Vision & Mission
Paul says that "just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." (Romans 12:4,5 NIV) Just as each individual has a distinct calling and contributes something unique to the body of Christ, so does each congregation. APC serves a unique function within the congregations of its community and its denomination. Our vision, mission, and values support our unique calling.
Our Vision:
To passionately love the Lord Jesus Christ
and radiate that love to every individual.
Our Core Values that Support our Vision:
- Following God's word
- Being led by the Holy Spirit
- Repenting, forgiving and reconciling with Jesus Christ and with each other
- Continually growing spiritually
- Welcoming without judgment or prejudice
- Communicating openly and often
- Rejoicing in the Lord Always
Our Mission
Act I of Auburn Presbyterian Church consisted of forming the church, establishing leadership, and constructing the facilities. Now APC is in Act II, asking, "What next in serving God?"
Our Act II Mission Goals for 2006 and Beyond:
1. Glorify God by developing committed followers of Jesus Christ who will attract others to Him.
2. Increase our church's health and vitality using the Natural Church Development Process
- Empowering Leadership
- Gift-Oriented Ministry
- Passionate Spirituality
- Functional Structures
- Inspiring Worship Service
- Holistic Small Groups
- Need-Oriented Evangelism
- Loving Relationships
3. Develop a master plan for APC on the present campus
4. Research how to plant another church as we reach full development
A Pastor's Dream
Here is a vision Pastor Ken gave as a rough draft for the church's future. It is written as if a report from our national magazine (Presbyterians Today) had visited our congregation some years hence.
When people visit worship activities of the Auburn Presbyterian Church, they find a climate of warmth and joy and excitement, as if the very presence of Christ were with them. Their great hospitality begins in the parking lot, and extends right through the coffee time.
The saints at APC employ their spiritual gifts to make a difference in the their church and in their world, raising up followers of Jesus to extend the life of Christ in the Auburn area.
They have continually asked the question, "Who are we here for?" and they have answered, "For those who do not yet follow Jesus Christ in life-fulfilling service." In fact, APC is known in the community as the place people find fulfillment in life.
Their desire, fed by prayer, also birthed the vision of planting another congregation. Some 100 members of the mother church have invested their time and energy to reach a new generation of residents, led by a pastor who was employed by the mother church a couple years prior.
Their desire, fed by prayer, also has led to innovative ministries, often launched by the small groups called Life Groups. One group, for example, started doing odd jobs for the widows of the community. Another has spearheaded the community's outreach to the homeless through an emergency shelter. A third group has started a support group for grandparents who are suddenly finding themselves raising children again. A fourth has sponsored a church in Costa Rica, and sends teams there for three-month stretches. Some Life Groups have become "breeders of leaders," helping people to maturity in Christ and ministry to others. Week by week, new people are added to Life Groups, and the maturing and multiplying process begins again, through relationships.
Youth, especially, have found APC to be an adventure, raising their sights to what life could be, lived in the Spirit, serving their Lord. Children have found new "aunts and uncles" through the church—older adults who care about each one. Some children have learned music through the church, and have performed in worship or outreach events.
When we interviewed APC members, they each talked about "their ministry." Because of this church, they came to trust God with their lives. They came to understand how God had molded them for a particular contribution they could make to the church's ministries and mission. Together and on their own, they now pursue that Christ-life, whether that's directing cars in the parking lot, praying with a seeker, or painting the home of an elderly widow in the community. Each one interviewed was eager to tell their own story about the warm welcome the authentic friendships made, and acquiring a relationship with the Lord and a vision for their own way to make a difference for God. This congregation is generous, prayerful, creative, and committed to excellence—always seeking ways to connect with people who haven't yet found the fulfillment they enjoy together in following Jesus today. These are grateful people. It is a pleasure to be among them.