Key Beliefs MissionKey Values TeamVisionBehaviors Ministry PlanStrategic Metrics Key things we know are true but can’t prove Given to all of us by God What is MOST important to us Aligned around Foundation… we differ elsewhere. Best way to pursue the Mission Best way to pursue the Vision Best indicators of fruitfulness How we “be” with each other and the world Mission Principles of the Great Lakes Region/RCA

Mission The reason we exist… given to us by God The church of Jesus Christ exists to fulfill the Great Commandments and the Great Commission (Love God, Love Others, Make Disciples) OUR MISSION: Develop thriving, missional and reproducing churches in the Great Lakes Region/RCA. Key Beliefs Mission Key Values TeamVisionBehaviors Ministry PlanStrategic Metrics

1.Jesus Christ is building his church (Ma 16:18) Jesus is Lord! 2.The church of Jesus Christ exists to fulfill the Great Commandments (Matthew 22: 37-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 18-20). 3.It is the central calling of the church to consistently place participation in God’s mission at the center of its life and ministry and to choose God’s mission before treasured traditions, personal preferences and rooted relationships. Key Beliefs Things we know are true but can’t be proven to others Key Beliefs Mission Key Values TeamVisionBehaviors Ministry PlanStrategic Metrics

4. Regarding faithful and fruitful ministry in the twenty-first century, our congregations have only two options: deep systemic transformational change (Luke 5: 36-38) or slow death. As we establish a new level of equilibrium, there will be conflict. Therefore, conflict management and peace- making skills are essential to the transformation process, so that conflict can be life-enhancing, not life threatening. Key Beliefs cont. Things we know are true but can’t be proven to others Key Beliefs Mission Key Values TeamVisionBehaviors Ministry PlanStrategic Metrics

5. People experience transformation into Christ-likeness by embracing the wonder of the GOSPEL of God’s grace in Jesus Christ, “For God shows his love for us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) A sign of this transformation will be increased love for God and other people, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Key Beliefs cont. Things we know are true but can’t be proven to others Key Beliefs Mission Key Values TeamVisionBehaviors Ministry PlanStrategic Metrics 6. Personal transformation of the various types of congregational leaders through the GOSPEL of God’s grace in Jesus Christ precedes congregational transformation. (Romans 12: 1-2) Therefore, as go the leaders, so goes the congregation. (Acts 6: 1-7)

7. Since the journey of personal and congregational transformation is God’s work, we will undergird all we are and do in prayer. (Matthew 9: 35-38) Key Beliefs cont. Things we know are true but can’t be proven to others Key Beliefs Mission Key Values TeamVisionBehaviors Ministry PlanStrategic Metrics 8. The best way to strengthen a church is to participate in starting a new congregation. 9. The most effective evangelistic tool on earth is planting a new church.

1.Gospel centered ministry in both word and deed 2.A maturing and multiplying culture of personal transformation 3.Encouraging, equipping and empowering leaders 4.Accountable leadership 5.Empowered teams Key Values Things that are MOST important to us Key Beliefs Mission Key Values TeamVisionBehaviors Ministry PlanStrategic Metrics

Our Vision is to start and strengthen churches by developing leaders. Vision The best way to pursue the Mission Key Beliefs Mission Key Values Team Vision Behaviors Ministry PlanStrategic Metrics

1.Core Leadership Team (Rick Veenstra, Doug McClintic, Art Wiers) 2.Regional Leadership Team 3.Office Support Team (Alison DeBoer, Howard Moths, Bill VerHulst) 4.Transition Ministry Services (Scott Lokers, Tim Meendering) Team Aligned around Mission, Beliefs and Values Key Beliefs Mission Key Values Team Vision Behaviors Ministry PlanStrategic Metrics

1.Come alongside congregational leaders in the field 2.Collaborate with Kingdom partners i.e. classis leaders, GSC Staff, T & T Teams, CRCNA 3.Multiply ourselves 4.Discern when to engage, modify and suspend our congregational involvement Behaviors How we will “be” with each other and the world Key Beliefs Mission Key Values TeamVision Behaviors Ministry PlanStrategic Metrics

1.Coaching, mentoring and consulting with leaders 2.Assessing pastors and congregations 3.Developing tranformational pastors’ networks and coaching relationships 4.Developing Ridder Church Renewal 5.Developing LumineX Collaboratives Our Ministry Plan How we will pursue the Vision Key Beliefs Mission Key Values TeamVisionBehaviors Ministry Plan Strategic Metrics 6. Developing Transition Specialists Team

1.New Christians: adult baptisms, professions of faith, re-affirmations of faith 2.Infant baptisms 3.New leaders 4.New worship venues 5.New ministry sites 6.New congregations Strategic Metrics How we will assess our fruitfulness Key Beliefs Mission Key Values TeamVisionBehaviors Ministry Plan Strategic Metrics 7. Increasing worship attendance 8. Increasing Bible engagement 9. Increasing financial stewardship 10. Increasing prayer 11. Increasing missional living – personally 12.Increasing missional living - corporately We look for greater Kingdom impact through these congregations as measured by:

To God Be the Glory! Key Beliefs Mission Key Values TeamVisionBehaviors Ministry Plan Strategic Metrics