FOTW - UGANDA
Many people in their attempts to avoid discomfort, suffering or death, end up in cycles of selfish activity, distracted from more noble pursuits in life.
We believe those who:
- are taught the way of Jesus
- are initiated into his suffering and death
- participate in the events and practices of the church
Gain knowledge, power and liberation from fear, allowing them to progress in the virtues that manifest God's kingdom on earth.
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. - Proverbs 14:12
WHAT WE STRIVE TO BE:
RELATIONAL
We believe building healthy relationships in our communities is the foundation for creating and living in a better world.
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12
STRATEGIC
Life is filled with many distractions. We believe it is important to keep focused on the ideal and continually seek a clear path forward.
But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.
Philippians 3:13
INTENTIONAL
Following the way of life is difficult and takes intentionality to live it out. Putting knowledge into practice is the key to changing the world.
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
Matthew 7:24
Things We Do That Make Us Who We Are
Agape
Our Lords Supper and Agape are times we share a meal together, reflect on our lives, confess sin, and share how we are doing spiritualy. We conclude by collectively partaking of the broken body and blood of Jesus (bread and wine) giving us power to endure the suffering necessary to live a life commited to virtue.
Corporate Gatherings
Unity in Spirit requires a common worship around common values. Life can become distracting and confusing at times but when we consistently come together in remembrance and agreement on what unites us, we get stronger. These times of celebration and fellowship, forge relationships and help us update what it means to live a holy life in a changing world.
Christoformity
Transformation in character is made possible when people are willing to be open and honest about who they are and intentional in directing their attention.
Without the willingness to admit failure, we confuse ourselves about where we are and cannot properly orient ourselves in the world.
Our Christoformity groups are designed as a place to share our life's stories and be known...a place to hear others stories and realize you are not alone on this difficult journey…a place where your honesty and the honesty of others, ground you in reality and gain you freedom, clarity, and motivation in life.
...we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. - Ephesians 4:15
OUR PURPOSE
We live life teetering on the edge of chaos. At any moment our lives can be shattered by sickness, death or betrayal by a loved one. Many people, in their attempt to hold their own world together, become distracted from noble pursuits and resort to lying, cheating, stealing and betrayal. These vices may give temporary relief to suffering, but in the long term, they tear communities apart, leaving people stuck in cycles of anger, isolation, loneliness and depression, filled with guilt, fear, and shame. We believe communities are held together by those who embody the virtues as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. We believe those who are initiated into the suffering and death of Jesus, through baptism, become the pillars that are willing to endure suffering without retaliation or bitterness. They become people willing to sacrifice their own lives before engaging in activities that tear apart their families or communities. We envision communities that are continualy giving attention to the things that are lacking, and thereby intentionaly renewing their pursuits, producing a ever evolving dance of love. We believe following Christ requires giving attention to all aspects of life, from mindset to skillset to business and charity.
Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Romans 6:3