Who We Are : Vision

 
  {Download Our Complete Vision Statement - Adobe PDF}

Our Purpose

To see God exalted as His grace and truth in Jesus Christ abounds in and overflows to more and more people (1 Chr. 29:10-13; Jn. 1:14-17 2 Cor. 4:15; Jn. 7:37-39; Mt. 28:19-20; 1 Tim. 1:12-17).

Our Broad Objectives

  1. To see God so work in the lives of unbelievers that they would become Observers of His grace and truth in Jesus Christ (Mt. 5:13-16; Phil. 2:14-16; Col. 4:5-6; 1 Pet. 3:15). Our desire is to see the grace of God active in touching and arousing the curiosity of unbelievers.
  2. To see God so work in the lives of unbelievers that they would become Receivers of His grace and truth in Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:12; 3:36; Eph. 2:1-9; 1 Th. 1:2-9; 1 Tim. 2:3-4). Our desire is to see the grace of God active in convicting and saving those who are perishing.
  3. To see God so work in the lives of believers that they would grow as life-long Students of His grace and truth in Jesus Christ (Mt. 11:28-30; Rom. 12:1-2; Titus 2:11-14; 2 Pet. 3:17-18). Our desire is to see the grace of God active in teaching and transforming those who are saved.
  4. To see God so work in the lives of believers that they would become increasingly fruitful Ministers of His grace and truth in Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:3-8; 2 Cor. 9:8; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 4:10-11). Our desire is to see the grace of God active in equipping and empowering believers for greater and greater impact.
  5. To see God so work in the lives of believers and whole churches that they would become powerful Extenders of His grace and truth in Jesus Christ (Mt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 13:2; 2 Cor. 4:15). Our desire is to see the grace of God active in expanding and multiplying His church into a spiritually dark and dying world.

Our Core Priorities

  1. Exaltation
    • Expository Preaching (Ps. 19:7-10; Acts 20:27; Rom. 10:14-17; 2 Tim. 4:1-5)
    • Authentic Worship (Ps. 96; 145; 150; Jn. 4:24; Rom. 12:1-2)
    • Constant Prayer (Ps. 105:3-4; Mt. 6:5-15; Phil. 4:4-7; Heb. 4:14-16)
    • Faith-Driven Obedience (Jn. 14:21; Heb. 11:6; Jms. 2:14-26)
  2. Equipping
    • Systematic Teaching (Mt. 28:20; Eph. 4:11-12; Col. 1:28; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)
    • Godly Modeling (1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 4:9; 1 Th. 2:8; 1 Tim. 4:12)
    • Leadership Development (Mt. 9:38; 28:19-20; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; 2 Tim. 2:2)
  3. Encouragement
    • Biblical Shepherding (Mt. 9:36-38; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-3)
    • Agape Fellowship (Jn. 13:34-35; Phil. 2:1-11; Heb. 10:23-25)
    • Gracious Confrontation (Pr. 27:6; Mt. 18:15-17; Gal. 6:1-2; Jms. 5:19-20)
  4. Evangelism
    • Pure Motivation (Ps. 145:1-7; Mt. 9:36-38; 2 Cor. 5:11-15; 1 Thess. 2:4)
    • Ambassador Lifestyle (2 Cor. 5:18-21; Col. 4:5-6; 1 Pet. 3:14-16)
    • Worldwide Mindset (Mt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 17:24-28)

Our desire is to see this vision worked out among people in all "ages and stages" of life. Therefore, the elements of this vision provide a framework through which all the day-to-day decisions regarding the ministry of River City Grace can be made. From here, we can evaluate whether a curriculum, ministry, or activity advances or detracts from our God-given purpose, objectives, and priorities. The specific details of each ministry venture will be developed through the Spirit-led passions of God's people as we obediently walk the life of faith, abiding in Him (John 15:5).

This vision reflects our understanding of the heart of God for His church as revealed in His Word. Because we are committed to pursuing a Biblical vision of ministry, any part of this vision statement is subject to change as our understanding of God's Word increases.