Mission & Vision

Mission

Len Sweet said “The greatest sin in the church is not a sin of commission (doing the wrong things) or of omission (leaving things undone), but of ‘NO MISSION!’ Too many churches wander from weekend service to weekend service without a clear, compelling and Christ-honoring vision.”

It is our desire to help people BEGIN and BUILD a life-changing relationship with Jesus and to help them BELONG to a biblical community of people that together commit themselves to BECOME all that God has in mind for them.

Vision

I choose to see a church, presently known as King Street Church that is deeply devoted to loving and following Christ - one that recognizes that no cost is too great in order to carry out the mission of Jesus in the world.

I choose to see a church, that when people gather in corporate settings everyone is included - the older and the younger, celebrating their common faith, setting aside their preferences, reaching across generational divides to embrace one another. Where everyone has a strong sense of belonging, and everyone is allowed and given permission to be themselves.

I choose to see a church where no one is left behind!  A church that is not exclusive or biased against people who express their faith differently or who perhaps are struggling to believe.  But I see a ‘community church’ which chooses not to isolate itself with a fortress mentality, but engages culture with a faith-filled confidence that God’s grace is transforming enough to change any person in any life-situation.

I choose to see a church that is increasingly becoming a ‘grace place’ with a ‘come as you are attitude’ and decides regularly to banish the critical nature that demands others to be exactly like us!

I choose to see a church that is not afraid of questions, doubts, fears and shame.  One that is OK with people not having all the answers.  Where people can come and express how they feel and still find acceptance.

I choose to see a church that reaches both across the fence and around the world.  One that recognizes that mission’s is both local and global.  A church that sees actions as more important than words, character more important than charisma, and love as the greatest gift!

I choose to see a church that gathers together in clusters of small groups to celebrate and be celebrated, to know and be known, to serve and be served and to love and be loved.  Where stories are told, lives are nurtured, friendships are forged and people are matured ... all in a safe and accepting environment where confidences are kept, encourage is offered and prayers are spoken.

I choose to see a church that is not afraid to take a risk.  One that understands that ‘walking on the water’ requires ‘getting out of the boat’. One that values safety and security for our children; but one that is willing to take a risk for the sake of the generations still to come.

I choose to see a church that is willing to reinvent itself around purposes that resonate in the heart of God and methods that speak to people today.  A church that is willing to try something new, that is not held captive to the fear of failure, or the perceptions of others.  One that is deeply devoted to carrying out the marching orders of Christ, gaining the smile of God regardless of the disapproval of others.  One that understands its need to follow Christ closely, but one that is not afraid to be a leader of other churches by how it sets its course!

I choose to see a church that values traditions that help us embrace Christ, but banishes those traditions that get in the way of us knowing Him and making him known to others.  A church where thoughtful and prayerful preparation is poured into special services designed to make the gospel crystal clear in the language that people understand, where each person who brings a person who is far from God can come with confidence that the ministry will engage both themselves and their friend who has yet to receive the gospel of grace.

I choose to see a church that is wise enough to recognize that battles over worship styles and musical genres are futile and only validate our inept ability to engage our world with the love that promises to give people’s lives meaning and hope.  Instead, I see a church that shoulder to shoulder drops their swords of in-fighting and engages the enemy of Christ with prayers that dismantle his strong grip on our region and community and by their love they are recognized as being his friends.

I choose to see a church that makes efforts to be relevant with its methodologies, but has an unwavering commitment to an unchanging message.  New ways are considered if they will help others find Christ.  Old ways will be preserved if they aid others in knowing Him.  Mediocrity will not be tolerated and excellence will be pursued, innovation will be normal and creativity encouraged!

I choose to see a church where failure is not the biggest sin, but failing to try is overcome by our courage to fulfill the assignment God has given us!

I choose to see a church that will attempt to understand people and meet their real needs, not imagined ones; with the power of the gospel of grace.  People who are looking for relational connection, meaningful purpose and a clear understanding of their destiny will feel like they have finally come home when they gather with us.

I choose to see a church that is making every effort possible to bring hope to all sorts of people who find them self wondering if hope has alluded them forever. 

I choose to see a church that rubs up against culture and leaves culture different from coming in contact with the church.  A church that will adopt a ‘come and see’ and ‘go and tell’ approach to spreading the gospel of grace.  One that celebrates baptism as the most exciting aspect of church life – where those who were once far from Christ have come home to the Father and are celebrated by those already in the faith.

I choose to see a church that has a reputation in our community for having a big heart for people, who support community initiatives that are in step with our values, that has an invitational attitude and support programs for those facing diseases like cancer, or pending divorce or grief and loss. 

I choose to see and prayerfully work towards building a church where Jesus would attend!  One that would make him feel accepted, welcomed and at the center of everything it does!

- Pastor Dave Larmour