Centering Our Mission Around Jesus and Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to discuss the "State of the Summit Church," reflecting on our journey, current status, and future direction. We began by revisiting our recent series, "Mission Critical," which emphasized that everything we do is centered around Jesus. Jesus is Lord, and our lives, faith, and mission are all about Him. This foundation drives our church's activities and goals.
We are actively involved in mission trips, sending more people than ever before to places like Guinea, West Africa, Central America, and Scotland. These trips are crucial for broadening our understanding of God's work globally and for serving communities in need. Locally, we are committed to supporting families with special needs children, recognizing that they are often underserved by churches. We aim to be a "yes" church, creating environments where these families can worship and feel supported.
Our church is also exploring the possibility of expanding to new locations. While we currently have two physical locations in Kernersville and Oak Ridge, we are open to new opportunities and are constantly praying and looking for the right moment to expand.
We discussed the importance of next steps in our faith journey, such as baptism, serving, joining groups, giving, and inviting others. These steps are not one-time actions but ongoing commitments that help us grow in our faith and community.
Finally, we reaffirmed our mission to be a church for the unchurched. We exist for those who are not here yet, and we strive to create an inclusive environment where people can belong before they believe or become. This mission is challenging and messy, but it is essential for reaching the world with the love of Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus is Central to Everything: Our faith, mission, and lives are all centered around Jesus. He is Lord, and everything we do is about Him. This focus on Jesus drives our church's activities and goals, reminding us that our ultimate purpose is to follow and glorify Him. [27:47]
2. Global Mission Work: We are sending more people on mission trips than ever before, emphasizing the importance of seeing God's work globally. These trips help us understand that God's work is not confined to our local context but is happening all over the world. This broader perspective enriches our faith and service. [31:13]
3. Supporting Special Needs Families: We are committed to being a "yes" church for families with special needs children. This involves creating environments where these families can worship and feel supported, recognizing that they are often underserved by churches. This commitment requires volunteers, resources, and a lot of prayer. [36:09]
4. Next Steps in Faith: Baptism, serving, joining groups, giving, and inviting others are crucial steps in our faith journey. These actions are not one-time events but ongoing commitments that help us grow in our faith and community. Each step is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Jesus and serve others. [42:49]
5. A Church for the Unchurched: We exist for those who are not here yet. This mission is challenging and messy, but it is essential for reaching the world with the love of Jesus. We strive to create an inclusive environment where people can belong before they believe or become, following the example of Jesus. [49:56]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:36] - Introduction to the State of the Summit
[26:13] - Importance of the State of the Summit
[26:57] - Recap of Mission Critical Series
[27:47] - Jesus is Central to Everything
[29:56] - Overview of Mission Trips
[31:13] - Importance of Global Mission Work
[35:36] - Supporting Special Needs Families
[38:26] - Future Locations and Expansion
[42:49] - Next Steps in Faith
[46:15] - Financial Update and Giving
[48:18] - Importance of Inviting Others
[49:56] - A Church for the Unchurched
[54:43] - Growing in Faith by Joining Jesus' Mission
[56:02] - Love First: The Core of Our Mission
[59:25] - Closing Prayer and Song
[01:02:20] - What's Next Class
[01:03:26] - Upcoming Series on Money
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV): "Therefore go 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 surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
2. James 1:27 (NIV): "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
3. Romans 10:14 (NIV): "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Matthew 28:19-20 instruct believers to do, and how does this align with the Summit Church's mission to send people on global mission trips? [31:13]
2. According to James 1:27, what is considered pure and faultless religion, and how does this relate to the church's commitment to supporting families with special needs children? [36:09]
3. In Romans 10:14, what is the sequence of events that leads to someone believing in Jesus, and how does this support the church's mission to be a church for the unchurched? [49:56]
4. What are some of the next steps in faith mentioned in the sermon, and why are they considered ongoing commitments rather than one-time actions? [42:49]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 shape the church's approach to global mission work, and why is it important for believers to have a global perspective on God's work? [31:13]
2. Why is it significant that James 1:27 emphasizes caring for those in distress, and how does this reflect the church's efforts to support special needs families? [36:09]
3. Romans 10:14 highlights the importance of preaching for belief. How does this passage reinforce the church's mission to reach the unchurched and create an inclusive environment? [49:56]
4. The sermon mentions various next steps in faith, such as baptism and serving. How do these steps contribute to personal spiritual growth and the overall mission of the church? [42:49]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Matthew 28:19-20, how can you personally participate in the church's mission to make disciples of all nations? Is there a specific mission trip or local outreach you feel called to join? [31:13]
2. Considering James 1:27, what practical steps can you take to support families with special needs children in your community or church? Are there volunteer opportunities you can commit to? [36:09]
3. Romans 10:14 emphasizes the need for preaching to facilitate belief. How can you be more intentional about sharing your faith with those who have not yet heard about Jesus? [49:56]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of next steps in faith, such as baptism and serving. What is your next step in your faith journey, and how can you make it an ongoing commitment rather than a one-time action? [42:49]
5. The church aims to be a "yes" church for special needs families. How can you contribute to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and valued? [36:09]
6. The sermon discusses the church's mission to be a church for the unchurched. How can you help create an environment where people can belong before they believe or become? [49:56]
7. Reflect on the idea of being a church for the unchurched. How can you personally invite and welcome someone who might feel like an outsider to your church community? [49:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus is the Foundation of Our Lives
Our faith, mission, and lives are all centered around Jesus. He is Lord, and everything we do is about Him. This focus on Jesus drives our church's activities and goals, reminding us that our ultimate purpose is to follow and glorify Him. When we make Jesus the foundation of our lives, we align our actions, thoughts, and desires with His will. This alignment brings clarity and purpose, helping us navigate life's challenges with a sense of peace and direction. Reflecting on Jesus' centrality in our lives encourages us to continually seek His guidance and presence in all that we do. [27:47]
Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure that Jesus remains the central focus of your life and decisions?
