God+glory+in+missions

            The philosophy of missions of Loch Raven Presbyterian Church is based upon the words of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  According to Scripture, Christ’s disciples were instructed to go into all the world and preach the Gospel and to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), and to be witnesses of Jesus Christ, beginning locally and branching out to the remotest parts of the earth (Acts 1:8, Luke 24:47).  Based on these Scriptures and the example of the early church, we therefore believe that the involvement in missions by the church is not merely an option but a command.  We also believe that the purpose of our church is consistent with this command as are the membership vows of our fellowship.

Our missionary outreach is shown by a number of actions including sharing the life of our church, praying, writing, giving, and sending Christians forth. 

We encourage members of our congregation to show their concern for missions through service on the Missions Committee.

We further encourage members and friends to actively support missions through participation in missionary conferences and personal relationships with missions and missionaries. 

We encourage them to give of their time and talents in volunteer efforts for missionary endeavors.

We are convinced that participation in missionary outreach strengthens us corporately and individually by giving us an opportunity to understand the Body of Christ throughout the world.

 It also teaches us to care more intelligently for our brothers and sisters in Christ, enabling us to “bear one another’s burdens” spiritually and materially. 

It also provides an interesting learning experience as we explore various customs and cultures.  We have an obligation to teach specifically about missions through our educational and social programs.

In our support of missionary efforts, we shall seek to aid those whose efforts promote the preaching of the Gospel through evangelism and discipleship, are theologically consistent with the Word of God and the purpose of Loch Raven Presbyterian Church. 

Within these requirements, our first priority is to support those from our congregation (I Timothy 5:8).  Those with strong qualifications and/or unique skills will also deserve priority attention. 

We strive to consistently support those with whom we have a relationship. 

We also intend to donate enough to be of value so as to not spread our aid too thinly.

Finally, involvement in God’s work locally and internationally serves as an example and inspiration in our personal walks with the Lord, and may, in God’s Providence, encourage each of us to consider full-time or part-time missionary service.

written and approved –1982