The Mission of the church in the XXI Century By Mario Niño, DMin. INSTITUTE OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES www.inter-religioso.com 2015-2020

The Mission of the Church. What is the Mission of the Church? A mission statement is a statement of purpose. A mission statement explain why any organization was created. Define “la-raison-d’etre” for something.

Mission Statement God told Israel at Mount Sinai: “I am the Lord who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy”. Lv. 11:45 Two things were defined: 1. Let God be God. 2. Walking the path of holiness.

Mission Statement Because Israel failed in fulfilling the mission, God decided to do it in a different way. “The kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it”. Mt. 21:43

What was the Problem? The failure of Israel was not allow God be God. When God is my God, I must apply its principles, values, methods, instructions. Also I have to follow His plan for the this world and for the human beings.

What is our Mission? The mission for the Christian church is: Represent properly the character of God, follow the path of holiness, and preach the gospel to all the nations. The best way to do this, is promoting a spiritual revival in the local church.

The Need of the Spiritual Revival “Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life ... Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories.” 1 - M. S. 149.

What should we do? “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich. Rev. 3:18 A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work.” The Review and Herald, March 22, 1887. (Christian Service, page. 41).

An excellent organization. To Israel God gave a system of care to the individual (groups of ten). Deut. 1:15 In New Testament times we see a simple and functional organization. In the XXI century the environment is different but the principles remain valid.

Basic Organization God Moses Head of 1.000 Head of 100 Head of 50

Four Major Emphasis 1. To glorify God at all times. 2. Promote the Spiritual Revival. 3. Revive the study of the Bible. 4. Share the everlasting Gospel.

Universal Principles Each church must define its own program. In doing so should consider the time, place and audience it serves. There are universal principles that are valid for any region of the world. There is a logical process in developing a spiritual program at the local church.

Process for Spiritual Revival 1. Officers & Committees 2. Define Priorities 3. Choose the Strategies 4. Organize Programs & Budget 5. Implementation & Evaluation. EXPLAIN EACH. ONE.

1. Officers & Committees Each church must determine the number of leaders required according to their size and the availability of human resources. The G. C. has a complex organizational structure because it serves the world field, but this is not the situation of the local church. The church must consider their territory,their culture, their environment.

Standing Committee: To facilitate the task of the board: 1. Spiritual Revival 2. Nurture & Retention 3. Christian Stewardship 4. Church Annual Program 5. Budget & Finances

2. Priority Setting To define the priorities of a church, you need to make a diagnosis. The diagnosis will reflect the perceived needs of members. When planning advisory groups or surveys (either written and/or electronic), members may express what the needs are and what they perceive to be addressed first.

3. Choose Strategies Strategy is a different way of doing things to achieve the goal and get better results. The strategies are the answers to the needs expressed by members. There are different options to meet the needs and each has its cost. Select the most appropriate and practice strategy.

4. Organize Programs & Budget Programs must meet the needs of the church within a strategy. Coordination and timing is necessary to avoid overlap between programs. There should be financial support in the church budget. The annual budget limits but ensures the realization of a program or project.

4. Organize Programs & Budget In determining the annual, monthly and weekly programs you must consider the best distribution and use of time, especially on Saturday when most members are present. Once the church determined and approved schedule, follow faithfully. We must respect the audience that includes non-Adventist believers. CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ISSUES.

Time Management The Church at Study (Saturday morning). 75 minutes, of which 40 minutes are for teaching the Sabbath School lesson. The Church at Training. 30 minutes. A training seminar 25 minutes and 5 minutes for a special announcement. The Church at Worship. 75 minutes for Divine Worship, of which 40 minutes are the responsibility of the preacher.

Remember to include A Bible Study Class for promoting the study of the Bible. 1. A basic level for non-Adventists, and 2. An advanced level for church members. A Business Meetings. The church must provide to every member a quarterly cumulative reports.

5. Aplication & Evaluation A well balanced and organized program must be printed and distributed among members and interested believers. Each quarter you must evaluate the program. The church must be well motivated to attend the Business Meeting.

God's plan for Israel was theo-centric: Moses/Torah Yisrael Elohim Elohim: God as the originator of all. Moses/Torah: The Prophet transmits the instruction. Yisrael: The receiver and carried into practice.

The Mission of the church in the XXI Century By Mario Niño, DMin. INSTITUTE OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES www.inter-religioso.com 2015-2020