our church

I found the following as I was cleaning out some files ... at one point this is what I thought I would like the community I am part of to look like. What about you? Is there anything you would add to that list? Have you found such a place?

• A church in which people profoundly encounter Jesus Christ in the teaching and worship.
• A church that is characterized by individual and corporate prayer.
• A church where things are so clearly and reasonably articulated that they make sense to a thinking follower of Christ.
• A church where the power of God is present to heal people.
• A church where ministry is done by every member, not just the pastor.
• A church that cares about and actually does something for people outside its own borders—particularly the poor and the needy.
• A church that doesn't simply recycle other churches members but actually brings many people from darkness to light.
• A church where people can easily take off the religious masks and find real fellowship at the foot of the cross.
• A church that provides people with training both for ministry and for life.
• A church that loves and actually devotes a large share of its time, energy, and money to serve the needs of children.
• A church that is large enough and strong enough to impact the community and plant other churches both in this country and abroad.
• A church whose every endeavor is marked by excellence, integrity, and love.

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