Originally published in the June 19, 2008 issue of The Evangel.
by Dr. Frank Lewis, senior pastor
This summer I've invited you to join me in examining the mission, vision and values of First Baptist Nashville. It's an important journey for any church to make but one that is especially timely for our congregation as we dream about our future in several ways. Configuring both our building and our ministerial staff to take advantage of the opportunities before us is no easy task. While input from a number of sources informs this process, our best work is done when we clearly identify what is unique about our congregation's role in our city at this point in time. In doing this, we must examine our values.
When we examined the values of the Church in Acts we learned that they valued the Holy Spirit's power, leadership that has been with Jesus, the story of redemption, people who were without hope, bold witnessing, generous giving, personal integrity, and radical obedience. Those values influenced and drove the functions of the early church. As they worshiped, ministered, and fellowshipped, the values shaped and gave voice to the message the church proclaimed.
A look at the values of Jesus reminds us that He valued His relationship with the Father. He valued the scriptures and drew from them in the moments of His life when temptations and distractions threatened to take Him from His mission. He also valued every soul and was willing to lay down His life in order that all who believe might be saved. The things Jesus valued shaped and gave voice to the message He lived.
This is why it is important that we identify and articulate those things that are the core of what we value, and God help us if these values are not biblically informed. These "core values" will help us make decisions as we choose between the trends and demands of modern day ministry. Core values will help us recognize when we're off course and give us a navigational chart to point our ship in the right direction. Like the church in Acts, our core values will give voice to the way we worship, witness, disciple, fellowship, and minister.
Let's pull together during these days. Make worship a priority. Pray for your church. Join the choir. Invite. Give. What we do matters for eternity.
Blessings!
