Through the gospel of Christ a new community of tolerance, reconciliation, unity in diversity, and love is being born as a visible sign of the coming reign of God.
[Excerpted from “Boldly Venture,” Stephen M. Veazey, God Where Is Your Spirit Leading Next?, Herald House, 2022, p. 7]
We are a diverse people. Through the Holy Spirit we are being fitted together as a global community through which Christ lives (Ephesians 2:19–21). We are becoming a dwelling place for God or holy temple, spanning the Earth. Our beautiful Temple reminds us of this destiny. As we journey, we are discovering “…the power of community in Christ expressed locally in distinctive fashions while upholding a unity of vision, foundational beliefs, and mission throughout the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 163:11a).
A hopeful future for Community of Christ is possible—if we choose it. The Holy Spirit urges
us to boldly venture there with God. Doctrine and Covenants 165:1a–e affirms:
Community of Christ, a divine vision is set before you... Lovingly invite others to experience the good news of new life in community with Christ. …Undertake compassionate and just actions to abolish poverty and end needless suffering. Pursue peace on and for the Earth. Let nothing separate you from this mission. It reveals divine intent for personal, societal, and environmental salvation; a fullness of gospel witness for creation’s restoration.
Our vison speaks of holistic salvation for persons, groups, and the entire creation. Salvation in all
dimensions. God’s vision of restoration is much bigger than many imagine.
The World Church Leadership Council is involved in group discernment. This includes constant
listening to the Holy Spirit through the voices of various ages, cultures, and life experiences around the world. The council has drafted a statement of emerging themes. Excerpts include:
The soul of Community of Christ is expressed most fully as we embody Jesus Christ, the
peaceful One, and his mission. This happens through relational, spiritual, invitational, and
globally connected Christ‐centered communities actively pursuing justice and peace on and for the Earth. We are discovering that a posture of simplicity, agility, and flexibility will equip and poise us to faithfully live the heart of our calling in a changing world.
These provide opportunities for explorations of principles, possibilities, and insights. The church’s constant call is to discern the time in which we live; our varied contexts of mission; and what our approaches to ministry should be as we embody the soul of Community of Christ and follow Jesus, the peaceful One.
Prayer Phrase
“…the earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it” (Psalm 24:1).
Spiritual Practice
Flowing Water
If possible, sit where you can hear water—a fountain, stream, the sea, (perhaps a recording of water sounds). Listen to the sound as you thank God for the life-giving, life-shaping power of water. Pray for God’s blessing on all the parched places of the Earth where there is injustice, oppression, violence, and disregard for life. Pray for God’s justice to be released and imagine it flowing over the Earth, restoring righteousness and wholeness. Now, get up and drink a glass of clear, cold water as you pray, “God, let your justice flow through me as a disciple of Christ Jesus.”
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.