Summary
of
Vision
and
Strategic
Plan
Central
Presbyterian
Church
–
Changing
Hearts
to
Change
the
World
This
document
describes
Central’s
beliefs,
outlines
Central’s
vision,
and
sets
forth
strategic
goals
for
the
future.
We
look
forward
to
working
with
the
entire
congregation
to
evolve
these
goals
as
we
enhance
our
relationship
to
God,
the
community
and
the
world
through
Jesus
Christ.
The
document
is
designed
as
a
guide
to
further
develop
objectives
and
to
examine,
align,
and
improve
programs
and
activities
within
Central
for
the
glory
of
God.
|
Summary
of
Vision
and
Strategic
Plan
Central
Presbyterian
Church
–
Changing
Hearts
to
Change
the
World
As
a
Great
Commission
Outreach
Church,
Central
Presbyterian
takes
seriously
Christ’s
dictate
–
to
be
and
to
make
disciples
for
Christ
(Matthew
28:18-20).
In
fact,
this
challenge
has
long
been
used
as
our
mission
statement.
Over
the
past
two
years,
the
Session
has
reviewed
Central’s
mission
with
the
aim
of
developing
a
strategic
plan
that
will
guide
our
decision
making
for
the
next
few
years.
Input
from
the
Congregation
through
a
series
of
questionnaires
helped
the
Session
identify
areas
of
strength,
challenge,
and
opportunity
and
use
this
information
to
develop
goals
that
will
drive
Central’s
future
directions.
Changing
Hearts
to
Change
the
World!
|
Historically,
CPC
members
have
energetically
supported
mission
in
our
church,
in
our
neighborhood,
and
in
our
world.
We
believe
that
Central
is
a
welcoming
community
of
believers,
energized
by
worship,
scripture,
prayer,
study
and
service.
Key
identifiers
of
Central
are
our
diverse
theological
beliefs
and
our
commitment
to
action.
We
believe
that
faith
is
a
verb.
Our
faith
in
God
and
the
model
of
Jesus’
life
and
teachings
compel
us
to
work
in
the
world.
As
we
grow
in
relationship
to
Jesus
Christ,
we
welcome
others
to
join
us
in
transforming
our
community
and
our
world
through
loving
service
in
Christ’s
name.
The
theme
of
this
strategic
plan
reflects
this
call
to
action
and
transformation
as
we
heed
God’s
call
--
we
are
changing
hearts
to
change
the
world.
Central’s
large
vision
can
be
broken
down
into
three
primary
goals:
Goal
1:
Changing
Hearts:
Strengthening
Connections
to
God
We
strive
to
grow
closer
to
God,
through
worship,
education,
and
spirituality,
with
the
realization
that
a
close
relationship
to
God
leads
us
to
action
in
the
world.
Through
vibrant
and
diverse
worship
we
will
connect
our
congregation
more
deeply
to
God.
We
will
provide
a
rich
variety
of
educational
opportunities
for
people
of
all
ages
and
stages
of
growth
as
disciples,
focusing
on
Bible
study,
theology,
current
issues,
spirituality
and
arts
and
culture.
We
will
spiritually
engage
our
members
in
deepening
their
prayer
lives,
in
learning
to
discern
God’s
leading
and
in
service
to
others.
Goal
2:
Changing
Hearts:
Strengthening
Connections
to
Each
Other
We
strengthen
and
grow
as
a
community
of
faith
by
caring
for
one
another
through
ministries
of
care,
communication,
connection,
integration,
and
evangelism.
Through
robust
outreach
and
welcome
ministries,
we
will
share
the
love
of
Jesus
Christ
with
others,
while
providing
ministries
of
caring
and
compassion
that
address
the
spiritual,
emotional,
and
physical
needs
of
our
congregation.
Through
energetic
ministries
of
caring
and
compassion
for
each
other
we
will
demonstrate
that
we
are
the
body
of
Christ
to
one
another.
Definition
of
Terms
We
define
the
terms
used
in
this
document
as
follows:
Who
We
Are
=
A
brief
definition
of
our
community
Purpose
=
Why
do
we
exist
What
We
Believe
=
A
brief
theological
statement,
based
on
our
Presbyterian
(PCUSA)
heritage
Core
Values
=
Principles
that
lead
us
to
action
Vision
=
What
it
will
look
like
Goals
=
Something
to
accomplish
as
a
result
of
a
value
Action
Items
=
Ways
to
achieve
goals
|
In
our
patterns
of
communication
and
by
their
variety
we
will
keep
our
congregation
well
informed
and
in
active
conversation
about
our
common
ministries
and
directions.
