What Is the Mission of Community of Joy?

When Sharon and I came to Community of Joy 12 years ago, we knew that we needed to set forth a new mission for the church and head us in that direction.  You see, 12 years ago, Community of Joy was a struggling toddler of a congregation and we were in a do or die situation.  We had limited time and funds to turn the situation around or the congregation would cease to exist.

I am grateful for the leadership that God assembled and their commitment to establishing Community of Joy as a viable Church of the Brethren Congregation.  I am also thankful for their willingness to try new things and step out of the box regularly to work at establishing the congregation.

But, the question remains... 12 years later, have we succeeded in establishing the congregation?  And IF so, is it time for a new mission?

You see, 12 years ago, while we set forth a mission statement, it has largely remained just that ... words on paper.  Because for these last 12 years our "real" mission - stated and unstated- has been about establishing our congregation... becoming a self-supporting, viable congregation.

I want to suggest that we have done that! 

That Community of Joy is well established and is now ready for a more compelling mission.   For those of us who were around in the early days, the mission of establishing a congregation was compelling, but for those who come into a - what seems like to them - established congregation, there is nothing compelling (read exciting) about that as a mission.

So, perhaps it is time for a new direction.  To give thanks to God for allowing us to establish ourselves.  To recognize the milestones in that journey.   To celebrate that we have accomplished that part of our work.

Now, on to the next phase of our development... the outward focus that joins God in the work he is doing in the world and brings life transformation.

Here is the mission that I have been giving thought to...  "Helping you take your next step toward Jesus."   

We need something to propel us forward.  Something that can include newcommers and longtimers alike.  Something that recognizes that life is a process and growing is part of the journey.  Something that speaks to all of us no matter where we are on the journey.

So, why are we here?  Why does Community of Joy exist?  What am I giving my life to?  What are you giving your life to?

How about... HELPING PEOPLE TAKE THEIR NEXT STEP TOWARD JESUS!?