I recognized it immediately as a quote from the first chapter of our denomination's constitution, The Book of Order. The Great Ends of the Church are something of a mission statement for our denomination and something that seminarians and pastors study.
Every organization seems to have a mission statement nowadays. It is a vision by which the organization tests itself, its programs and its activities. Larry Small - the author of an excellent study guide for the Great Ends - points out, mission statements are often more expressions of hope than they are descriptions of reality. Mission statements can give and organization goals to seek.
The Great Ends statement was developed between 1904 and 1910. It was preserved through the two major reunifications of the denomination in 1958 and 1983 and remains in our curent constitution. It has the capacity to shape faith and faithfulness in every generation.
The Great Ends of the Church are the proclamation of the gospel for the
salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the
children of God; the maintenance of divine worship; the preservation of the
truth; the promotion of social righteousness; and the exhibition of the kingdom
of heaven to the world.
The questions that arise about these Great Ends are plentiful. Are they Biblical? Do they stand the test of time? Do they still speak to us today? Can they be applied not only to our denomination, but to every individual member and/or every particular congregation? Are they achievable and measurable goals? Can they help us in planning and developing programs and activities to further the Kingdom of God?
And so it is with a great deal of excitement that I begin a sermon series based on the Great Ends of the Church. Each week this fall, we will focus on a different aspect of the statement. It is my prayer that this series will give us a newfound appreciation for the rich history and integrity of our denomination.
I look forward to seeing you in worship. I remain devoted to you, this Church, and to our LORD Jesus Christ.
In His Love & Service,
Lance
