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THE  MISSION  OF  GRACE  LUTHERAN
                CHURCH  IS  TO:

"Tell Everyone About God's Grace" 

Our Charter states:

We believe
that it is the purpose of Grace Lutheran Church to engage as many people as
possible, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in a fellowship of worship,
learning, witness, and service; so that the Word of God in Jesus Christ may
be effective in their lives.

We strive
to accomplish this purpose, along with the following goals:

To grow spiritually as individuals

through personal devotions
through regular worship
through prayer with other people
through attendance to appropriate instruction, and
through responsible stewardship of all that God has given us

To grow as disciples

by focusing on the Great Commission and Grace's mission statement:
                      "Tell Everyone about God's Grace"
by inviting and encouraging people to attend church,
by belonging to small groups that support and strengthen our discipleship
by reaching out to people with spiritual and/or physical needs.

To grow as a church body

by being flexible and open to the changing needs of the church, the community,
     and the world, and
by drawing on everyone's talents to involve them in the life and mission of the 
     church.

We Pledge 

To strive toward these goals so that we may express, through the church and
     our lives, the love and faith of Jesus Christ.

 

THE BIBLICAL BASIS FOR OUR MINISTRY

What we are to do:

Matthew 28:16 through Matthew 28:20   (after Jesus' crucifixion)  Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.  When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and

With what means can we do this?

Acts 1:8  "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

John 14: 15-18  "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  And   I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you."

What does that mean for me?

Ephesians 4:11 through Ephesians 4:12  The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ....

How do I keep In touch with the Advocate?

Colossians 4:2 through Colossians 4:5   Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.  At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.

Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.

How Grace is organized to do ministry.

Since Grace Lutheran is a mission congregation, we are organized a little differently. 

The Holy Spirit guides the Ministry Action Committee [MAC].  We currently have nine Ministers in Action on this committee.

A MAC differs from a typical Church Council in that the primary focus of the MAC is ministry, and often the primary function of a council is oversight.

During the time that Grace Lutheran is a Congregation under Development, (CUD), the Pastor has the authority to make most decisions, answerable to the Division of Outreach [DO].  The pastor may delegate as much of the ministry as possible to Ministers in Action.  They have authority and responsibility for their area of ministry to act within the boundaries given.  The group comes together to study, pray, to coordinate ministries and to be available to each other for support as needed.

The Mission Developer/ Pastor has primary responsibility for; Sacraments, Word, teaching, theological and biblical understanding of our mission, leadership training and ministering to the congregation.

The overall job of the MAC and Pastor is stated again in Matthew 28:19 through Matthew 28:20  "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you." 

The foundation of Grace Lutheran is being solidly formed out of prayer and study, for it is through these means that God has chosen to speak to his people.

Contact Grace Lutheran at 251-968-5991
Email: graceluth@gulftel.com