A vision is a picture of what we want to see in the end as a result of our ministry efforts. A mission statement describes exactly what part we hope to play in the fulfillment of the vision. Our strategy describes a general “method” or “mode of operation” to move toward the mission goal. In reformulating our vision and mission statements to communicate clearly, we have also revisited our strategy statement, shaping it for relevance with each generation.
Our Strategy
Our Strategy – We ask how God is at work, then assist the body of Christ to bring God’s transformation to lives, communities, and nations.
[Click here to view the “card” that includes the vision, mission, strategy, and guiding principles statements.]
Ask
Asking conveys an attitude of prayerful discernment, humility, learning, and partnering. We seek to understand what God is saying to his people in a given context and affirm God-given vision arising from indigenous leaders. With leaders and partners we ask such questions as: What would a discipled nation look like? What would it take to get there? How can we help you? Where, through whom, and how is God multiplying fruit? Asking often involves research on the status of the harvest force and harvest field, and brings to light dynamics involved in the multiplication of transformational leaders, churches, and ministries (James 1:5).
Assist
One Challenge takes a servant’s posture, coming alongside the body of Christ and its leaders, affirming and helping them be fruitful in the ministry to which God has called them. Our assistance takes shape in the context of God-honoring relationships and is informed by our understanding of how and through whom God is bearing fruit. We serve with a “whatever it takes” attitude as we help missional communities of believers proclaim and live out the Good News in the workplace, in neighborhoods, and across society. In the spirit of the Lausanne Covenant [www.lausanne.org/content/covenant/lausanne-covenant], we holistically assist the whole church in taking the whole gospel to the whole world.
Transformation
The redemptive work of God’s Spirit in the lives of obedient disciples touches all of life and enables positive change within society. Transformation occurs as the Spirit of God applies the truth of Scripture to the human condition. It begins in the individual’s heart and expands as believers live out the values of the kingdom in a broken world. Community transformation is a dynamic process by which a neighborhood, workplace, or social group is being changed as the kingdom of God is increasingly established in its midst. It is about a critical mass of people coming to love God and love others in ways that invite the power of God to address the problems that plague a community. Transformation represents a change of direction in which a community moves deliberately toward God and the work of the enemy is restrained. It is not the total absence of sin but rather a fresh trajectory evidenced by the increasing shalom of God in a community or nation (Romans 12:2; Acts 17:6).
Lives, Communities, Nations
Jesus commanded his followers to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. His people are to reach across every conceivable barrier as they bear witness to him among all peoples. God’s transforming love begins with individuals and ripples out with power as his people work together to change communities and ultimately nations. Church multiplication facilitates the process of change and gives it permanence by creating fresh “wineskins,” developing disciples, involving more people in ministry, and encouraging believers to love their neighbors in a way that brings hope. The local church represents the incarnate presence of God in a neighborhood.
One Challenge is devoted to the goal of healthy churches transforming every community in all countries, for God’s glory and the nations’ good (Acts 1:8).
