North Central church exists to glorify God by fostering transformed lives in the image of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The best way
for us to explain the mission of North Central church is to look
more closely at the tree graphic.
Trees have roots that push deep into nourishing soil,
trunks that grow strong, and branches that bear fruit. The Bible often
compares people of faith to “trees,” using the tree as a potent metaphor
for maturity. What starts as a seed and then becomes a sapling
develops, eventually, into a strong, stable, towering, fruitful tree.
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Notice how the comparison plays out in
Psalm 92:12-14 (for example):
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green.
Here the comparison of “the righteous” to a tree helps us understand what God expects of his people if they want to “flourish.” First, they must be “planted” in godly soil (“the house of the Lord … the courts of our God”). Then they respond by growing tall and strong (“they will flourish like a palm tree”). Finally, they bear fruit (“They will still bear fruit in old age).
To accomplish our mission (“fostering transformed lives in the image of
Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit”), North Central church must
ensure that our people are properly planted, responsive, and fruitful. |  |
Think of three key elements: FOOD (the sources of spiritual nourishment God has provided to help us grow up in Christ); FAITH (the way in which we respond to God by trusting him and following where he leads); and FRUIT (the Christ-like characteristics developed in our lives by the Holy Spirit).
FOOD refers to the sources of spiritual nourishment God provides for his people … the essential “food groups” on which disciples feed and grow. God recommends a balanced spiritual diet (ideas, relationships, practices) that will help us grow strong and true as disciples.
FAITH refers to our response to God and the food he provides. FAITH is how we “digest” God’s food in healthy ways. Do we believe his teachings? Do we obey his commands? Do we trust his wisdom and way?
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When God’s FOOD meets our FAITH, the result will always be spiritual FRUIT. FRUIT refers to the tangible effects of the Spirit’s work in our lives, the evidence that we are being transformed into the image of Christ by the power of the Spirit. The Spirit will change the way we relate to God, to each other, and to the world. FRUIT is the proof of those changes.
As individual disciples, then, your challenge is to grow deep in God’s nourishing soil, grow strong in faith, and grow rich in the Spirit’s fruit. This is how we “reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13). This is how we grow from tiny sprigs to massive oaks.
As a church, our challenge is:
- to provide simple, consistent access to the FOOD God has provided to help you mature in Christ (through—for instance—sermons that focus on Jesus and his Lordship, classes that teach you the Bible, small groups to help you experience intimate church life, and mentors to deepen your walk in the Spirit)
- to provide support and encouragement as you grow strong in your FAITH (for example, praying for your faith, walking with you through trials and challenges and doubts, helping you build a “faith perspective” through suggested readings and experiences)
- to provide opportunities for you to grow godly FRUIT in your life (for example, ministries that let you serve, training for witness, worship experiences that extend beyond Sunday mornings, exploring holy living)
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