DNA – We exist for those who aren’t here yet.

Every church has certain aspects of mission and vision that are unique to each church. At Hope, we’re discussing the things that make us who we are at our very core, our DNA as a church.

• We exist for those who aren’t here yet. 

We need to be a place where people can belong until they believe.

Why is it that the fastest growing religious group in the country right now are the “nones” (nothing). Why is it that people love Jesus, but they don’t want to follow him?

Do christians and churches make Jesus look confusing or make Him look bad?

Matthew 23:13 (NLT)  Jesus gave a clear warning to the religious people of His day.

Mark 2:17 (NLT)  All Jesus ever wanted was to help people who were far from God to know that God hadn’t given up on them. 

An important value at Hope: We exist for those who aren’t here yet.

This impacts why we do some things the way we do.

Mark 2:1-12 (NLT)

Thought 1: If the Church is about sharing and showing Jesus…we should be people that 

people want to be around.

Thought 2: We can’t be the kind of crowd that keeps people from Jesus.

Mark 2:3-4 (NLT) 

Can we resolve today that we will give up our preferences so people far from God could 

find a place to belong (meet Jesus) even before they believe?

Thought 3: Sometimes you have to get “dirty” to help people get to Jesus. 

Mark 2:4 (NLT)

Thought 4: My faith impacts others.

Mark 2:4-5 (NLT)

We need to be a place where people can belong until they believe.

So how do we do this?

1. We ARE a church that is willing to give up our preferences for others.

Every weekend ministry is Designed with those who aren’t here yet in mind.

2. We need to be roof wrecking friends.