For over 15 years our diocesan slogan for the Episcopal Diocese Albany has been “Disciples making Disciples.” I love this slogan but I confess I’ve long thought it was redundant. Making disciples is what disciples do! If a disciple of Jesus is not growing as a disciple and contributing to making new disciples, then they aren’t disciples in the first place. But now that I find myself Priest in Charge of a 122-year-old church plant I understand the wisdom of simple slogans in focusing, reinforcing and highlighting what is essential. Many a church exists where being a disciple is not really emphasized, much less making new ones. Reinforcing the core of our purpose is smart! So with humility I’d like to talk in this blog about our slogan, mission statement, and vision for All Saints Round Lake: Bringing People to Jesus!
You might argue that this, like the diocesan slogan, is redundant. Bringing people to Jesus is what churches do. If a church is not bringing people to Jesus then they aren’t really a Christian church at all. And yet there is beauty and power in this simple statement that captures what we are about at All Saints and what our mission is moving forward. Here are three things I love about our slogan.
The vision for All Saints Round Lake is a church that brings people to Jesus! If we are to accomplish this task we mush first go there ourselves. What shall we bring to Jesus this day? Who will you be bringing to Jesus at All Saints this week!
May we be filled with the Holy Spirit and given power and wisdom to bring people to Him to be saved, healed and delivered! It truly is in Jesus Name!
Scott+
“And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:2