Dear Friends,
One of the highest priorities identified at a gathering of field,
headquarters, and affiliate staff several years ago was to continue “to
clarify church identity, mission, and message.” We are pleased to share with
you a major result of our efforts in that regard, a document entitled We
Share: Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs PDF (4.65MB).
This document is the result of a collaborative effort among
representatives of the worldwide church and church leaders. The Expanded
World Church Leadership Council, various World Church teams, the 2008 World
Church Leaders Gathering, and many other individuals have contributed to its
contents.
We Share: Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs presents basic
ideas and common terminology to align expressions of church identity,
mission, message, and beliefs throughout the world. We are sharing it with
World Church staff in French, English, and Spanish. We are attaching text
versions of the document. Please download the PDF version with pictures and
attractive formatting:
www.CofChrist.org/discernment/weshare/weshare.pdf.
We expect this paper will play a major role in guiding the church in the
years ahead. It provides a foundation on which we will build classes,
sermons, ministry models, resources, small group activities, and worship
experiences that speak to those we serve. It provides common threads to use
to weave unique expressions of the vision and mission of the Community of
Christ throughout the world.
Please reflect on this material prayerfully, take time to incorporate or
“enflesh” it in your life as a disciple and leader more and more. Then,
using your giftedness and experience, create ways to help seekers,
disciples, and congregations find meaning and hope through the vision,
mission, message, and beliefs presented in the document.
This document is not a new program to roll out with great
fanfare! It is salt and leaven to use to enrich our mission and witness as
we continue our faith journey into the future. As you integrate this
material into your ministry, please send us your ideas, resources, models,
classes, presentations, songs, and stories so we can mutually benefit from
your creativity.
Remember, we are the strategy!
We deeply appreciate all that you do to share the peace of Jesus Christ
through the ministries of Community of Christ.
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
We Share:
Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs
