Being about God's mission, the Great Commission (Mt 28:18-20; 2Cor 5: 14-21), is the essence of the Church. Our District vision draws is to fulfill God's mission. Five characteristics must be given priority emphasis in the mission work today. We see, encourage and assist mission initiatives that emphasize these characteristics.

We emphasize discipling and equipping others in mission initiative that are
congregation driven, partnership based and culturally sensitive.

DISCIPLING: Reaching beyond ourselves with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to non-believers, to the end that they will further proclaim the Gospel to to others.

EQUIPPING others: Involving, developing and nurturing lay servant leaders... developing people of purpose for ministry... to multiply (complement and supplement) ministry beyond traditional professional leadership.

CONGREGATION driven: Mission initiatives growing out from or fostered by congregations... ministries conducted by congregations, or that function with congregation participation and are sustained by their prayers and support.

PARTENERSHIP based: Interdependent networking... multi-faceted relationships between the supporters, missionaries and recipients... involving/requiring a variety of resources to meet mission opportunities.,.. more than simply a singular source fulfilling a singular need.

CULTURALLY sensitive: Recognizing demographic trends and reacting to opportunities in new cultural contexts... realizing mission may be right next-door, quite possibly with people not like us.

Adopted—BOARD FOR MISSION SERVICES, MAY 13, 1998;
AFFIRMED—BOARD OF DIRECTORS, APRIL 28, 2000