As First Christian Church of The Dalles, Oregon, we aspire to reflect the love and grace of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, and envision…
*A thriving community of Christians faithfully representing Jesus in the Mid-Columbia Region.
*The development of an intentional discipleship pathway where people are growing from seekers into followers, from worshipers into witnesses, and from ministers into equippers.
*A place where every member and every ministry is working together to make growing disciples of Jesus.
*Accurate, relevant, transformational Bible teaching in the pulpit, classrooms and living rooms.
*Ongoing compassionate gospel ministries to the overlooked and under-valued in our community.
*A welcoming, loving environment where Jesus’ presence is obvious in every service, class, small group and church activity, and where authentic relationships are formed.
*A growing focus on, and support for, local and international ministries.
*Effectively equipping and encouraging every member to share his or her personal testimony with a simple gospel message.
*Dynamic, creative services where the music, preaching, praying, testimonies and all other elements work together, empowered by the Holy Spirit to change lives.
* We value a personal relationship with the Lord our God, loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and in agreement with/to Jesus’ Great Commandment, we strive to love our neighbors as ourselves. Mark 12:28-31; Matthew 28:18-20.
* We value the accurate, relevant teaching of God’s Word as a guideline for all aspects of our life & ministry as a church. 1 Timothy 3:16-17; Colossians 3:16.
* We value personal and corporate Prayer, aligning our hearts with the God of the universe, displaying our total dependency on Him, believing that He hears, cares and answers. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Luke 18:1; John 15;5, 7.
* We value heart-felt personal and corporate worship, expressing our love for, praise of and submission to the triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). Psalm 29:1-2; Psalm 100; Mark 12:30; John 4:23-24.
* We value proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the block and around the world, and supporting those who are sent out to do so. Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8.
* We value the generous, faithful giving of our financial resources to support the ministry of the local church and care for the needs of her people. Malachi 3:10; Romans 12:13; 2 Corinthians 9:7.
* We value faithfulness in ministry, using our spiritual gifts to serve Christ in the church and in the community. Mark 10:42-45; Romans 12:4-8; Galatians 5:13.
* We value the development of authentic, loving relationships, sharing the life of Jesus Christ together. Acts 2:42-47; Luke 6:12-13
* We value the practice of specific ordinances which Jesus gave the church: believers baptism by immersion and regular observance of the Lord’s Supper. Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
* We value the church living & serving together in unity, harmony and peace under the Fatherhood of God, Lordship of Jesus and power of the Holy Spirit, as described in God’s Word. Ephesians 4:1-6; 11-13; Philippians 2:2-3
* We aspire to become an intentional, disciple-making church, guiding Christ-followers toward spiritual maturity. Ephesians 4:12-16; Hebrews 5:12-6:3.
* We aspire to develop biblically qualified leaders who will equip Church members for effective Christian lives & ministries. Ephesians 4:11-12; Hebrews 13:17.
* We aspire to develop a greater love for and ministry to lost people, so that they may come into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. John 3:16; Luke 15; 19:10.
* We aspire to greater excellence in our ministry, applying innovation and creativity, because it honors God and blesses those we serve. Colossians 3:17, 23, 24; Psalm 78:72; 1 Timothy 3:13.
* We aspire to engage our culture without embracing it so that we might communicate God’s love and plan in ways they will best understand. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Philippians 2:5-11.
* We aspire to greater communication, cooperation and collaboration between leaders, members and ministry teams. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27; Ephesians 4:15-16.