LCMS & OUR VALUES
LCMS:
The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) is a national Lutheran denomination with over 2.5 million members. The Lutheran Church is based on the scriptures that Faith in Jesus Christ is the only way a person can be saved.
Our belief is that the Bible is the Word of God and that the ancient creeds and Lutheran Confessions correctly summarize the teachings of Scripture (the Holy Bible).
The LCMS may be the best known for the radio broadcast The Lutheran Hour, a production of the International Lutheran Layman's League, an LCMS auxiliary organization.
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Our Values:
OUTREACH/KINGDOM BUILDING
As a Christian congregation fulfilling the Great Commission (Matt. 28) of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, St. Mark Lutheran Church has identified a number of desired outcomes in line with our mission of “Bringing People In, Building Disciples Up and Sending Christians On.”
✓ We serve in/support both national and international missions as well as ministries that address our local community needs.
✓ We equip our members to effectively give personal testimony of their faith to friends and to family to share the good news and joy Jesus brings!
✓ We dedicated at least 10% of our congregation offerings to mission outreach beyond our four walls, and then at least one-half of that amount to the work of District and Synod.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
In offering “cradle to grave” Christian education, we want St Mark members and visitors to grow in their understanding of Holy Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and Christian living so they are fully developed disciples.
✓ We provide a variety of Bible studies and groups so members and guests can increase their knowledge andjoy of knowing God’s word.
✓ We support our members to apply Biblical truths to their lives as Christians.
✓ As LCMS members, it’s important to understand the foundation of our faith not only through the Bible, but to also understand the six Chief Parts of Luther’s Small Catechism.
✓ Ministry can often be carried out best through small groupsand we offer many opportunities to reach as many members as possible in this way.
✓ We help St Mark members be able to identify their spiritual gifts and become actively involved in ministry according to their unique gifts and talents.
MEANINGFUL WORSHIP
St Mark strives to inspire our members to live a Christ-like life through Spirit-filled, celebrative worship in various forms. We ensure that we honor God and communicate both the Law and Gospel through His Word and Sacraments. This is one way in which we build Christians up and prepare them to be disciples.
DISCIPLESHIP/SERVANTHOOD
By sending Christians on, we want to equip our members for a life of ministry and service; being enabled to live out all areas of their lives as disciples of Jesus Christ and stewards of all God’s gifts to them.
✓ By recognizing and developing their gifts and talent, members can live them out in the various ministries not only at St Mark, but in our communities and world.
✓ With a focus on stewardship, we support members with opportunities to use their time, talents and treasures as they participate in the Great Commission.
✓ We are always looking for new ministries which align with the needs and gifts of our members.
CHRISTIAN CARE/FAMILY FELLOWSHIP
St Mark is committed to caring for all our members - in their spiritual, physical and emotional needs - in the Name of Jesus.
✓ In turn, we wish our members to practice Christian stewardship of their physical lives.
✓ And, our members will be passionately involved in addressing the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of our local community, our nation, and our world.