Ministry Vision
Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church is a community of people who have committed themselves to following Jesus. We intentionally nurture caring relationships. Children, youth, and adults of all ages and stages are served with commitment and excellence, helping all to grow and develop in their life in Christ.
Through words and actions we share Christ with others, inviting them to join us in our journey. New members are welcomed, celebrated, and included in our fellowship.
We are a community of "sent ones", with a mission that is both global and local. Members of our congregation, and particularly our leaders, demonstrate a "Great Commission Conscience" that permeates our thinking and decision-making process. Through prayer, giving and service we impact our personal networks, our city and our world.
Inviting
Members of Fort Garry freely invite friends, neighbors and associates to explore what it means to follow Jesus, and to experience the worship, community and fellowship of Fort Garry MB Church. Some come through the "front door" by attending worship services and other public events. Many others come through the "side door" of friendship and peripheral involvement. These are welcomed and accepted into our small groups, our schedules, our homes, our hearts. Many feel they belong (and get involved) before they come to the point of belief and public commitment to Jesus. In fact, it is that sense of belonging to the community of faith (not formal membership, but "being part of and participating in the activities of the group") that draws them to Christ. Our programs (children, youth, adult) are designed and structured with the expectations that many newcomers will show interest and be welcomed into the community.
Being
Following Jesus means more than giving mental assent to a set of doctrinal statements or a confession of faith (believing). It means allowing God's Spirit to transform our thinking, our values, and our lifestyle.
We start where people are, welcoming the broken, healing the wounded, nurturing children, youth and adults for maturity in Christ and equipping them for effective ministry and service. Inspiring worship, biblical teaching that is both relevant and engaging, caring community, developing world views that reflect the values of the Kingdom, and a global concern for the world God loves and Jesus died for - these are marks of a healthy community of faith. In our relationships, small groups, worship experiences, and ministry opportunities within the church and in our various "worlds," we reflect the grace and truth of Christ. We continually stretch our circles to include those whom the Spirit is bringing.
We value our location on Pembina Highway, a major traffic and bus route close to the university, as God's unique opportunity for ministry. We will therefore develop and expand our ministry potential in this location.
Sending
Fort Garry MB Church is not a "holding tank" for Christians waiting to go to heaven; we are a community of "sent ones" engaged in our various "worlds" as reconcilers, healers, and agents of God's agenda in the world. This happens at three levels.
In addition to programs and ministries offered on-site, much of the ministry of Fort Garry MB Church happens outside the church walls. As followers of Jesus, we are sent into our various worlds to share life, extend love, ask questions, offer personal experiences and perspectives, and seek to help others "take the next step" in their spiritual journey, wherever they happen to be. Some of us become "pastors" to our street, community at the lake, or workplace. Some reduce the number of hours spent at church in order to develop and nurture these "spiritual friendships."
Secondly, Fort Garry MB Church actively calls, equips, and sends short- and long-term workers to serve in various ministry settings. Families with children, youth, and adults (including seniors), are sent to specific ministries in our city, our province, and around the world.
Thirdly, Fort Garry MB Church will prayerfully, deliberately, and joyfully send out groups of members (including leaders) to plant daughter churches. This is an on-going strategic plan to extend and multiply the ministry of our church, enabling us to be increasingly faithful and effective in living out our God-given mission.
This page last modified Tuesday March 01, 2011