First Baptist Business Meeting 

Church Vision Statement Proposal

               
The vision statement was written to be an internal guide for church leadership. It is intended as a guidepost to ensure that in our ministry we are funding and supporting areas and work that support the values of FBC. As an internal guide, it will be posted around the church so that we are all grounded in a common vision.
This statement is not intended for external use. We are still using “Unity Without Uniformity” and “God’s Love Is Fully Inclusive” for external purposes.
We are thrilled to announce the proposal of a mission statement at First Baptist Church:
We are co-creating a restorative community of fully inclusive followers of Jesus.
This mission statement was thoughtfully and prayerfully developed by members of our church community, including Julie Scroggs, Noah Hartsfield, Greg Hunt, Sherry Wyatt, Brittany McDonald Null, Ken Hammann, and Stephen Hoell. It represents a collective vision for the heart of our congregation and the work we are called to do together.
Reflecting Our Covenant

Our new mission statement aligns beautifully with the values and commitments outlined in our church covenant. It reflects our shared beliefs and the diversity of thought within our congregation:

  • A Restorative Community: Rooted in the Spirit-formed nature of the church, we recognize our role as the body of Christ, working to further the kingdom of God. This mission reflects our calling to be a place of healing, hope, and renewal for all who seek it.

  • Fully Inclusive Followers of Jesus: Our covenant emphasizes the centrality of Jesus’ life and teachings and calls us to embody his love, justice, and inclusivity. We affirm that all people—regardless of age, race, gender, economic status, or LGBTQ identity—are created in the image of God and welcomed fully into the life and leadership of our church.

  • Co-Creating: This phrase underscores our covenantal understanding of unity that does not require uniformity. As a community, we value the unique gifts, perspectives, and spiritual experiences of every individual. Together, we engage both mind and heart to live out our faith and share the story of God’s love in meaningful ways.
Living the Mission
This mission statement is not simply a vision for our church; it is a call to action. It challenges us to embody the love of Christ in all we do—through worship, relationships, and service to our community and beyond. Whether engaging in intergenerational ministries, blending diverse forms of worship, or working for social justice, we are united in our desire to create a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and loved.
We are excited to live into this mission together, and we invite you to join us in co-creating this restorative and inclusive community. Let us embrace the opportunities ahead with hope, faith, and joy as we continue to follow Jesus together.
Let us move forward with love, compassion, and commitment as we strive to fulfill this mission in the life of First Baptist Church and our community.
Vision Statement Action Group, 
Ken Hammann
Noah Hartsfield 
Stephen Hoell
Greg Hunt
Brittany McDonald Null
Julie Scroggs
Sherry Wyatt