FirstForward is not adequately defined by terms such as campaign, initiative, program or idea. Simply stated, it is an entirely new way of doing church for our congregation. For First United Methodist Church, it is far from church as usual. It is church UNUSUAL. While we respect and are grateful for who we have been as a church, FirstForward is the response of laity to a clear call from our membership to become a church that matters to our community, our congregation and to each of us. The church model that has been entirely proposed and adopted by laity and approved by our Board of Stewards is based on the Great Commandment given to us by Jesus Christ – “Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself.” It also reflects the essential practices developed by dynamic church builders nationwide both inside and outside the Methodist tradition.
Our Purpose
Step one toward becoming the church we want to be is taking a hard look at - Why we are here? What is our reason for existing as a church? What is God calling us to do? The answer to those questions is our purpose and it will permeate everything we are as a church.
Purpose
To build a vibrant, Christ-centered community where ALL are becoming deeply committed Christians
The First Five
The foundation of our purpose is the five essential practices expected of each of us as members. While membership is not required to participate in the life of our church, there are responsibilities and expectations that are necessary in order to become deeply committed Christians.
The First Five
1. WORSHIP: Pray five times a day and worship weekly.
2. STUDY: Read five verses of the Bible daily and study the Bible in a small group.
3. SERVE: Practice five acts of intentional kindness a week and serve with others.
4. GIVE: Extend five acts of generosity toward others each month and give generously to God through the church.
5. SHARE: Let others know you are a Christian and invite five people to church each year.
Living Our Purpose
Living out Our Purpose and practicing The First Five is accomplished primarily in two groups, our community and our congregation. First and foremost, the focus of our church will shift from inward to outward, from inside the walls of the church to outside the walls in the neighborhoods that surround us (and on the people who live in those neighborhoods).
Secondly, just as there are raised expectations of our members, there will also be high expectations of the worship experience. Meeting the challenges of Christian discipleship in our community and our congregation will be accomplished through restructured and extremely efficient ministry programs that are clearly defined, lay led and measured against and laser focused on Our Purpose.
In Our Community
Examples of how we live Our Purpose and practice The First Five in our community include member-led, organized efforts to feed the hungry, provide shelter, mentor and educate, build life skills, protect children, reduce rancor, share our stories, comfort the hurting and more.
In Our Congregation
Practicing The First Five and living Our Purpose among our congregation includes vibrant worship, radical hospitality, stimulating study, building strong relationships, extreme training and robust communication.
Putting Hands and Feet to Our Purpose
PLANS WITHOUT ACTION ARE POINTLESS. Through First Forward, each of us has expanding opportunities to live out our lives as Christian disciples via an array of worship, study, service, giving and sharing options. We will all discover new things in our church including a more vibrant worship experience, multiple Bible study groups, a daily devotional, ways to serve and care for those who are our neighbors, more options for supporting the church and its work financially and sharing your church and your story in our community.
Our Vision
As we move forward as a church, it is vital to have measurable expectations of what we will look like in the future. This long-range view is Our Vision.
Vision
To share God’s love by touching hearts, changing lives and transforming our community
Our Journey
The process of growing in discipleship, living our core practices and developing the life of our church is Our Journey.
Journey
To love, serve and grow in our relationship with God, TOGETHER
What’s Next for You?
God is at work in First United Methodist Church. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the church. It is time for each of us to ask, what are we individually willing to do to answer God’s call. Please do not wait to be asked. Please go to God in prayer and carefully consider your role in making our church everything we all want it to be. If you have questions or suggestions or would like to discuss how you can help move our church forward, please contact any member of the Board of Stewards or one of the following:
Chris Hancock chris@hancockadvertising.com
Gary LaFour garylafour@gmail.com