Grace Methodist Church of Decatur Vision

2022-2026 Road Map

 The Vision:  More People Becoming More Like Jesus
 

Section I:  Guiding Scripture 

“Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself.”   – Luke 10:27

Our Commission:  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  Acts 1:8

The Body of Christ:  But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.  I Peter 2:9

The Word of God:  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  II Timothy 3:16-17

 

Section II:  Target Population

Since our congregation intentionally decided to remain in our current location at the time of our building addition in 1985, our target population is the immediate Old Kings Orchard neighborhood as well as the entire community of Decatur and the surrounding area.  As the Shepherd looks for lost sheep, we will look for those who are open to the Gospel of salvation in Jesus and those already committed followers of Jesus who are open to the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit.

 

Section III:  What We Seek to Accomplish

Our goals are for more members and regular attenders at Grace to:

  • Participate in a small group for accountability, study, fellowship and service so each one and all of us together more faithfully exhibit the Fruits of the Spirit.
  • Participate in some means of serving others within the Body of Christ and the community in the love of Jesus Christ.
  • Develop relationships with others outside of the church so that we are clearly and effectively Christ’s witnesses in our community
  • Be invitational in our community so that the number of first-time commitments to Jesus Christ at Grace grows over the next five years.

 

Section IV:  How We Will Proceed

  1. Relationships will be our highest priority with Jesus, one another, and our community.
  2. We will continue to strengthen our existing ministries of worship, care, service and discipleship through leader development and continual study of God’s Word and meeting together.
  3. We will deepen existing relationships and develop new relationships with our community.
  4. We will seek relationships of collaboration within our community, especially with those who are Christ’s followers in reaching our community with the message of reconciliation.
  5. We will utilize the gifts of the congregation, neighbors, and local leadership and resources.
 
 
Section V:  What We Will Measure (Goals)
 
Ultimately, we will know that we are fulfilling God’s vision for Grace when:
  • More people come to worship and surrender to Jesus.
  • More people are consistently participating in small group ministries.
  • More people are consistently serving in ministries of care and outreach in the congregation and community.
  • New ministries are developed to equip the Body of Christ for service and to reach our community with the Gospel