Over the next few weeks, let’s take a closer look at some resources from the wider Christian Reformed family that can help us find out what it means to be healthy.

Our vision [what do we see God calling us to be?]: The Christian Reformed Church is a diverse family of healthy congregations, assemblies, and ministries expressing the good news of God's kingdom that transforms lives and communities worldwide.

Our mission [what can we do to help make this vision a reality?]: As people called by God,

1. We gather to praise God, listen to him, and respond.

2. We nurture each other in faith and obedience to Christ.

3. We love and care for one another as God's people.

4. We commit ourselves to serve and to tell others about Jesus.

5. We pursue God's justice and peace in every area of life.

For, God is present in our world by his Word and Spirit.

The faithfulness of our great Provider gives sense to our days and hope to our years.

The future is secure for our world belongs to God!

This week: 4. What happens in healthy churches when the people "commit themselves to serve and to tell others about Jesus"?

The love that never fails gives all and risks all to share the faith. We, who know God's saving love, are directed to care for our sisters and brothers, for our neighbors in their need. Words alone are a mockery to a starving man; food alone will rescue the body but not the soul. Words with deeds force us to touch the hurting person as Christ touched those who came to him. "Repent and be baptized," cried the apostles to men and women who were dying without Christ. Each of us is entrusted with God's Word, shown the way, and ordered to preach and teach as we go into every part of the world.