MISSIONS

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)



Current Team Leader:  Ralph Jones                                                                          Contact email: ralphpeggyjones@earthlink.net


INTRODUCTION:

Everything we do and are as Christians is our mission, and this task is directly from God. Missions expresses faith outwardly and encompasses both social ministry and evangelical outreach. Each Derbyshire member can reach out to those who are in the midst of our congregation . Together we can be witnesses who love and impact our larger community, as well as the farthest reaches of the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8).

HISTORY:

Derbyshire was begun as a mission church, and we have continued to practice Jesus' Great Commission locally and internationally (Matthew 28:19-20). Our church has been home to many retired missionaries and staff of the International Mission Board. Our congregation has been a strong supporter of missions through prayer, hands-on service and financial giving. We have sponsored three local mission churches (Gayton Baptist, Cambridge Baptist and the Cambodian Mission) and have given liberally to both local and foreign mission efforts.

KINGDOM VISION EFFORT:

Our effort is to revitalize and maintain Derbyshire's mission efforts, emphasizing increased local opportunities. This effort will incorporate five main themes:

Proactive
We will actively seek out where God is calling us to use our church's strengths to meet the needs of our community and larger world

Balanced
We will maintain a balance between local ministry and regional and international efforts, as well as between financial giving and face-to-face connection

Intentional
We will choose our mission actions in a well-planned and coordinated manner, deliberately furthering the Kingdom Vision through reaching others' physical and spiritual needs

Focused
We will accomplish more together; moving in the same direction, than through many individuals or groups in divided efforts. Our God-given values will guide us

Sustainable
Missions is to be a lifestyle for us; we are changed as we work to serve God by reaching out to others. We seek to move from single projects to more ongoing involvement in others' lives