Mission
Statement
By Don Campbell
I have no idea with whom the idea originated or through what process the wording of the mission or purpose statement of the Spring Creek Church of Christ came into being. What is important is that this statement serves as a filter through which all church activities can be evaluated: The purpose of the church at Spring Creek is to praise and serve God, love others, spread the Gospel and change lives. Everything that we do should, in some way, relate to this vision.
It is often said that evangelism is the purpose for which the church exists, but this mission statement recognizes that our supreme purpose for existence is to glorify and serve God. A young man of the highest moral character came to Jesus, seeking eternal life. He had kept the commandments from his youth up. Jesus loved him and wanted him to join the band. However, Jesus insisted, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me" (Mark 10:21). The young man walked away sorrowful, because he had great possession. Jesus stood and watched him walk away. No man can be saved if at the same time God cannot be glorified. This young man already had a God—riches—that he was unwilling to give up. If making disciples was Jesus’ mission, he missed a great opportunity. The young man probably would have been a great giver, and he certainly would have been a fine moral specimen. However, he could never say, "I count all things as rubbish that I may gain Christ." There is certainly room for every disciple to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:18), but no person can serve two masters (Matt 6:24).
The first purpose for our existence as a church relates to the first commandment: You shall love the Lord thy God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second relates to the second commandment: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. This involves benevolence (1 John 3:16-17). It also involves spreading the gospel (1 Cor 9:19-23). Both bring glory to God and both change lives (Matt 15:16; 1 Pet 2:12; 2 Cor 9:13; 1 Cor 15:7-12).
We lack many things individually and collectively from the standpoint of measuring up to Christ. However, if we give our hearts to Jesus, the rest will come in time; for the church is a hospital for healing, a nursery for protecting, a school for teaching, and a family for belonging. Lives will be changed because God is glorified, Jesus is preached, and love is practiced.
Church, that’s what it’s all about.