WHO WE ARE TODAY
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus made it clear why the church exists: The church exists to “go and make disciples…” or what we sometimes call “apprentices of Jesus.” That is our mandate. That is why we exist. That is Jesus’ call to his church. Therefore, at The Gathering, everything we do as a church must be about discipleship and making more apprentices of Jesus. We believe that this starts in our own neigbourhood (Riverside South), and beyond.
Below is an explanation of our identity, breaking down who we feel God is calling us to be and the unique expression we sense Him calling us to make.
OUR MISSION: Why We Do What We Do…
We exist to connect people to the love of Jesus… so that they would follow Jesus! (2 Cor 5:20-21, Matthew 28:18-20)
OUR VISION: What We Invite People Into…
To Follow Jesus By…
- Being With Jesus (John 15:4)
- Becoming Like Jesus (Romans 12:1-2)
- Doing What Jesus Said (John 14:15)
These three components of discipleship shape everything we do and talk about as a church. Our Sunday services, our Home Churches, our kids ministry, our outreaches, our partnerships, church planting… everything!
MARKS OF DISCIPLESHIP: Evidence of Growth
Things We Teach & Focus On
Four marks of a Disciple who is committed to “Being With Jesus”:
- A growing love and passion for God (Matthew 22:37)
- A growing ability to hear God’s voice through prayer & Scripture (John 10:27)
- A deepening awareness of one’s identity in Christ (Eph 1:3-8, 2:8-10)
- A deepening awareness of the power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16-17)
Five marks of a Disciple who is committed to “Becoming Like Jesus”:
- A growing love and concern for neighbour (Matthew 22:39)
- A growing commitment to being led and shaped by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-23)
- A growing commitment to being transparent, honest and authentic in community and spiritual friendship (James 5:16, Galatians 6:2)
- An increased experience of freedom & wholeness in Christ (Galatians 2:20)
- A growing ability to persevere through pain & suffering (James 1:2-4)
Four marks of a Disciple who is committed to “Doing What Jesus Said”:
- A deepening commitment to obeying Jesus’ teaching and surrendering to his will (John 14:23)
- Actively serves others and uses their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church (John 13:1-17, 1 Cor 12)
- A growing love for people far from God; Actively pursues opportunities to share the Gospel and to make more disciples (1 Peter 3:15)
- A growing love for ‘the least of these’; Actively cares for the poor, needy, and the oppressed (Matthew 25:31-46)
Note: All three components of discipleship are dependent on the other. A disciple must commit to expressing all three components increasingly at the same time in order to grow. One, without the other two, is not discipleship and can have negative spiritual impact.
For example, just “Being with Jesus” without also “Becoming Like Jesus” and “Doing What Jesus Said” leads to MYSTICISM & ELITISM. Just “Becoming like Christ” without “Being with Jesus” and “Doing What Jesus Said” leads to FATALISM & DEFEATISM. And just “Doing What Jesus Said” without “Being with Jesus” and “Becoming Like Jesus” leads to LEGALISM & MORALISM.