We
will
invite
others
into
this
dynamic
community
with
the
love
and
good
news
of
Jesus
Christ.
We
are
one
in
Christ.
Goal
3:
Changing
Hearts:
Changing
the
World
Through
thoughtful
ministries
that
challenge
the
people
of
Central
to
put
our
faith
into
action,
we
will
change
our
world.
Our
faith
compels
us
to
serve
as
the
hands
and
feet
of
Christ
as
we
are
called
to
action,
partnership,
and
reflection.
We
will
partner
with
other
congregations
and
organizations
in
the
Lafayette
community
to
address
the
tangible
needs
of
our
fellow
Children
of
God.
We
will
regularly
reflect
on
how
our
actions
in
the
world
have
impacted
us
and
how
the
Holy
Spirit
is
calling
us
into deeper
relationship
with
God.
Disciples
are
formed
by
both
action
and
reflection.
The
following
pages
provide
detailed
descriptions
of
our
vision
for
the
future,
who
we
are,
and
what
we
believe
and
value.
We
look
forward
to
working
with
the
entire
Congregation
to
match
Central’s
activities
with
these
goals
in
a
way
that
enhances
our
relationship
to
God,
the
community
and
the
World
through
Jesus
Christ.
We
are
a
welcoming
community
of
believers,
energized
by
worship,
scripture,
prayer,
study
and
service.
Changing
Hearts
to
Change
the
World!
|
As
we
grow
in
relationship
to
Jesus
Christ,
we
welcome
others
to
join
us
in
transforming
our
community
through
loving
service
in
Christ’s
name.
We
are:
Our
purpose
as
a
church
of
Jesus
Christ
is
changing
hearts
to
change
the
world.
In
order
to
fulfill
this
purpose
we
are
striving
to
be
a
community
of
disciples
that:
Provides
worship
that
meets
the
needs
of
a
diverse
community
-
Recognizing
that
people
have
differing
spiritual
and
emotional
needs,
we
are
committed
to
offering
both
contemporary
and
traditional
worship
services
that
bring
God
glory
and
move
worshippers
into
a
deeper
relationship
with
God.
We
will
continually
explore
emerging
forms
of
worship
that
address
the
ever-evolving
needs
of
worshippers
to
receive
the
good
news
of
Jesus
in
language,
images
and
music
that
make
sense
to
them.
Cultivates
a
spiritually
engaged
congregation
-
Developing
the
spiritual
practices
necessary
to
guide
and
sustain
lives
of
service
is
essential
to
what
we
do
and
who
we
are.
We
will
expect
all
of
our
members
to
nourish
their
spiritual
lives
through
worship,
prayer,
Bible
study,
learning
opportunities
throughout
the
week
and
in
service
to
others.
We
will
provide
educational
experiences
for
people
of
all
ages
and
in
all
stages
of
discipleship
development.
Demonstrates
the
Body
of
Christ
-
Jesus
created
a
loving
community
around
him,
where
disciples
exhibited
mutual
care
and
concern
toward
one
another.
The
Church
of
Jesus
Christ
continues
to
embrace
and
practice
these
same
goals.
Central
Presbyterian
will
work
to
be
a
caring
congregation
where
members
and
friends
are
consistently
enfolded
into
this
community
of
faith.
In
our
patterns
of
communication
we
will
keep
our
congregation
informed
about
our
common
ministries
and
directions.
Reflects
the
diversity
of
the
Greater
Lafayette
community
-
Central
is
located
at
the
center
of
a
vibrant
community.
We
intend
to
be
a
Big
Tent
Church,
reflective
of
the
diversity
of
the
greater
Lafayette
community
–
its
different
ages,
races,
orientations,
social
and
economic
classes,
and
theological
and
political
persuasions.
We
will
invite
others
into
this
dynamic
community
with
the
love
and
message
of
Jesus
Christ.
Our
unity
is
in
Jesus
Christ.
