Recently, I decided to go back to school to pursue a Master's degree in Arts Administration at FSU's College of Music. Over the past few months in studying non-profit arts organizations, I have learned that if an organization does not have a clearly defined mission, it is hard for them to fulfill their ultimate purpose. Furthermore, if the mission statement, which serves as the foundation for the organization, does not have a vision within it, it is hard for an organization to know who they are and how to move forward.
As a congregation member of The Well, I have begun to ask myself how I am living out the mission of the church. How am I fulfilling the mission of speaking an everlasting truth in an ever-changing culture? What steps am I taking in my everyday life to proclaim the Gospel of Christ? How am I actively pursuing the ongoing transformation of my life on a day to day basis?
The mission statement of The Well reads as follows:
The Well is a church that is committed to connecting with the unchurched community of Tallahassee. While the culture of Tallahassee is always changing, we believe that the message of Jesus Christ is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. The Well is a church that will speak an everlasting truth in an ever-changing culture.
We seek to carry out this mission partially by actively proclaiming the gospel in our community to those who do not believe.
I have many friends in my life who are non-believers. However, I will confess to you that I do not invite them to church nor do I "proclaim" the gospel to them. I simply love them for where they are. But I have begun to ask myself, "Am I really loving them by not sharing the most important part of my life which is my relationship with Jesus Christ?"
The challenge that we all are faced with is to stand up against our people-pleasing mentality. We live in a culture that strives to be "politically correct." It is of utmost importance that we respect each other's relative beliefs. But if our friends know that we love them first and foremost, I know that they will listen to us when we share the treasure of our faith. So what are we so afraid of?
We must challenge each other with urgency! Our fearless leader Dean challenges us with this message every week, and I believe that it is time to cast out our fear and live this part of our mission in our every day lives.
This Sunday, we will hold one morning service at 11:15 a.m. Dean will be preaching about an important aspect of the Christmas story.
Heather Stuyverson
The Well Classifieds can help you find a roommate, give a dog away, sell a car, etc. With circulation to over 700 people each week, who knows how you might connect! To submit an ad contact Rebecca Stewart at rebecca@thewelltallahassee.com.
