Mission Statement

 

...bringing people to Jesus

 

Vision

Our emerging vision…

 

 

Returning to what made the very first church a prevailing church is a good way to figure out how God is calling us…

 

“42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”         Acts 2:42-47 NIV

 

 

Our Vision Statement

 

“To become an Acts 2 community,

          that is a regional center of ministry,

                   creating a movement of people
                        living life out on a limb.”

 

Our Goals

 

a. Creating a “3^rd place” concept for the community

 …beyond work, beyond home; where I can hang out, be real, build relationships

            -24/7 churchà Look for ways to gather the community here at OFC

            -Implement “My Place” Wednesday nights

            -Create a new atmosphere in fellowship hall

-A new facility designed with the 3^rd space in mind (a place for the community)

 

b. Small Groups

            Not just a church “with” small groups but a church “of” small groups.

            -By 2008 25% of congregation in small groups, 2009 50%, 2010 75%...

           

c. Invest & invite

Create worship and other gatherings with those yet to come in mind. Our congregation invests in friendships and invites them to church.

-No less than 4 special events a year, that are community focused

Easter, Rally Day, Harvest Party, Christmas, etc…

-Average more in worship attendance than in membership

-1^st time visitors Each weekend in worship (follow up ministry)

 

d. An intentional discipleship Pathway

            A definable journey that helps us guide and direct people towards spiritual growth

            -Develop a visual image that guides us through the steps

            -Display this image everywhere and build it into everything we do for discipleship

 

e. A family focus

            Reaching all age levels of the family; adults, teens, & children

            -Beyond VBS in the summertimeà sports camps, arts camps…

            -A designated room or space for teens to come to and hang out (redecorating)

            -Continue work and expansion with preschool

 

f. A global focus

            Partnering with ministry opportunities in Ohio, United States, & the world

            -Plan 2-3 mission trip opportunities a year (at least one teen trip)

            -Partnership with long term missionaries and or a specific country or state

            -Habitat for humanity and other ongoing projects throughout the year

 

g. Acts of kindness

            Create opportunities to share God’s love with people in practical tangible ways

            -2007 at least one Sat. a month, 2008à 2 Sat. a month, 2009à every Saturday

 

h. A teaching Church

A training center for church leaders to help other churches grow

-Support the ministries of local churches

-Partner with our district and conference to help other churches

 

Core Values

Gathered from the first church in Acts 2…

 

O neness__ We are called to follow one God, living out a singular purpose, mission, and vision. Therefore we avoid taking votes and choose to work towards agreement with each other. All head in the same direction.

 

“44All the believers were together and had everything in common.”

 

L ay lead__ Everyone has been given spiritual gifts by God for the work of ministry and therefore each person has a role to play in the body of Christ. Leadership development, coaching, and team building are a priority.

 

“44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.”

 

D isciplined Life_God calls us to a life of prayer, Bible study, tithing, regular worship, serving, and a small group.

 

“42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer... 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,”

 

F ollowing God sized Dreams__ We choose to undertake ministry that can only be done if God has to show up. If we can do it on our own then we know God won’t be a part of it. This is the awe factor of watching God work in and through us. Thus we value innovation and change.

 

“43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.”

 

O utward focus__  All people matter to God inside or outside the church walls. Therefore, whenever we plan ministry or make decisions, we keep in mind “those yet to come”.  Those who are “in” the church make sacrifices for “those yet to come”. This means we live with an expectation and a desire for our church to grow.

 

“47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

 

R elevant worship__  Worship celebrations speak the language of the culture in powerful and engaging ways by messages that help us apply scripture to everyday life, media that creates a multi-sensory experience, and music that is uplifting and meaningful, while honoring different worship styles.

 

“46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts... 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”

 

T rust in leadership__ God has given certain people leadership gifts to guide the church. We trust these leaders, though we may not always agree with them, we “buy in” to what God is calling us to do.

42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship,