Growing the Church “Deep and Wide”
The 218th General Assembly made a significant step toward helping the church turn around decades of decline by making a commitment to evangelism and discipleship. These are the two critical ingredients to the future health and growth of the PC(USA). A website has also been created that will be dedicated to this initiative http://deepandwide.ning.com/ Check it out, join and we can be a part of what God is and will be doing through the PC(USA)!
“The 218th General Assembly (2008) strives to help Christ’s Church Grow Deep and Wide under the guidance of the Holy Spirit by:
1. Declaring a churchwide commitment to participate in God’s activity through Jesus Christ in transforming the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) during the 2009-2010 biennium in keeping with Jesus words, “… Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me” (John 15:4) and the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20, “… All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
2. Encouraging synods, presbyteries, sessions, and all agencies, entities, and networks of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to commit to foster the growth of Christ’s Church Deep and Wide in the following areas:
a. Grow in Evangelism: Share the good news of Jesus Christ. Invite persons to join in the church’s worship and fellowship. Baptize children and adults.
b. Grow in Discipleship: Rediscover Scripture, including daily reading and study. Nurture relationships with Jesus Christ in the context of our Reformed heritage.
c. Grow in Servanthood: Stand alongside the wider community to promote the well-being and love of neighbor. Embrace stewardship in all of life.
d. Grow in Diversity: Welcome everyone. Learn from others. Reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of God’s peoples in the world.
3. Encouraging the General Assembly Council to support the whole church’s commitment to foster the growth of Christ’s Church Deep and Wide in its ministries and mission.
4. Inviting the whole church to commit their prayers, gifts, resources, and time during 2009-2010, to discern God’s call to foster the growth of Christ’s Church.
