Remember what God has called what Elim Church to be and do; for what purpose we are called to be here.

I. Our God-given Distinctive

A. Our Vision and Mission

To be a Spirit-filled people, and a Spirit-filled church, reaching and impacting the spiritually unresolved, here and beyond.

B. Our Core Values

Growing Upward in Worship and Celebration
Growing Inward in Faith and Commitment
Going Forward in Love and Unity
Glowing Outward in Ministry and Evangelism

C. Our Mandate

We are CALLED to be Spirit-filled people

Walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:6)

We are COMMITTED to live and shine for Him

Walk in the Light (1 Jn 1:7; Is 2:5)

We are COMMANDED to love Him and others

Walk in Love (Eph 5:2; 2 Jn 1:6)

We are COMMISSIONED to reach the lost

Walk in Obedience (Jn 14:15; 2 Jn 1:6)

D. Our Faith Expressions

Based on Mk 12:30-31 and Mt 28:18-20:

Worship - Love the Lord with all your heart
Ministry - Love your neighbor as yourself
Evangelism - Go and make disciples
Fellowship - Baptizing them
Discipleship - Teaching them to obey

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II. Our God-given Focus

A. The Theme

Loving People Intentionally

34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. --- Jn 13:34-35

B. The Purpose

1. To spread the Gospel

2. To demonstrate God's love and mercy

3. To fulfill the "One Another" requirement

4. To grow and change through friendship and relationship

C. The Outcome

What do Elimites who Love People Intentionally look like?

1. They CONNECT with one another

Wider and deeper
Build and grow spiritual relationships
Elimites will:

Show care and concern for others
Encourage others to attend services
Encourage others to volunteer and get involved
Desire that others grow in their faith

2. They are GENEROUS towards one another

Big-hearted
Express generosity tangibly
Elimites will:

Give out love for God and for people
Get involved in outreach to love others
Be trained to train others to love people
Be leaders to lead others to grow
Create opportunities to express love to others in various ways

D. The Model

Jesus and the Apostles are our role models!

They teach us to:

1. Love one another (Jn 13:34)

2. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love (Rom 12:10)

3. Honour one another above yourselves (Rom 12:10)

4. Live in harmony with one another (Rom 12:16)

5. Accept one another (Rom 15:7)

6. Serve one another in love (Gal 5:13)

7. Bear one another's burdens (Gal 6:2)

8. Speak truth to one another (Eph 4:25)

9. Be kind and compassionate to one another (Eph 4:32)

10. Bear with and forgive one another (Col 3:15)

11. Build up one another (1 Th 5:11)

12. Encourage one another (2 Cor 13:11; Heb 10:25)

13. Speak well of and not slander one another (Jas 4:11)

14. Tolerate and not grumble against each other (Eph 4:2; Jas 5:9)

15. Pray for each other (Jas 5:16)

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III. Our Focus For 2023

1. The Theme: Loving People Intentionally

2. The Purpose

To spread the Gospel
To demonstrate God's love and mercy
To fulfill the "One Another" requirement
To grow and change through friendship and relationship

3. The Outcome

We Connect with one another
We are Generous towards one another

4. The Model: Jesus and the Apostles

I Can't but God Can!

10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 11 All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. 12 Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. 13 For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you. 14 Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you," declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. --- Is 41:10-14

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IV. CHALLENGE

1. RECEIVE and be embraced daily by God's love

2. RENEW your commitment daily to love God more

3. RESOLVE daily to love others intentionally