A STATEMENT OF INTENTIONAL
MINISTRY
January 23, 2001
(This statement is the result of numerous
discussion forums
which looked at a proposal for this statement during the fall
of 1999.
All members of The Congregational Church, U.C.C., in Belchertown,
were encouraged to give input to this statement.)
Whereas we have been created in love by
our loving God: (Genesis 1: 27-28a)
Whereas in our baptism into Jesus Christ each individual is
blessed for his/her unique gifts;
(1 Corinthians 12: 18-20, Acts 2)
Whereas the Holy Spirit has given to each person gifts which
can be put to serving God and glorifying God through Jesus
Christ; (1 Corinthians 12: 4 -11)
Whereas God has called people to live together in community
so as to be witnesses to God’s glory in the world; (Matthew
28: 18-29)
Whereas the Apostle Paul called such gathered people “the
Body of Christ”;
(1 Corinthians 12: 27)
Whereas that Body is described as being maintained by the
healthy nurturing of each of its parts working in harmony
(1 Corinthians 12:24-26, 28-31)
Whereas that Body is called to grow and mature to the fullness
of stature in Jesus Christ; (Ephesian 4: 11-16)
Whereas growth occurs spiritually, physically, emotionally
and psychologically through participating in the life of the
Body of Christ;
Therefore, we resolve to be a
church that seeks to: Identify, Equip, Encourage and Evaluate
Christian Discipleship, Anytime, Anywhere, by Anyone, for
the purpose of nurturing an individual’s gifts and visions,
thereby strengthening and glorifying the Body of Christ as
it realizes itself in the world.
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