As brothers and sisters in Christ at Main Street United Methodist Church, we proclaim that Jesus Christ is our Center to which our hearts, voices, and ministries are tuned as we seek to live in true harmony together. Therefore, to nurture and strengthen our relationships and ministries, I/We will:
• Love, trust and respect one another by treating each other as we desire to be treated and by making allowances for one another’s differences and shortcomings.
• Honor and nurture our relationships together by speaking and listening for the truth in love, always building up, and never tearing down one another or the church.
• Forgive one another when we have been offended, and attempt to reconcile according to Matthew 18:15-20, always avoiding the sin of gossip.
• Open our hearts, minds, and doors to all God’s children by welcoming, loving and discipling our neighbors.
• Worship God in reverence and joy as we prepare to go forth and serve our community, reflecting Jesus Christ as ministers of the Gospel.
• Abide and live by scriptural truths in all we say and do every day.
• Pray for one another and our church as we seek God’s direction in all aspects of our life and ministry together.
• Follow God’s leading by letting go of some “good things” and remaining open to the “God-things” that lead to joyful obedience.
• Serve God’s Kingdom and one another in love, asking “what can we do to expand His fellowship known as the church?”
• Support the missions and ministries of our church by our prayers, presence, gifts and service.
Approved by the Church Council January 24, 2008
Reaffirmed by the Church Council January 25, 2024
Key Challenges
1. Welcoming and connecting in Christian Community Welcoming newcomers and visitors, nurturing and supporting each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, and holding each other accountable for spiritual growth and discipleship. Scripture examples: Hebrews 13:1-2, Exodus 18:13-26, and Acts 2:41-47
2. Honoring established boundaries Our relational covenant, Policies and procedures, UMC Book of Discipline, and most importantly, Biblical principles Scripture examples: Genesis 2:15-3:7, Deuteronomy 5:32-33, John 15:9-14, Romans 13:1-5
3. Strengthening communications Using Christian conferencing to really listen to what others have to say; Avoiding harmful communication, such as gossip; Going one-on-one in private when one is offended by another. Scripture examples: Ephesians 4:21-32, James 3:2-12, Matthew 18:15
4. Clarifying and articulating God’s vision and direction for the Church Creating sacred space and time for the leadership of our church to discern God’s will; Communicating the vision and direction for our church; Encouraging participation by all members. Scripture examples: Habakkuk 2:1-3, Exodus 35:20-36:7
5. Restoring trust and support for our church’s leadership Trust God, trust the process, trust each other; Facilitate understanding of key processes for decision making; Make allowances for one another’s mistakes. Scripture examples: Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 13:1-5, John 10:1-16
6. Have unity in the essentials and honor differences in the nonessentials Unity in our Mission, Vision, and Core Values; Allow for diversity and honor differences in how we fulfill our mission (e.g. worship styles and music preferences) Scripture examples: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Acts 15:36-41, Philippians 2:1-11
7. Empower believers to fulfill their ministry Honor each other’s gifts and calling; Lay-leaders are needed – our staff members cannot do everything! Scripture examples: Romans 12:3-11, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4:1-16
8. Letting go of the past and moving forward Let go of past hurts, forgiving others; Moving forward into God’s promising future; Learn from our mistakes. Scripture examples: Philippians 3:12-16, Luke 9:51-62, Colossians 3:12-15
9. Undergird and empower our ministries through prayer Pray intentionally and intently for our leaders (clergy and lay leaders) and our ministries; Restore honor and power to our prayer ministries. Scripture examples: Exodus 17: 8-16, Acts 4:23-41, James 4:1-10 and 5:13-18
