First Presbyterian Church in Pitman, New Jersey

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The mission work of the First Presbyterian Church in Pitman, New Jersey can be found at http://firstpresby.org/Missions.htm

By the grace of God,

in response to Jesus Christ's teachings of love, 

and guided by the Holy Spirit: 

we are a welcoming church that worships God, 

nurtures Christian growth, 

and serves our congregation and world, 

to the glory of God!

The Mission Statement for the First Presbyterian Church

in Pitman, New Jersey

By the grace of God, God’s grace gives us faith (Romans 3:24-25) and calls us to be a part of the church (Ephesians 4:4). All we hope to do as a church needs this saving and uniting love from God.

in response to Jesus Christ's teachings of love, We exist as a church to follow Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ taught us that the two great commandments are to love God and neighbor (Mark 12:28-34). He taught not only with words; he also showed it through his life (Matthew 4:23), death and resurrection. Because we know that God loves us in Jesus Christ, we can be his loving people (I John 4:7-21).

and guided by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit gives us new life (John 3:5-6), dwells in us (John 14:16-17) and leads us to be in the church (1 Corinthians 12:13).

we are a welcoming church Jesus Christ welcomed all into God’s family, including those that others considered sinners (Luke 15:2). The early church struggled over whether the new Christians had to become Jews first, but in the end decided that God’s love in Jesus Christ overcame all divisions (Galatians 3:28). We as the body of Christ are called to follow our Lord’s example of reaching out and making disciples in all of the world (Matthew 28:19-20).

that worships God, We are called to worship God with gladness (Psalm 100:2), with other people, as Jesus Christ did each week (Luke 4:16). He also taught us to pray always (Luke 18:1).

nurtures Christian growth, We are called to follow our Lord in our daily learning and serving (Deuteronomy 6:4-7 and Luke 10:25-37). Our church seeks to help each member live out their Christian discipleship and continue to grow in it.

and serves our congregation We are called to be servants as we follow the one who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:35). We are not called to a Christian life alone, but in the context of this community of God’s diverse people who care for one another and need each other (I Corinthians 12:1-27).

and the world, God sent Jesus Christ to show his love for the world (John 3:16). He sends us out into this world (John 17:18) to share God’s love with the whole world.

to the glory of God. The Apostle Paul tells us "whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God" (I Corinthians 12:31). We echo our Westminster Shorter Catechism that our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy God forever!

Further Reading on the Church's Mission

"The Mission of the Church" is part of The Confession of 1967 of the Presbyterian Church (USA):  http://www.creeds.net/reformed/conf67.htm#Mission

"The Church and Its Mission" is the third chapter in our Constitution, Part II: Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (USA) can can be found online at http://horeb.pcusa.org/oga/Book_of_Order/FOG_Text_1-4.htm#G-3.0000

"What Presbyterians Believe:  A Mission-Minded Church" is from Presbyterians Today magazine:  http://www.pcusa.org/today/archive/believe/wpb9704.htm