Makes
a
difference
in
our
community
and
world
in
Jesus’
name
-
Mature
faith
includes
relationships
with
God
and
with
all
God’s
children.
Disciples
are
formed
by
both
reflection
and
action.
Before
engaging
in
a
ministry
we
will
discern
where
God
is
leading
us
by
listening
in
prayer,
study
and
conversation.
We
expect
each
member
and
friend
to
engage
in
ministries
of
service
to
others,
and
then
to
reflect
with
other
members
and
friends
on
actions
that
are
taken.
We
will
assist
those
of
our
community
in
discerning
their
spiritual
gifts,
and
support
their
exercise
of
these
gifts
through
leadership
training,
ongoing
mentoring,
the
appropriate
organizational
structure,
and
the
efforts
of
our
professional
staff.
We
will
develop
an
organizational
structure
that
supports
the
fulfillment
of
core
congregational
functions,
and
is
also
agile
enough
to
respond
creatively
to
the
leading
of
the
Holy
Spirit
in
our
midst.
God
changes
our
hearts
through
the
worship,
fellowship
and
nurturing
of
this
congregation.
As
our
hearts
change
and
we
grow
in
faith,
we
will
be
moved
to
change
our
world
–
beginning
in
the
Lafayette
community.
We
will
partner
with
other
area
congregations
and
organizations
to
deal
with
human
needs
and
to
make
positive
changes
in
lives
challenged
by
poverty
and
injustice.
The
beliefs
of
the
members
of
Central
Presbyterian
Church
fall
across
the
theological
spectrum.
While
respecting
and
drawing
strength
from
this
great
diversity
of
belief,
we
also
affirm
the
following:
Trinity
–
God,
Jesus,
and
Holy
Spirit:
As
‘Father/Son/Holy
Spirit’
and
‘Creator/Redeemer/Sustainer’,
we
understand
the
activity
of
God
in
the
world
through
three
different
revelations
of
God:
as
Creator,
who
brought
the
world
into
being,
and
declared
the
goodness
of
every
aspect
of
creation,
including
us!
We
attempt
to
describe
God
with
many
metaphors
and
images,
but
acknowledge
that
all
our
titles
ultimately
fail
to
capture
the
fullness
and
holiness
of
God;
as
Redeemer,
whom
we
know
personally
as
Jesus
Christ,
who
was
sent
by
God
to
reconnect
human
beings
with
the
divine
goodness
in
which
we
have
all
been
created;
who
came
as
a
fellow
human
to
change
the
world
through
acts
of
kindness,
love,
grace
and
service.
Jesus’
loving
ways
were
rejected,
and
he
was
murdered…..yet
God
chose
love
over
rejection
and
hopefulness
instead
of
brokenness,
and
the
new
life
of
resurrection
in
place
of
death;
and
offers
this
gift
of
new
life
to
all
people
who
embrace
Jesus
as
Lord
and
Savior;
as
Sustainer,
which
we
name
as
Holy
Spirit,
the
active,
daily
and
ongoing
presence
of
God
in
the
world.
The
Spirit
is
always
inviting
the
faithful
to
pay
attention
to
the
presence
and
activity
of
God
in
the
world,
and
forever
calls
us
to
step
fearlessly
into
God’s
future.
Bible:
Scripture
is
the
family
stories
of
the
people
of
God;
reminding
us
of
who
we
are,
and
whose
we
are
–
in
both
cases,
Children
of
God!
Scripture
is
where
we
meet
Jesus,
and
learn
what
it
is
to
serve
others
as
his
disciples.
Scripture
guides
and
shapes
us,
but
never
functions
as
a
rule
book
or
as
an
instrument
by
which
we
seek
to
control
others.
The
Holy
Spirit
is
constantly
opening
Scripture
to
us,
so
that
we
may
see
afresh
and
understand
anew
God’s
ever-unfolding
revelation.
Forgiveness
&
Grace:
Understanding
that
the
‘Goodness
of
God’
is
that
which
is
deepest
within
every
person,
invites
us
to
affirm
the
basic
goodness
of
all
people.
Yet
in
our
humanness
we
cover
over
this
goodness
with
brokenness
and
sin.
Through
Jesus,
God
freely
gifts
us
with
grace
–
that
we
can
never
earn
or
purchase
–
and
by
which
our
primary
goodness
is
uncovered
and
restored.
