Maybe one of the reasons we resonated so well with the Donut Church is that their mission statement resonated. And really, it is what I'm looking (and I think we're looking for) for in a church.
Love God.
Love others.
Live it out.
What does that mean for a church? I'm probably too braindead to write it well, but in a nutshell:
Love God: Can I worship freely? Is the Holy Spirit present and active? Is the word of God taught and preached? Are disciplines that help me love God more taught and encouraged? Is the children's ministry based on God's word and age appropriate?
Love others: Is the church actively involved in ministry, both in their own community and in the world? Do the people in the church act lovingly towards each other? Do they welcome strangers? Do they actively pray for each other? Is unity encouraged? Do they encourage unity with other groups of believers?
Live it out: Is the Good News of the Kingdom of God preached to the poor? Are the oppressed released of their burdens? Do they practice what they preach? Do sermons encourage people to be doers of the word, not hearers only? Does the church encourage people to use their gifts and talents to serve God? Are the kids allowed and encouraged to discover and use their spiritual gifts?
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Ann, I just found both of your blogs today... I've been missing out! Just wanted to say hi and thank you for continuing to read mine.
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