What We Believe
Our Vision:
Connecting people with God, each other and their mission in the world.
Our goal: Reach 20,000 people in the metro area with the good news of Jesus Christ by 2020.
Strategic Direction through 2015:
Learn the Story, Live the Story, Love the Story
These three strategic ends grow out of Bethlehem's vision of connecting people with God, each other and their mission in the world.
Learn the Story: people in this community will see that their story is part of God's story.
This will happen through online interactive learning; bible study rooted in outcome based competencies; the narrative lectionary in the communal worship life of the congregation; alignment of adult and child learning, with helpful and accessible next steps articulated for all ages.
Live the Story: people connected to Bethlehem will understand that God's activity is most fully revealed in community life.
This will happen by giving emphasis to hospitality; leadership development; sending people to share their gifts elsewhere; care and support of all people. Each one will be known, supported and cared for by eight others.
Love the Story: every person connected to Bethlehem will see their work as holy and God-given.
This will happen as people are able to answer the question, "why are you here?"; see Bethlehem not as a destination but as a fueling station; name God's activity in their life and work and participate in God's redemptive work in the world; join in the work of strengthening and creating communities.