Mission Statement
To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
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 live out our mission, vision, and what we believe God is calling us to at First Church.
To be a sanctuary of Christian hope, love, and encouragement in the heart of Sioux Falls.
Core Scripture
Vision Statement
Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul, ” 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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
Definition of a Disciple
With knowledge of God’s saving grace through Jesus, disciples love God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength and love their neighbors as themselves.
Discipleship Development Areas
Gather — A gathering disciple seeks purpose and belonging, connecting with God and others.
Grow — A growing disciple intentionally develops their faith their whole life as an individual and within a community of faith.
Go — A going disciple strives to give extravagantly out of their resources, grow in mission and service, and lead other disciples in growing in their love of God and neighbor.