Earlier this year, we as a HMC congregation developed goals to help chart a path into the future and help potential pastoral candidates have a sense of where God is leading Houston Mennonite Church. We responded to a survey and then had several discussions clarifying the results of the survey. We agreed on the following statement.
God is leading Houston Mennonite Church to be:
An open and affirming urban congregation formed in the Anabaptist Mennonite tradition, following the way of Jesus, and welcoming those who are not welcomed elsewhere.
A community that values and nurtures relationships and creates opportunities for others to be part of the HMC community so that we grow in numbers and vitality.
A socially engaged congregation proclaiming and acting for peace and justice, modeling Jesus’ gospel of peace through service, social action, and civic engagement.
A worshiping congregation, singing, praying, and proclaiming the love of God in ways that reflect the global church.
A discipling community, creating opportunities for children, youth, and adults to grow in faith, hope, love, and peace.
These goals line up nicely with the HMC Ministry Teams and their ongoing activities. In many ways we are already engaged with what God is calling us to be. The only gap I see in our goals is language about stewardship. I suppose we often take it for granted that there will be volunteers, finances, buildings, parking, and staff to undergird the church’s ministries. But let’s be clear, God calls us to be generous with our time, talents, and treasure in order to accomplish the ministries of HMC. I am so thankful for all of us who live that generosity at HMC as we support the church with your time, talents, and finances. As we look to the closing of 2023 and begin to plan for the coming year, may we continue to follow God’s leading and call.