“We shall proclaim to all people a new beginning in the family of God through faith in the Risen Christ, God’s only Son.”

Each of these words or phrases is essential to the identity of our congregation.  Each of them contains a story unto itself that captures the spirit of divine community.  Here are some of the thoughts that are contained in our mission statement:

Proclaim

This fundamental work of the church is to proclaim God’s Word, both his Law and his Gospel. St. Paul wrote in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”

All people

This defines the scope of our proclamation.  It is for all people.  We are not focused inward on ourselves, but outward toward all people.

A new beginning

Risen Christ Lutheran Church has been just that for many people; a chance to start over in their relationship to God through his Son, Jesus Christ.  St. Paul puts it this way, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  2 Cor 5:17

The family of God

Throughout the Scriptures, family words are use for God and his people.  He is our Father.  Jesus is his Son.  Through faith we become his children and brothers and sisters in Christ to each other.  Risen Christ is reaching out to incorporate all who will come into God’s family.

Faith

This is our connection to God’s family.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”   Eph 2:8-9

Risen Christ

This is not just the name of our church, it is the very core of our identity as God’s family.  “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.  But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”  1 Cor 15:14ff

God’s only Son

Who do you say Jesus is?  We say that he “is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”  Jn 21:31