Our Vision For Ministry
Pursuing A Christ-Centered Life
Two years ago our Church leadership began an in-depth study that could potentially impact the structural and systemic landscape of Guilford College Church. We gathered information from our entire congregation and surrounding community to assess how well we were (or were not) helping people grow spiritually.
Our results indicated that we had significant room to improve the way we coach people toward full devotion to Christ, so we rolled up our sleeves began to discern God’s direction as to how to more effectively help believers move toward Christ-Centered living.
A Clear Vision
How does a diverse congregation focus on a singular mission? We have identified four spiritual segments that exist in our church on a spiritual continuum:
Two years ago our Church leadership began an in-depth study that could potentially impact the structural and systemic landscape of Guilford College Church. We gathered information from our entire congregation and surrounding community to assess how well we were (or were not) helping people grow spiritually.
Our results indicated that we had significant room to improve the way we coach people toward full devotion to Christ, so we rolled up our sleeves began to discern God’s direction as to how to more effectively help believers move toward Christ-Centered living.
A Clear Vision
How does a diverse congregation focus on a singular mission? We have identified four spiritual segments that exist in our church on a spiritual continuum:
EXPLORING – describes those who are interested in learning more about God and Christianity, but do not consider themselves to be Christians. They are investigating what Christians believe, what the Bible has to say, and what answers can be found for their spiritual questions.
GROWING – describes those who are established in their ability to live each day fully surrendered to God. People who describe themselves as Growing have surrendered parts of their lives to Christ, and are making progress toward becoming fully surrendered to him.
BEGINNING – describes those who have crossed the “line of faith”; that is, they have come to believe that Jesus is who he said he was – God’s Son – and that through Jesus’ death on
the cross, the penalty for their sins has been paid, bringing a way for them to have a reconciled relationship with God. People who describe themselves as Beginning are seeking to build a firm foundation for their faith.
the cross, the penalty for their sins has been paid, bringing a way for them to have a reconciled relationship with God. People who describe themselves as Beginning are seeking to build a firm foundation for their faith.
CHRIST–CENTERED – describes those who are deeply established in their faith whose faith is not rattled by the ups and downs of life, and who have completely surrendered their lives to Christ. Obedience to living as God desires is reflexive. People who describe themselves as Christ-centered are confident of God’s unconditional love for them, and are continuing to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
We believe by meeting individuals where they are on the continuum and assisting them towards the next steps in spiritual growth, we will live in deep communion with God through Jesus Christ, and fulfill the mission of God for our church. Our new vision statement captures the challenge:
Guilford College UMC is a vibrant Christian community that transforms lives, strengthens believers, and equips disciples to live beyond ourselves in the light of Jesus Christ.
