Vision Statement

Theological Basis: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4: 18-21

Following this theological grounding, we are a church that by faith is:

1. Theo-centric (God-centered) in our worship;
2. Christological (serving as Jesus served) in the way we serve and relate
to others;
3. Pneumological (Holy Spirit-filled and led) in our empowerment for ministry.

Our vision is shaped by this theology and practiced according to the following principles, ideals, goals and community realities:

Diversity - Primarily African-American in culture and worship, we shall increasingly seek and welcome diversity in membership and worship without losing our rich African-American culture.

Liberty - As true freedom comes through openness to the leading of the Holy Spirit within God’s ordained structure, we shall continue growing in liberty.

Traditions - While we remember and appreciate the past, we shall choose to not be bound by or to it nor past traditions, but bound only by and to the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Innovations - We shall continually seek creative and innovative methods and means to reach and teach a rapidly changing culture, community and world. This includes aggressive awareness and use of technology.

Worship - Worshipping God shall remain central to all we do. As individuals and a collective body, we shall seek to make our lives a worship to God. This includes regular and special “worship services”, prayer meetings, etc.

Reaching - We shall be a reaching church, seeking to share the Gospel with all persons, from every socio-economic background, race, ethnicity and gender, with a special emphasis on the needs in our community - men and boys.

Teaching - We shall be a teaching church where persons engage in sacred and biblical studies as well as practical life skills for all ages.

Training - We shall be a training church, preparing new leaders, missionaries, ministers and lay workers to serve with their God-given Spiritual Gifts.

Growing - We shall continue to grow in personal and corporate development as well as numerically.

Glowing - We shall be a glowing church, as the abiding presence of His Glory, given by the anointing of His Spirit, will be evident to all.

It will be seen in the way we love each other, the way we serve, give and worship and in the way we reach out to and are accepting of all.

It will show in the humility of our service to others and in the boldness of our witness.

It will show in the commitment of our leaders and members and in the excellence we expect from each other and ourselves.

It will be seen in the way we support our sister churches of all denominations with the Spirit of love and not competition.

It will be seen in our involvement in the community as we fight for justice, freedom and righteousness and against injustice, poverty, racism, genderism and classism, abuse and oppression.

It will be seen in our praise, as we in all things give God the praise due His Name!