Our Desired Outcomes at St. Paul Lutheran Church and Preschool are embedded within the cross.
- Growing in Faith
Caring for Others:
We believe that good works are the fruits of faith and are essential to the care of one’s neighbor. Empowered by the Holy Spirit we answer Jesus’ call to care as we love our neighbors as ourselves. “Love your neighbor as yourself” Mark 12:31 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10 With our trust in God, Caring for Others will be accomplished through: 1. Christian Care: Christians of all ages are active in gift based service as we use our time and talents, according to our God given vocations and abilities to provide spiritual, physical and emotional care for each other, our family and our local community. Such care is characterized by a spirit of compassion, generosity and mercy. “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who are of the household of the faith” Galatians 6:10 So, as those who are chosen by God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” Colossians 3:12 2. Supporting the Church at Large: Recognizing that the mission of the Church extends beyond St Paul and our local community, we are committed to supporting the work of the Kingdom regionally, nationally and internationally by sharing our service, ministry and financial resources as appropriate. “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19 3. Nourishing St. Paul: Since all we are and all we have are gifts from God, all Christians manage all of life and life’s resources for His purpose. Therefore, we imitate God by giving generously of our time, talents and treasures to support His work in and through the church. “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” I Peter 4:10 “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” II Corinthians 9:7 Experiencing Community:
We believe that the Christian Church is called to model and to encourage the building of positive relationships as we interact with one another inside our church and outside in the community. “You are the salt of the earth….you are the light of the world….let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:13-15 St. Paul Lutheran Church is committed to providing to our congregation and to our community the spiritual needs of all its’ people, through ministry of the word and the outreach of services. “what good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14-17 With trust in God, Experiencing Community will be accomplished through: 1. Healthy Relationships People of all ages should live together in harmony at home, church, work and community, treating each other with love and respect, tackling conflict in a positive manner that results in fostering a healthy relationship. “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10 2. Meaningful Friendships Establish, deepen and renew meaningful friendships through our unity in Christ within a safe and harmonious environment. “ And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 3. Servant Leadership Christians of all ages should develop servant leadership behavior that equips them to faithfully help and lead others and encourage others to do likewise. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 |
Growing in Faith:
We believe that the Holy Spirit uses God’s Word and the Sacraments to form our faith and causes it to grow and flourish in the hearts of people so that we can know and rely on the love God has for us. With trust in God, Growing in Faith will be accomplished through: 1. Worship Life: Christians of all ages participate in corporate worship, acknowledging the sinful nature of man and the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. Celebrating His presence through the Word and Sacraments and praising the Triune God. Such worship will be culturally relevant, biblically sound, focused on Christ and distinctively Lutheran. “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:20 “In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 5:4 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16 2. Studying the Word: In order to live as God’s children filled with grace and truth at every age in life and in every vocation, we need to be students of God’s Word. Therefore, all will be encouraged to study and obey God’s Word, letting it be the authority in all things. This happens both personally and publicly, individually and corporately. “…and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17 3. Intentional Personal Spiritual Growth: Spiritual growth is fostered by the following: A. Being in the Word: Christians of all ages are regularly reading their Bibles to enhance their daily lives. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 B. Prayer: Christians of all ages pray privately and with family and friends offering our thanks and requests to God, listening for His answers and yielding to His will, as an act of trust in God and love for others while at home, church and wherever we may be. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 C. Expressing our Faith: Christians of all ages give personal testimony of their trust in God and saving faith in Jesus Christ to friends and family and those God places in our path. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15 D. Confessing our Faith: Christians of all ages will pronounce their beliefs and faith through the Creeds, Luther’s Catechisms and Confessions. “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19 
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