God's word uses strong language to inform us that where there is no vision, the people perish (ref. Proverbs 29:18) Organizations, including churches, use a series of statements to define who they are, why they exist, where they want to go, and what they are willing to do to get there. If done well, significant value comes from a shared understanding of the vision and creating enthusiasm to pursue the vision.

Our Vision

"A family of God's word, love and grace, transforming lives through the power of the Holy Spirit as revealed in Jesus Christ."

Our Mission

"Share the love of Jesus Christ and make disciples in His name."

Our Motto

"Loving in Jesus' name"

Core Values

We value…

Fervent prayer and diligent study of scripture.

Radical hospitality

Passionate worship

Risk-taking mission

Faith-forming relationships

Extravagant generosity

Connectional ministry

Areas to Emphasize

JWUMC should emphasize a number of particular areas in the next few years. Themes running through these Areas of Emphasis include personal spiritual growth, passionate worship, faith and service sharing and a revitalization of stewardship vows.

The areas of Emphasis contain key directional content and should be considered an important resource for Church Council, ministry teams and staff seeking linkage to JWUMC's vision and mission and a stretegic direction for goals, objectives and action plans.

Areas of Emphasis

I. Spiritual Growth

A. Make prayer a focus in all activities.

B. Promote small group, faith-sharing and Christian education opportunities.

C. Learn, teach and speak the language of faith as expressed in scripture.

D. Teach the spiritual basis for stewardship and teach discipleship to all.

E. Reconnect with inactive members.

F. Promote greater awareness of God's enabling presence and the power of His Holy Spirit to lead, transform and sustain us.

G. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and guide our faith journey.

II. Radical Hospitality and Evangelistic Ministry

A. Empower faith-sharing and witnessing.

B. Foster relationships with the un-churched and under-churched.

C. Reach out in care and service to diverse populations; seek to know and respond to needs.

D. Partner with others to build God's kingdom.

E. Create and develop diverse and multiple points of entry for prospective members to enter the life of our church.

III. Joyful Member Involvement and Commitment

A. Fully appreciate and honor church vows and responsibilities.

B. Challenge members to tithe and engage in extravagant generosity with all God's gifts.

C. Shepherd new members into our church community.

D. Enable members to serve; empower leadership development where called.

E. Engage all members in active service, transforming the world and making disciples of Jesus Christ.

F. Connect each individual to a small group for support and accountability.

G. Make youth involvement a joy and legacy.

H. Creatively use technology to improve communication with members and prospective members.

IV. Passionate Worship

A. Energize and enhance creative and powerful worship opportunities.

B. Make contemporary service inviting and sustainable.

C. Increase laity involvement in worship.

D. Utilize technology to maximize worship experience.

E. Embrace stewardship as a part of personal worship.

F. Create varied worship experiences to meet evolving needs of our community.

V. Transforming Missions

A. Promote and enable hands on, active involvement in missions.

B. Raise awareness of both the spiritual responsibility and blessing that comes from service through missions.

Vi. Build on our strengths, for example, Children's Ministries, Caring Ministries, Prayer Ministry, and Music Ministry. Seek to develop and grow new strengths.

VII. Provide resources to fulfill God's Vision for our Church.