Minister's Musings

Who are we as members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)?  It's a question we're often asking or being asked by others.  In our congregation, we have decided that, as Disciples, we view ourselves as "A Welcoming and caring community of faith that embraces Jesus as the Christ through worship, nurture, and mission."  We have determined this vision expresses our central values through worship centered on our Christian faith; a forthright, supportive, and open atmosphere for nurture and study; and a commitment to local and global ministries.  We've also defined specific goals and programs to achieve and celebrate these central values.  These include such things as communion that is open to all, an invitation to the wider community to learn about and share in our ministries, lay leadership participation in all aspects of worship, church programs that embrace diversity, participation in efforts for Christian unity, and encouragement of interfaith efforts for peace and justice.  This is who we envision ourselves to be as the Mount Vernon First Christian Church, but who are we as part of the broader ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)?
An article in a recent issue of the Communiqué, a newsletter from the General Board and Administrative Committee of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), discussed an updated Disciples' Identity Statement designed to answer the question, "What does it mean to be a Disciple?"  The statement reads, "We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.  As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord's Table as God has welcomed us."  This statement was developed by the 21st Century Vision Team, which was created by our General Minister and President, Sharon Watkins, to advise her on ways to help Disciples become more faithful, effective, and mission-oriented in the 21st Century.  As Sharon noted in the article, "The identity statement is not meant to replace any of the great literature on Disciples identity?The 21st Century Vision Team was responding to the need for a thumbnail sketch of who we are?They came up with language that focuses on our historic longing for Christian unity - all the way from unity is our polar star to serious involvement in the 20th century ecumenical movement, to our priority to become a pro-reconciling/anti-racism church.  Disciples are about unity, oneness, wholeness, and we manifest that most clearly at the Lord's Table."
Perhaps with the knowledge of what we envision our church to be - "A welcoming, caring community of faith." - and awareness of who we are as part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - "We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.  As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord's Table as God has welcomed us." - we all will be better equipped to answer questions about what it means to be a part of this congregation and to be a Disciple of Christ.  At least they provide good starting points from which to engage in meaningful dialogue.
 With peace and joy,   Steve