Do you know what a mission statement is? Do churches have mission statements? Does
St. Paul UMC have a mission statement? Do you know what it is?

I think most of us know what a mission statement is. Basically, the mission statement
should represent the purpose of existence for that business, organization, church, etc… Second,
yes, churches do have mission statements. Third, yes, St. Paul has a mission statement. Last,
our mission statement is, “Helping Connect People to God”

I think all organizations have some type of mission statement. See if any of these sound
familiar to you: Lowe’s Home Improvements, ”Let’s build something together.” Mary Kay, “To
give unlimited opportunity to women.” Wal-Mart, “Wal-Mart’s mission is to help people save
money so they can live better.” Walt Disney, “To make people happy.” One of my favorite
mission statements comes from Starbucks, “To inspire and nurture the human spirit—one person,
one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.” Who knew coffee could do so much?
The mission of the church is very simple, “To make disciples of Jesus Christ.” Jesus
said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations….” (Matthew 28:19). Most churches have
mission statements that are built on the foundation that Jesus was talking about. We are called to
make disciples as followers of Jesus Christ.
As a result of sin, humanity is broken and dis-connected from God. Jesus came into the
world that we might come to God through Him. Disciples are made when they “connect” with
God through Jesus Christ. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, connect means, “to
become joined.” I like that definition. As a church, our mission is to help connect people…”to
become joined” to God.

There are many opportunities for church members, visitors, and groups to “connect” with
God through are various ministries. Some of those opportunities are: weekly worship services,
youth group, S.W.A.T. youth group, Sunday school classes, FPU classes, Head Start, singing in
the choir or band, going on an Emmaus Walk, teaching a class, participating in Upward soccer,
serving in Upward soccer, serving on our various committees, being involved with our mission
team, giving of our resources to help fund our ministry budget and second mile mission giving,
boy scout groups, TOPS, Narcotics Anonymous, St. Vincent’s Bariatric Support Group, home
extension clubs, UMW, UMM, Leisure Timers, Highland Village Neighborhood Association,
working and fellowshipping together at IU concession stands, BEES, hosting 5-K runs, and….
the list could keep going!

Our church is alive and does so many things. I don’t think we really stop and think about
all the “doors” that are opened through our church that give people an opportunity to be in this
building, to be in relationship with others, to serve God and others, AND to “connect” with God.
We should celebrate who we are, what we’ve done and look forward to the future. There is
much work to do for God’s Kingdom and we know what our mission is….

”Helping Connect People to God!”

Frank