“Helping people know and follow Jesus . . . one person at a time.”
Jan & I had the privilege of visiting Countryside Christian Church in Keizer, OR today for worship. Jerry Christensen, my youth minister when I was in high school, is the pastor there.
Countryside’s motto of “Helping people know and follow Jesus . . .one person at a time” captures my imagination (which is the first reason I like it). The motto focuses attention on Jesus. We are not building our kingdoms, or a kingdom for our “tribe” or institution; we are building Christ’s kingdom. And while there is room to quibble about the last phase, it lays out a definite strategy.
This is a motto/mission statement which appeals to the non-churched and churched. It is simple enough for everyone to remember. And finally, while you can tell if you are living up to this statement, it will always draw you into the future — as long as there is one person who does not yet know and follow Jesus.