Who we are

Our Mission & Vision

Mission Statement

To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Vision Statement

To be a sanctuary of Christian hope, love, and encouragement in the heart of Sioux Falls.

Core Scripture

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

Missional Priorities

During his ministry, Jesus taught and proclaimed the good news through parables, interpretation of Scripture, and other teachings and commands. The great commandment, the great commission, and the great proclamation are included. These gospel imperatives frame our missional priorities, for they help us to live out our mission, vision, and what we believe God is calling us to at First Church.

The Great Commandment — Grow in Love of God and Love of Neighbor

Focus Areas — Worship, Music, and Preaching

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

The Great Commission — Make Disciples of Jesus Christ

Focus Areas — Intergenerational, Caring and Fellowship

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)

The Great Proclamation — Transform the World

Focus Area — Missions

When Jesus came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” (Luke 4:16-21)