Churches started adopting mission statements in the 80s and 90s. Some have argued that using such statements borrows too much from the corporate world. Perhaps, yet I find this dismissal a bit too flippant. The truth is that a mission statement simply offers a group (business, church, family, etc. ) the gift of clarity. It paints a big red target on the wall and says, “this is what we’re aiming at… you in?” Call me crazy, but I think that’s helpful. However, churches and Christian organizations must allow the inspired and inerrant Word of God to shape what that mission statement is.
As our church works through the denomination change process, I’ve been spending a good amount of time in our articles and bylaws (jealous?). In our current bylaws, I recently found something that I either never knew, or had forgotten; our church has a mission statement! Here it is: “The mission of First Baptist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.”
There’s a lot to like about that statement. It’s clear, gets straight to the point, and (most importantly) is Biblical, taking the words right out of Jesus’ mouth as he ascended back to heaven (Matthew 28:19-20). However, one possible reason why this mission statement is not often referenced in our church family is that it’s a little vague. Perhaps it would be helpful to get a little more clear.
With the topic of spiritual maturity the topic of our articles the last several weeks, I’d like to take hold of this mission statement from both ends, and stretch it out a bit, to say that our church must be about the business of making disciples (evangelism) mature in Christ (discipleship) all for the glory of God (worship). This must be the work of our, and every, church.
Who Makes and Matures Disciples?
When we say that the duty of a church is to make disciples mature in Christ for the glory of God, it’s important to ask who exactly we think is responsible for carrying out that work. One of the clearest answers to that question in scripture is found in Ephesians 4:10-16:
Ephesians 4:10–16 (… 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
This amazing passage answers the question of who makes disciples at three levels:
First, we must start with Jesus, who bears the ultimate responsibility for his church. Not only did he die to save and gather a people for himself, but, as this passage says, it’s him who “gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers” (v. 11).
That leads us to the second level. The responsibility to make and mature disciples falls upon the leaders of the church, here labeled “apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers” (v. 11). Just as parents don’t leave the maturity of their children up to chance, neither ought church leaders leave the maturity of their flock up to chance. They proclaim Christ (Col 1:28 - Him we proclaim… that we may present everyone mature in Christ) and, as it says here, “equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (v. 12).
That, then, takes us to level three: the responsibility to make and mature disciples falls upon the members of a church; that is to say, all of us. While Paul tells us that the leaders have the task to “equip the saints for the work of ministry” that means that the responsibility to “[build] up the body of Christ” falls to all of us (v. 12) as we work to help one another “attain to… the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (v.13). After all, “when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (v. 16). To steal the words of pastor and author Mark Dever, the work of church members is to do “deliberate spiritual good” for one another.
So whose job is it to make disciples mature in Christ for the glory of God? The answer is all of us, as we’re lead by godly leaders who are submitted to our Savior and King, Jesus Christ.
Ministry Opportunity: We are looking for someone to head up the Topa Topa Elementary staff appreciation snacks. They are our local elementary school, and we want to bless them as they work with the youth in Ojai. The position would mean introducing yourself to the principal at the start of the school year and staying on top of the schedule to bring snacks every other Thursday. There are faithful volunteers who sign up to bring the snacks, but we need an overall coordinator. If you are interested and willing, please contact the church office (office@fbcojai.org or 805-633-9055) ASAP.
Never Alone: meets this Monday, August 24, in Smith Hall from 10-11:30 AM. Never Alone is a Christ-centered gathering for mothers raising children with special needs, whether your child is young or grown.
Small Group Kick-off Sunday: Please note the change of date! Have you ever considered joining a small group? Over the next several weeks, you’ll hear from individual group leaders on Sunday mornings to get a taste of what to expect when you join one here. This will all culminate the week of Sunday, September 13, when our new small groups begin. If you have ever thought about possibly being a part of one, start praying and thinking now, and sign up in the foyer today for one of these amazing groups.
Ojai Valley Family Shelter: You’re invited to the shelter’s first annual “Friend-Raiser” on Saturday, September 19 from 4-6 PM at Boccali’s Pizza, 3277 East Ojai Avenue. Advance tickets are $65 ($75 day of). There will be a buffet, live music, amazing raffle items as well as a live auction. Sponsorships are also available. More information is on the table in the foyer or you can talk to Rod Owen. Come support this important community ministry!
Walk of Compassion: Life Choices Pregnancy Clinic is holding their annual Walk of Compassion on Saturday, September 26, at 9 AM at 1320 Maricopa Hwy, Suite C. Check in begins at 8:30 AM. The annual “Walk of Compassion” is Life Choices only fundraiser. This is a great family event, and more information is in the foyer. Come walk or cheer on those who are walking!
There will be no sermon questions this summer, as we encourage our small groups to take a break from meeting. This gives leaders a chance to rest, makes it easy for people to jump back in to small groups come fall, and, most importantly, frees up a little more time in your schedule to join us for some other summer community and discipleship opportunities. We’d love to see you at our events this summer. Keep your eyes open for those announcements!
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