I don’t like to miss out on a good thing. During seminary, in addition to being at class and taking notes, I recorded most of the lectures. When the professor recommended an additional book I immediately bought it. When there was an elective that sounded interesting I would audit. I ended up with a bunch of recordings, books and seminars I could never realistically digest or apply! 

Leaders charged to oversee the spiritual health of a church can commit the same well-intentioned error. There are so many areas for growth! So many good ideas for classes and programs! So many wonderful resources!  But, in reality churches and members are limited because humans are limited. There is only so much we can or should focus upon. Unlimited access to good information isn’t always good!

This is why we seek to make our ministry goal brief and clear. Our goal at Grace Downtown is to be “Inwardly Growing and Outwardly Serving.” It describes the dynamic cycle of Christian spirituality. But, what does it include? We sought to answer that question by answering another: How does who we are (community demographic) and where we are (city demographic) impact our goal? When you read a Bible commentary there is often a section entitled “Occasion.” In other words, what event or problem prompted the letter to be written? Theology is applied in context. As the elders reflected over many years of ministry three emphases arose: Family of God, Living in Place, Spiritual Practice. Whether you are in D.C. for two years or ten years we believe understanding and experiencing these three will result in wonderful growth and service.

Over the next few weeks I’ll unpack each one.  But, in the meantime I encourage you to commit them to heart and mind.

Grateful to be on the journey with you!

Glenn