First Christian Church is a place where members and others grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. It is deeply based in the Judeo-Christian heritage and sees its life directed primarily by the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Through worship the church will:

Develop a positive dynamic worship where persons may grow through hope, meaning, community and, where they may discover both who they are and to whom they belong. Worship will be warm, welcoming, hospitable and the music dynamic and inspiring. The preaching will be Biblical and compassionately presented. The worship service will be balanced with a sense of rhythm and momentum.

Congregational leadership:

The congregation see life together as the adventure of allowing God to mold them into a community of maturing disciples. Leadership will be broad and shared between the ordained and lay volunteers. Most groups and organizations will be led by trained lay leaders. Clergy and lay leaders will be enthusiastic about leading the congregation. The church will be a place where community, nurture and compassion empowers persons to discern their gifts and to fulfill God's will for them in their daily life. Leaders will invite suggestions, feedback, and critique. A team atmosphere and shared responsibility will be apparent. Cooperation will be enhanced and formal goals and personal needs will be treated as equally important.

Change:

Agreement and disagreement are both acceptable and healthy. Conflict will be viewed as inevitable, constuctive, and will be used for personal and organizational growth. Innovation and experimentation will be encouraged and supported. Members will be offered opportunities to utilize, stretch and use their particular gifts and talents.

Local mission and church growth:

The church will provide adequate space and facilities paying close attention to the sanctuary, fellowship hall, parking lots, sound systems, and the beauty of the church grounds. Advertising in the local newspaper and special issues of the Visitor will be encouraged. Cable TV ads will be investigated and used if economically feasible. A Public Relations Committee will be established as part of the Mission Team to promote the visibility and reputation of the church in the community. Much energy will be given to establishing a local mission project unique to First Christian Church and meeting the needs of persons in the Washington Area.

The Church Growth program will be continued, as established by the 1992 Capital Campaign, with additional staff provided to train volunteers to visit prospective members, and to encourage members to bring their friends and relatives to worship. They will promote the positive image of First Christian Church, along with the Public Relations Committee, using local media.

Stewardship:

Stewardship will be promoted with a spiritual, Biblical, and theological base. It will seek the maximum participation by members of the congregation. The annual stewardship drive is very important as is the every-three-year Capital Campaign and Special Day offerings. Stewardship is not a frill, it is the essence of Christianity. First Christian Church will be a church which provides resources for Christian mission and growth through tithing and percentage giving. Stewardship will be looked upon as a positive process. Stewardship is a life and death issue for the First Christian Church. Persons should be encouraged to grow in their stewardship.

Teaching ministry:

The church will encourage the continuation of Stephen Ministry, The Bethel Series, Christian Women's Fellowship, Disciples Men, Christian Youth Fellowship, and ChiRho. Other innovative methods will be sought to creatively present the Christian message and promote Faith Development. The Logos or Youth Group will be continued and new choir programs for youth and children considered and developed. The Children and Adult Church School programs and the annual Vacation Church School will continue to be important parts of the educational ministry of First Christian Church.