Day 2: Embracing Global Mission Work
We are sending more people on mission trips than ever before, emphasizing the importance of seeing God's work globally. These trips help us understand that God's work is not confined to our local context but is happening all over the world. This broader perspective enriches our faith and service. By participating in global missions, we witness firsthand the diverse ways God is moving in different cultures and communities. This experience not only broadens our understanding but also deepens our compassion and commitment to serving others. [31:13]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: How can you support global mission work, either by going on a mission trip, praying for missionaries, or contributing financially?
Day 3: Supporting Special Needs Families
We are committed to being a "yes" church for families with special needs children. This involves creating environments where these families can worship and feel supported, recognizing that they are often underserved by churches. This commitment requires volunteers, resources, and a lot of prayer. By actively supporting these families, we demonstrate the love and inclusivity of Jesus, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience His grace and community. [36:09]
1 Corinthians 12:22-23 (ESV): "On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor."
Reflection: What can you do this week to help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for families with special needs in your church or community?
Day 4: Taking Next Steps in Faith
Baptism, serving, joining groups, giving, and inviting others are crucial steps in our faith journey. These actions are not one-time events but ongoing commitments that help us grow in our faith and community. Each step is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Jesus and serve others. By continually taking these steps, we remain active participants in our spiritual growth and the life of the church, fostering a vibrant and dynamic faith community. [42:49]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is the next step in your faith journey that you feel God is calling you to take today, and how can you act on it?
Day 5: Being a Church for the Unchurched
We exist for those who are not here yet. This mission is challenging and messy, but it is essential for reaching the world with the love of Jesus. We strive to create an inclusive environment where people can belong before they believe or become, following the example of Jesus. By focusing on the unchurched, we extend grace and hospitality, inviting others to experience the transformative love of Christ. This mission requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to embrace the messiness of real-life relationships. [49:56]
Luke 19:10 (ESV): "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Reflection: Who in your life might feel unchurched or disconnected from faith, and how can you reach out to them with the love and inclusivity of Jesus today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Make no mistake, we are Jesus' people, and we learned in week one of the Mission Critical, that it's all about Jesus. The Bible's all about Jesus. Our faith is all about Jesus. Our lives are to be focused on Jesus. It's just all about Jesus." [27:47] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are not just called to our nation. We're not just called to this nation. We're called to the world. We're not just here to make one nation great, but to make Jesus great among the nations. That's why this is important. That's why these mission trips are important." [34:37] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We exist for those who ain't here yet. Now, I know that brings up all kinds of thoughts and questions and feelings. And maybe one of the thoughts is, well, aren't all churches? I mean, isn't that just what church is? Aren't all churches focused on unchurched? Reaching those who... Ain't here yet? No." [49:56] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It is really hard to reach a world with the love of God they cannot see when the church down the street that they can see who's supposed to represent God doesn't like them. We will not be that. We cannot ever be that church. Listen very carefully. You don't consider yourself a Christian? You consider yourself on the outside? You consider yourself on the fringes? We like you. You're welcome here." [52:15] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We just spent a whole series on it. It's all about Jesus because he's Lord and he came to do something new in the world to teach you and me a new way to live and a new way to love and to be unified around that and then go to the world with it. That's why love first has never been more important because this is how Jesus summarized the whole thing." [56:02] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We saw that in week five. Not unified, this is so important. Everybody talks about unity. We need to come together, come together, but what gets wonky is what people want us to come together on. Jesus is very clear. What you are to be unified is around me and my way and my way of life and my way to live and my way to love." [28:42] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We want to help you see God's work in the world, not just in our world, in this world, in our area, but to open your eyes and open your mind and to stretch your thinking to see what God is doing around the world. Because if you're like me, all of us as Christians, followers of Jesus who happen to be in America, you know, we get blinders on and we think what God is doing is really just here." [31:13] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We want to do our best to be the yes church. And help create environments. Help create environments. To help children with special needs. Experience God. In ways that they can understand. That they connect. And to worship. And their families. And to minister to mom and dad. To give mom and dad a place. Where they can worship. And learn. And be in a faith community. And serve. And be a part." [37:00] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You will not be able to authentically and thoroughly follow Jesus. Without embracing the concept of what it means to be a giver. Because God is a giver and Jesus has given us so much. And you just can't. You cannot say, I'm a passionate follower of Jesus. Without understanding what it means to be a giver. Because he's given us so much." [45:34] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You want to grow in your faith? That right there will do it. And when you have love first mastered, then you can complain that you need something deeper or something more. But my gut feeling tells me that if you're like me, you have yet to fully embrace what it means to love first in your family, in your marriage, in your friendships, at your office, in the world around you, to the stranger that annoys you." [56:02] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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