St. Michael’s Mission
St. Michael’s mission “to praise and
serve God, and to make disciples for Jesus” was developed in 2002
through careful conversations involving many people. It quickly became a
core expression of the ministry we share.
St. Michael’s mission led the
congregation in 2003 to call a new lead pastor, the Rev. John A. Mohan.
Our mission continues to set a goal
before us. It expresses our understanding of what Jesus Christ has asked
us to accomplish.
Praise God
Praising God is an act of worship not limited by time or place.
Praising God can fill every moment of our life. We praise God when we
gather on Sunday mornings at St. Michael Lutheran Church. We also praise
God wherever and whenever we act with an awareness of God’s presence.
Praising God is abundant (quality) living.
Serve God
Serving God links abundant living with abundant loving. From the
prophets (Micah) to Jesus Christ, serving God has meant loving God’s
children.
And what does the LORD require of you but
to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
(Micah 6:8b)
“Which commandment is the first of all?”
Jesus answered “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the
Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and
with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all our strength.’
The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is
no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28b-31)
Make disciples for Jesus
Making disciples is truly the work of the Holy Spirit, but we
participate in this work when we help others to deepen their
relationship with Jesus Christ. Drawing closer to the Risen Lord
naturally sends us into the world to share in Christ’s mission. Becoming
a disciple leads to making disciples.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with
you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (John 20:21)
St. Michael’s Vision
At the time St. Michael discovered its mission, the congregation also
developed its vision: The vision of St. Michael is to be a
Christ-centered, welcoming community of active, compassionate,
Spirit-filled disciples, working in harmony to spread the Word of God.
Mission? Vision? What’s the difference.
It’s helpful to think of mission as the destination or goal of our
journey of faith while vision is the map that will get us there. How
will we praise and serve God and make disciples for Jesus? The answer is
by:
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being Christ-centered.
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welcoming others into our community.
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being active in the life of faith and
compassionate to people around us.
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being inspired by the Holy Spirit.
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working in harmony (together) to
spread the Word of God.
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