ALBANY UMC MISSION STATEMENT:

"To grow together in knowing and serving Jesus."

EXPLANATION:

          More oriented to people and their lives and ministry than to building or running a church organization. To help people find the Lord and their place in His work. Church is a means, not an end, a process by which people grow, rather than by which church organization grows.

IMPLEMENTATION:

The mission is accomplished by accomplishing the following:

          I.  Introducing people to Jesus, who came to personally be our Saviour, Redeemer, Guide, Helper, and Friend. A person's life as a Christian dose not truly begin until they personally meet the Saviour.

          II.  Helping people understand and apply how Jesus wants to share their daily lives, helping them be the people they want to be in their personal lives, their homes, their work, and their community. So we offer instructions and encouragement to help them find the Lord's direction for everyday living, to apply it and watch it work,  resulting in growth and maturity as a Christian in practical ways, not simply in knowing more Bible verses.

          III.  Helping people get involved in ministry, to be a part of God's work where they are, not just work at church. Meaningful ministry most often happens outside the church in our relationships with others here and around the world.

CONCLUSION:

          If we are faithful to do these three things, the church operations, growth finances, and ministry will be taken care of as a natural result.

Adopted by the Pastor/Parish Relations Committee 11/99