MATTHEW 25
"Truly I say to you, as you did it to the least of these, you did it to me."
Matthew 25:40
BEING A MATTHEW 25 CONGREGATION MEANS WE COMMIT TO COURAGEOUS DISCIPLESHIP BY FOLLOWING CHRIST
WE WILL DO THAT BY
ENCOURAGING CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY
- We will build caring relationships modeled on God's Love.
- We open our doors and hearts to all people.
- We will have an outward focus. Our church is not a place to escape from the world but rather our gateway to our community.
ENGAGING IN ANTI-RACISM
Racism is a lie about our fellow
human beings, for it says that some are less than others. It is also a lie about God, for it falsely claims that God favors parts of creation over the entirety of creation.
Because of our biblical understanding of who God is and what God intends for humanity, we must stand against, speak against, and work against racism.
The anti-racist effort is not optional for Christians. It is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship, without which we fail to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.
WORKING TO DIMINISH POVERTY
- PCOP works with programs like the Jones Center, and Lemont & Orland Park Food Pantries, which assist those facing food insecurity.
- We work with programs like Habitat for Humanity, Appalachia Service Project, and Deborah's Place, which help those facing housing problems.
- And, we work with programs like Morning Star Mission and Kemmerer Village, which assist the underserved populations.
"I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me. Matthew 25:35-36