Statement of Direction

The following Statement of Direction points towards five particular areas, or “edges,” in which Session believes God is calling us to participate. In the past, the creation of such a statement has been useful: as a discipline in helping us look and listen for where God is already at work; as a tool for budget preparation; and as a means of encouraging different ministry areas to work together towards the same priorities.

The Statement below is not an attempt to list all of Bethany’s ministries, nor should it be seen as marginalizing any of them. Rather, the Statement highlights five particular areas of life and ministry where we believe God is calling us to mature.

Statement of Direction
October 2007

We believe that God is always leading us into deeper discipleship and community, nurturing us and teaching us through scripture, worship, small groups, classes and relationships of many kinds. As we try to follow Christ and share His love and His message of redemption and reconciliation in the world, we believe that God is specifically calling us at this time and in this place to:

1. Model, teach and encourage our community in pursuing a sabbath lifestyle, intentionally choosing to reduce the busyness of life in order to free up space for God and people.
   
2. Live proactively as responsible stewards of God’s good creation, teaching and giving our community tools to care for our environment.
   
3. Build bridges between our Sunday congregation and our Wednesday Night Dinner community.
   
4. Care compassionately for those affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa, particularly in Kenya.
   
5. Pursue loving relationships across racial barriers, particularly in our Seattle community.