The
Church:
The
church
is
the
community
of
those
who
follow
Jesus
as
disciples.
Central
Presbyterian
Church
is
a
community
of
such
believers
located
in
Lafayette,
Indiana,
that
ascribes
to
the
doctrines
and
governance
of
the
Presbyterian
Church
(USA)
[http://www.pcusa.org/101/101-theology.htm],
and
that
exists
for
worship,
education,
care
and
service.
The
Great
Commission:
Jesus’
command
to
his
disciples
found
at
the
end
of
Matthew’s
Gospel,
commonly
known
as
the
Great
Commission
–
“And
Jesus
came
and
said
to
them,
‘All
authority
in
heaven
and
on
earth
has
been
given
to
me.
Go
therefore
and
make
disciples
of
all
nations,
baptizing
them
in
the
name
of
the
Father
and
of
the
son
and
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
and
teaching
them
to
obey
everything
that
I
have
commanded
you.’”
(Matthew
28.18-20)
–
provides
our
primary
understanding
of
the
call
to
discipleship.
As
disciples
of
Jesus,
we
invite
others
to
know
his
transforming
love;
that
together
we
may
join
him
in
his
work
of
changing
the
world
for
the
Kingdom
of
God.
Sacraments:
Sacraments
are
a
visible
symbol
of
an
invisible
grace
–
an
action
by
God
on
behalf
of
God’s
people.
Baptism
and
Communion
(or
The
Lord’s
Supper)
are
the
two
sacraments
celebrated
in
the
Presbyterian
Church
(USA).
God’s
love
for
all
people
and
incorporation
into
the
life
and
ministry
of
Jesus
are
recognized
in
the
water
of
Baptism.
Jesus’
self-giving
love
and
gift
of
new
life
is
recognized
in
the
broken
loaf
and
shared
cup
of
Communion.
Prayer:
God
desires
and
seeks
to
be
in
conversation
with
God’s
people.
Prayer
in
all
its
many
forms
–
spoken,
written,
silent,
musical,
as
action,
in
listening
–
is
how
this
conversation
takes
place.
The
prayers
of
faithful
people
in
scripture
show
us
how
to
approach
God
with
daring
persistence
and
genuine
honesty.
Faithful
people
are
praying
people.
Social
Justice
and
Action:
Jesus
came
to
change
the
world…..”to
care
for
the
needs
of
the
least
and
the
last
and
the
lost”
(Matthew
25.31-46)…..”and
to
invite
all
people
to
embrace
God’s
love”
(Matthew
28.16-20).
As
disciples
of
Jesus
we
are
commanded
to
follow
him
in
this
world-changing
way
of
life,
paying
particular
attention
to
God’s
strong
expectation
for
justice
and
righteousness.
Mercy:
Jesus
teaches
that
all
of
God’s
children
fail
to
live
out
the
Goodness
in
which
we
are
created,
and
invites
us
to
show
mercy
in
gratitude
for
the
mercy
we
have
received
from
God
(John
8.1-11).
This
Life
and
the
Life
to
Come:
Disciples
of
Jesus
are
called
to
live
as
he
did,
faithfully
seeking
to
change
hearts
and
change
the
world
in
his
name.
Disciples
look
forward
to
a
time
in
the
future
when
God’s
Kingdom
will
be
fully
realized
on
earth,
even
as
they
also
anticipate
the
reconciliation
of
all
relationships
in
life
beyond
death.
Our
core
values
animate
us
as
a
community
of
faith
and
represent
the
principles
that
call
us
to
action.
Central
seeks
to
be
a
community
that
is:
Diverse
–
reflecting
the
many
ages,
races,
orientations,
social
and
economic
classes,
and
theological
and
political
persuasions
of
God’s
people.
“Then
people
will
come
from
east
and
west,
from
north
and
south,
and
will
eat
in
the
kingdom
of
God.
Indeed,
some
are
last
who
will
be
first,
and
some
are
first
who
will
be
last.”
(Luke
13:29-30)
“I
truly
understand
that
God
shows
no
partiality,
but
in
every
nation
anyone
who
reveres
him
and
does
what
is
right
is
acceptable
to
him.”
