The Vision of St. Andrews Church
OUR TARGET: the English-speaking, international community.
OUR PURPOSE STATEMENT: We are to build a loving community of mature Christians—equipped for ministry in the church, as well as for reaching the lost—so that God may be glorified and praised.
EVANGELISM
We are to share the good news of Jesus Christ to the surrounding unchurched community in a relevant and contemporary manner. We live in a rapidly changing, secular world. Most Westerners have abandoned the biblical worldview of their cultural heritage. So as Christians, we must seek creative ways to reach out and touch the lost. The apostle Paul, the first century pioneer of church planting, was determined to “become all things to all men so that by all possible means he might save some” (1Corinthians 9:22).
FELLOWSHIP
We are to provide a warm fellowship where people can find forgiveness, love, hope, guidance and encouragement. With
the breakdown of the traditional family, more and more people feel rejected, isolated and abandoned. The church of Jesus Christ is to be a compassionate and caring family “known for their love” (John 13:34-35).
DISCIPLESHIP
We are to create an environment where believers are motivated to grow spiritually (through Bible studies, small groups and other avenues of discipleship and training). Spiritual maturity and character development don’t just happen with the passing of time, but are the end result of an intentional process. Whether we are young or old, we are admonished to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2Peter 3:18).
MINISTRY
We are to equip and encourage believers to invest their God-given gifts and talents into what really matters in this life—the lives of people and the glory of God. God has supernaturally enriched every single believer to serve within the church, the body of Christ. If the church body is to function according to its intended design, then every member of the body must recognize his or her significance and must seek to fulfill his or her Spirit-empowered role (1Corinthians 12).
WORSHIP
We are to promote meaningful occasions for believers to express their love and commitment to God through worship. God
both deserves and desires our praise and adoration (Psalm 100). There are a variety of ways to express our devotion to Him: singing, praying, thanksgiving, listening, obeying, testifying, giving, . . . just to name a few.