OUR PURPOSE

Our church seeks to engage its people in mission so that each person, empowered by God's Spirit, will bear witness to Jesus Christ!

A Faithful Follower of First Presbyterian Church of Napoleon, Oh.

I have been led by the Spirit of God to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I have been baptized and have publicly professed my faith, and therefore promise to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ by:

† Participating regularly in the programs and corporate worship of the church. [This involves a variety of church events, mission projects, helping with tasks and projects at the church site and inviting others to participate in these activities as well as worship.]

† Practicing the stewardship of resources through the giving of my money, time and talents. [We will develop a talent pool that will enable people to be involved in specific events and ministry projects, and help people identify their Spiritual Gifts as a way to use what God has given ---time, talents and treasure.]

† Increasing my understanding of Biblical principles for living the Christian faith in my family, work-place, community, and social relationships outside of the church. [We will help people discover what the Bible has to say about issues that people are struggling with, what Jesus said about living the Christian life and what spiritual aids can be used for living a Christian life.]

† Participating in the decision-making responsibilities of the church as an officer, or committee member, or attending congregational meetings. [To participate honestly and openly in the decision-making of the church, and to support the decisions of the church leadership. This working together and listening to each other sends a message to those outside the church about who we are.]

† Responding to God's Spirit as a witness to Christ by discovering my personal mission through service to others both inside and outside the church. [We will develop a process to help our people identify their personal mission of service, and offer opportunities for each person to serve.]

† Doing everything in my power to promote unity within the Body of Christ. [This means building up this church and its pastor by word and deed as well as participating in ecumenical activities outside our fellowship sponsored by such groups as the Henry County Ministerial Association and the MRCC.]

† Reviewing annually the level of my involvement in the work and worship of the church and considering ways in which my participation may be increased and made more meaningful to me through the church. [We will offer a special worship service on World Communion Sunday-- beginning in 2007-- for people to have a time of prayer, reflection, a sermon on commitment to Christ, and opportunity to reevaluate their commitment and then commit to this church as part of the Body of Christ.]

I will, to the best of my ability, make every effort to be a faithful follower as indicated above.

• The mystery of the triune God
• The sovereignty of God
• The incarnation of the eternal Word of God in Jesus Christ
• Salvation by grace alone
• Salvation by faith alone
• Being chosen by God for service as well as salvation
• Covenant life together in the church
• Faithful stewardship that shuns ostentation
• Seeking Justice and living in obedience to the Word of God
  

Copyright © 2009, First Presbyterian Church-Napoleon, OH , 43545