(Acts
10:34)
Embracing
of
Differences
–
acknowledging
that
community
is
always
a
work
in
progress,
and
that
our
‘oneness
in
Jesus’
is
enhanced
by
the
great
diversity
of
life
experiences
and
faith
experiences
represented
among
us.
”There
is
no
longer
Jew
or
Greek,
there
is
no
longer
slave
or
free,
there
is
no
longer
male
and
female;
for
you
are
all
one
in
Christ
Jesus.”
(Galatians
3:28)
“And
God,
who
knows
the
human
heart,
testified
to
them
by
giving
them
the
Holy
Spirit,
just
as
he
did
to
us;
and
in
cleansing
their
hearts
by
faith
he
has
made
no
distinction
between
us.”
(Acts
15:8-9)
“I
have
other
sheep
that
do
not
belong
to
this
fold.
I
must
bring
them
also,
and
they
will
listen
to
my
voice.
So
there
will
be
one
flock,
one
shepherd.”
(John
10:16)
Spiritual
–
We
are
open
to
and
listen
for
the
leading
of
the
Holy
Spirit.
“For
this
reason,
since
the
day
we
heard
of
it,
we
have
not
ceased
praying
for
you
and
asking
that
you
may
be
filled
with
the
knowledge
of
God’s
will
in
all
spiritual
wisdom
and
understanding,
so
that
you
may
lead
lives
worthy
of
the
Lord,
fully
pleasing
to
him,
as
you
bear
fruit
in
every
good
work
and
as
you
grow
in
the
knowledge
of
God.”
(Colossians
1:9-10)
“Rejoice
always,
pray
without
ceasing,
give
thanks
in
all
circumstances;
for
this
is
the
will
of
God
in
Christ
Jesus
for
you.”
(1
Thessalonians
5:16-18)
Loving
–
We
model
our
love
for
one
another
and
all
others
on
Jesus’
love
for
us.
“I
give
you
a
new
commandment,
that
you
love
one
another.
Just
as
I
have
loved
you,
you
also
should
love
one
another.
By
this
everyone
will
know
you
are
my
disciples;
if
you
have
love
for
one
another.”
(John
13:34-35)
”Beloved,
let
us
love
one
another,
because
love
is
from
God;
everyone
who
loves
is
born
of
God
and
knows
God.
Whoever
does
not
love
does
not
know
God,
for
God
is
love.”
(1John
4:7-8)
Committed
to
our
community
–
We
have
been
placed
by
God
in
the
center
of
Greater
Lafayette
which
is
our
primary
context
for
ministry.
“Seek
the
well-being
of
the
city
where
I
have
sent
you...and
pray
to
the
Lord
on
its
behalf,
for
in
its
well-being
you
will
find
your
own.”
(Jeremiah
29:8)
Thoughtful
–
We
are
thinkers
and
doers,
using
our
God-given
gifts
for
the
betterment
of
ourselves
and
the
world.
“…be
transformed
by
the
renewing
of
your
minds,
so
that
you
may
discern
what
is
the
will
of
God—what
is
good
and
acceptable
and
perfect.”
(Romans
12:2)
“But
be
doers
of
the
word,
and
not
merely
hearers
who
deceive
themselves.”
(James
2:22)
Caring/Compassionate
–
We
care
for
others
as
Jesus
cares
for
us.
“As
he
went
ashore
Jesus,
saw
a
great
crowd
and
he
had
compassion
upon
them,
for
they
were
like
sheep
without
a
shepherd;
and
he
taught
them
many
things.”
(Mark
6:34)
“Cast
all
your
cares
on
him,
for
he
cares
for
you.”
(1
Peter
5:7)
“Rejoice
with
those
who
rejoice,
weep
with
those
who
weep.”
(Romans
12:15)
Gracious
–
As
we
have
been
forgiven,
we
are
forgiving.
“For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
this
is
not
of
your
own
doing;
it
is
the
gift
of
God—not
the
result
of
works,
that
no
one
may
boast.”
(Ephesians
2:8-9)
“Blessed
are
the
merciful,
for
they
shall
obtain
mercy.”
(Matthew
5:7)
“…and
be
kind
to
one
another,
tenderhearted,
forgiving
one
another,
as
God
in
Christ
has
forgiven
you.”
(Ephesians
4:32)
Generous
–
Reflecting
the
abundant
nature
of
God.
