Our Reason for Being

Earlier this week, I read an article that said only 25% of U.S. adults report having a clear sense of personal purpose which they can easily articulate. It’s a sadly high, and yet unsurprising number.  Peel back the rat race and the vanity of vanities—the thirst for money and fame (as Dave so eloquently shared with us this past Sunday)—and Christian and non-Christian people alike are asking the haunting questions like: “What is my purpose? Why am I here? What is the point?”
 
If people cannot easily articulate their purpose, they settle for lesser things… like throwing themselves into the daily rush of “keeping up” with tasks and deadlines. Without a greater sense of purpose, they substitute activity for accomplishment. And the fruit of all their efforts is often only exhaustion, frustration, and anxiety. Sound familiar?  Not surprisingly, most churches struggle with the same question of purpose/mission. A congregation who cannot easily articulate their purpose will also settle for lesser things… like throwing themselves into the weekly rush of “keeping up” with services and programs. Without a greater sense of purpose, congregations substitute activity for accomplishment. Without thought or foresight, they keep doing the things “we’ve always done.”  They may be busy, but they may just be going through the motions. And the fruit of all their efforts is often only exhaustion, frustration, and anxiety.  And, worse, the surrounding community or even the members within are left untransformed by the congregation.
 
The Good News is that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins, your individual purpose, as well as our congregation’s purpose is clear (and easily articulated). We are loved and forgiven by the Father through Jesus, and then commissioned to go find people who similarly need His love and forgiveness, too.  Spoiler alert… that’s ALL people.  Over the past many months, church leadership has sought to clarify our purpose.  We shared this at our Voter’s Meeting back in June. Taking our cue from the abundant and prescriptive pages of holy scripture, this is how we phrased the purpose and identity of our church.  As redeemed children and grateful servants of the King of kings, we actively and intentionally strive to be… connecting people to a lifelong relationship with Jesus and a faith that rejoices in His promise of eternal life—by making Him known wherever we live, work, and play.  This is who we are as a church. This is our purpose. Every idea we have, every effort we make, every group we organize, or every project we start should be about this very thing.  This is why we are here!  This is why we do what we do.
 
The early Christian priest and historian, Jerome (who lived around 400 A.D. and translated the Bible into Latin), tells a powerful story about the elderly Apostle John. In his commentary on Galatians, he wrote: “The blessed John the Evangelist lived in Ephesus until extreme old age. His disciples would carry him to church but he could not muster the voice to speak many words. During individual gatherings he usually said nothing but, ‘Little children, love one another.’ The disciples and brothers in attendance, because they always heard the same words, finally said, ‘Teacher, why do you always say this?’ He replied with a line worthy of John, ‘Because it is the Lord’s commandment and if it alone is kept, it is sufficient.’”  John’s purpose was known, simple and clear.  Ours is as well!  What does it mean to be part of King of Kings Lutheran Church?  Connecting people to Jesus—where we live, work, and play!
 
“You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense.” (Rick Warren)
“When you realize God's purpose for your life isn't just about you, He will use you in a mighty way.” (Tony Robbins)