VISION STATEMENT FOR FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 2009
Adopted by Church Conference, March 15, 2009:

PREAMBLE:

In light of the astounding population growth predicted for the Elgin area, and in view of our God-given responsibility to reach our community for our Lord Jesus Christ, we adopt this Heaven-sent vision:

I. BELIEVE – EVANGELISM -- "make disciples of all nations"

"You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth."

1. Jerusalem – Elgin

(1) Inaugurate a vigorous program of prayer for the lost, visitation and witnessing

(2) Develop an evangelistic and growing Sunday school for all ages

(3) Enable every segment of FBC to be an evangelistic agency (Food Pantry, Homebound, Wee Care)

(4) Conduct at least one major evangelistic event each year

(5) Plant vibrant new Baptist churches in the Elgin area

(6) Conduct vibrant worship services with evangelistic thrusts

(7) Support evangelistic youth ministries (such as "See You at the Pole")

(8) Provide transportation to the church's events for those requiring it

(9) Advertise the church by every proper medium

(10) Develop group specific outreach ministries and services – deaf, blind, etc., as required

(11) Evangelistic worship & outreach through music ministries for all ages

2.  Judea – Texas

(1) Conduct evangelistic ministries along the Rio Grande Border or wherever the Holy Spirit directs (mission trips)

(2) Assist people affected by catastrophic events – hurricanes, floods, disasters, etc.

(3) Give generously through the Mary Hill Davis Offering for State Missions

(4) Give through the annual BGCT World Hunger Offering

(5) Cooperate with and support the work of the local Baptist Association

3. Samaria – USA

(1) Engage in mission work in North America according to the Holy Spirit's leadership

(2) Give generously through the Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions

4. The Ends of the Earth – The World

(1) Annually adopt and support by prayer and encouragement a missionary family unit of the International Mission Board

(2) Give generously through the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions and the Cooperative Program

(3) Pray earnestly about current world events and needs

(4) "Children In Action" (CIA) involvement:  Operation Christmas Child, Military Boxes

II. BELONG – Baptism and Church Membership -- "baptizing them"

1. Intentionally seek to baptize every person registering a genuine salvation experience.

2. Develop and conduct an effective new member orientation course for every new member.

3. Involve every member and every new member in the ministries of the church.

III. BECOME – TEACHING AND TRAINING -- "teaching them to observe all things"

1. Develop and conduct a dynamic program of intercessory prayer such as

(1) mid-week prayer meeting   (2) prayer chains    (3) individual prayer lives

2. Develop strong Bible teaching programs – SS and others

3. Train every member to live the Spirit-filled life.

4. Provide ongoing member training in all relevant subjects

(1) leadership    (2) spiritual gifts   (3) worship   (4) prayer   (5) stewardship

(6) Christian home   (7) Christian purity and holiness   (8) committee ministry

(9) Sunday school teacher training, etc.

Be a "training church," an "equipping church"

5. Conduct an annual tither training program and constantly mature FBC into a strong tithing church

6. Take advantage of training opportunities offered by ABA, BGCT, and SBC

7. Provide opportunities for ministries to people in need – divorce, addictions, broken homes, needy, widows/widowers, etc.

8. Develop an active Deacon Family Ministry Plan of care, comfort and encouragement.

9. Add "professional" staff members as required for improved ministry, growth and effectiveness.

GOALS