“What is the chief end of man?” asks question number one of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. To glorify God and to enjoy him forever.

As men and women created in the image of God, this is the overarching purpose of our entire lives. There is nothing to which it does not apply. “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).” At its root, sin is falling short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). “From him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen! (Romans 11:36)”

This is not just the chief end of every man and woman individually. It’s the chief of every local church. “To him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen! (Ephesians 3:20–21)”

So the next logical question is, “How?” How do we, as a church, glorify God in whatever we do? In our gathered worship. In our fellowship. In our disciple making. In our financial dealings. How should our chief end guide and shape whatever we do?

This is the aim of our ten Grace ministry values. While our statement of faith lays out the essential truths of the “one faith” we share with the universal church (cf. Ephesians 4:5), our ministry values express how we seek to live out those truths together as a local church. Rooted in scripture, these values guide the heart and character of our worship, ministries, and mission. Over the next eight Sundays we will be preaching through these ministry values.

This week, Erik Thoennes will preach on the first and foundational ministry value from which all the others flow, GOD’S GLORY. Kenny Clark will lead our sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare? And let’s turn that doxology from Romans 11 into a prayer of preparation for our gathered worship this week.

Heavenly Father, you are able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, glorify yourself in greater measure in our church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!

SEP 14            God’s Glory
SEP 21            Christ-Centered Worship
SEP 28           The Great Commission
OCT 5             Biblical Preaching
OCT 12           Priesthood of Believers & Elder Leadership
OCT 19           Elder Leadership & Spirit-Led
OCT 26           Diverse Unity & Simplicity
NOV 2            Children & Youth