believer complete (mature) in Christ (Col. 1:28). Therefore, LCC determines to help each church member grow in spiritual maturity, so that he or she will eventually be able to help others also (Eph. 4:12-13).
Principle #6 – The Church Reproduces Itself
The eventual goal of spiritual maturity through the teaching and application of God’s Word at LCC will be the leading of the Spirit in members’ hearts toward global evangelization (Acts 1:8).
In particular, we would trust that God would privilege LCC by choosing from among its learned and mature members, those who would follow the call of God to His work (Acts 13:1-5), and bring the Gospel to those who are not yet disciples (Matt. 28:19-20).
Summary
Jesus desires every person to be saved from the wrath of God. Salvation from His wrath is made possible by faith placed in His sacrifice upon the cross. This message is communicated by believers who make disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:24-27, Matt. 28:19-20). The members of LCC will faithfully continue this process until the Church is taken up to meet Him in the clouds.