Our mission is to Love God by loving people and making them true disciples of Jesus Christ

Who We Are

The Future of Ebenezer United Methodist Church

The Foundation
Jesus made two statements that defined what the church is to be and do. The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20):

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

"God and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

Our Mission
Our mission is to love God by loving people and making them true disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our Vision
We dream of a church...

...where all things work to attract people to Jesus Christ. Through vital worship, an inspiring environment, radical hospitality and great generosity, people will see, sense, and experience God's love and grace.

...where people are attached to Christ and growing into his likeness through spiritual friendships and activities that foster spiritual maturity and vitality.

...that is active and abounding in the work of Christ. By leveraging developed leaders, effective teamwork, individuals' spiritual gifts and generous giving, the ministry and mission of Christ is pursued by servants with passion and excellence.

Our Strategy
As stated above and shown in the discipleship triangle, individuals are first attracted to Jesus Christ. Friendship and Christian fellowship preceding, during, and after worship help make members and visitors feel at home. The worship service can be traditional, alternative, or a combination of both. Worshippers in any case should be given a "wow" experience that brings the lifestyle and teachings of Jesus into focus. Bringing together God's Word and peoples' needs enhance the attraction.

Goal: By Christmas 2007, worship attendance will average 250.

Attachment to Christ follows the initial attraction. Attachment can develop through children's and youth ministries and adult Sunday School classes, although small groups are the future of disciple-making. Prayer groups, bible studies, retreats, etc. help develop spiritual leaders and meaningful relationships among growing disciples.

Goal: By Christmas 2007, hire a full-time staff person for recruiting, equipping, and deploying people into mission and ministry.

Stewardship principles, emerging from mature hearts and wise leaders, will manage God's resources (time, money, people, energy, etc.) As additional tools become necessary (i.e. expanded buildings and land) our leaders will discern proper decisions and timing that will advance the mission and uphold the vision.