“God
is
able
to
provide
you
with
every
blessing
in
abundance,
so
that
by
always
having
enough
of
everything,
you
may
abundantly
share
in
every
good
work.”
(2
Corinthians
9:8)
“You
prepare
a
table
before
me
in
the
presence
of
my
enemies;
you
anoint
my
head
with
oil;
my
cup
overflows.
Surely
goodness
and
mercy
will
follow
me
all
the
days
of
my
life
and
I
will
dwell
in
the
house
of
the
Lord
forever.”
(Psalm
23:5-6)
Empowered
for
Ministry
–
As
disciples
of
Jesus,
we
live
to
serve
others.
“The
gifts
he
gave
were
that
some
would
be
apostles,
some
prophets,
some
evangelists,
some
pastors
and
teachers,
to
equip
the
saints
for
the
work
of
ministry,
for
building
up
the
body
of
Christ…”
(Ephesians
4:11-12)
“To
each
is
given
a
manifestation
of
the
Spirit
for
the
common
good.”
(1
Corinthians
12:7)
“Like
good
stewards
of
the
manifold
grace
of
God,
serve
one
another
with
whatever
gift
each
of
you
has
received.”
(1
Peter
4:10)
Disciples
–
Seeking
always
to
be
faithful
disciples
of
Jesus.
“God
has
told
you,
O
mortal,
what
is
good;
and
what
does
the
Lord
require
of
you
but
to
do
justice,
to
love
kindness,
and
to
walk
humbly
with
your
God?”
(Micah
6:8)
“Finally,
beloved,
whatever
is
true,
whatever
is
honorable,
whatever
is
just,
whatever
is
pure,
whatever
is
pleasing,
whatever
is
commendable,
if
there
is
any
excellence
and
if
there
is
anything
worthy
of
praise,
think
about
these
things.
Keep
on
doing
the
things
that
you
have
learned
and
received
and
heard
and
seen
in
me,
and
the
God
of
peace
will
be
with
you.”
(Philippians
4.8-9)
“And
Jesus
came
and
said
to
them,
‘All
authority
in
heaven
and
on
earth
has
been
given
to
me.
Go
therefore
and
make
disciples
of
all
nations,
baptizing
them
in
the
name
of
the
Father
and
of
the
son
and
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
and
teaching
them
to
obey
everything
that
I
have
commanded
you.”
(Matthew
28.18-20)
This
vision
document
will
only
become
useful
to
the
life
and
ministry
of
Central
Presbyterian
Church
when
it
is
allowed
to
guide
and
shape
the
mission
and
ministry
of
the
congregation
in
very
specific,
measurable
ways.
A
number
of
steps
are
required
to
introduce
the
vision
document
to
the
members
and
friends
of
the
congregation,
seek
their
feedback,
and
begin
the
process
of
developing
the
actions
by
which
words
on
a
page
will
become
the
guiding
principles
for
active,
life-changing
ministry.
To
this
end,
the
immediate
next-steps
in
Central’s
evolving
vision
process
are:
·
Share
the
Session-endorsed
document
with
the
congregation
and
invite
comment
through:
-
September
2009
Sermons
-
Weekly
inserts
in
the
worship
bulletins
of
the
summary,
goals
&
vision
information
-
Moment
for
Vision
in
each
worship
service
on
September
6,
2009
-
Pastor’s
September
3,
2009
blog
post,
including
a
link
to
the
full
document
on
the
church’s
web
page
·
Cluster
Leader
Workshop
on
how
to
use
the
vision
document
to
evaluate
existing
programs
and
activities
in
light
of
the
new
congregational
goals,
as
well
as
beginning
to
imagine
new
ministry
possibilities
·
Vision
Task
Force
Members
meet
with
individual
Clusters
and
Ministry
Teams
to
share
the
vision
document
and
help
lead
the
evaluation/discovery
process
·
Vision
Task
Force
Members
help
Cluster/Ministry
Team
leaders
develop
measurable
objectives
and
timed
action
steps
for
each
area
of
ministry
·
Vision
Task
Force
Members
work
with
Session
to
develop
measurable
objectives
and
timed
action
steps
that
support
the
work
of
Clusters/Ministry
Teams
leading
members
and
friends
of
the
congregation
in
changing
hearts
to
change
the
world.