OUR HOPE
The hope of humanity is the gospel of Jesus Christ. “Gospel” is just an old word that means “good news.” It is the story of a God who loves and pursues people beyond the edge of what anyone would think possible. You’ll hear us often refer to it as the beautiful reality of Jesus, because it is not only a story, it is the truth through which all of life begins to make sense and have meaning.
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OUR PURPOSE
Union Athens exists to see the whole of Athens made whole by the beautiful reality of Jesus.
Therefore, our mission is to make Christ followers who apply the gospel through their voices, work, and relationships, to bring restoration in every sphere of life.
OUR PLAN
We equip and empower people to live every moment in light of the promise of union with Christ and to teach others to do the same.
Throughout Scripture, whenever the gospel comes to a place, it begins to mend the divisions between peoples. Therefore, we will build relationships and serve our community cross-culturally, as well as cross-generationally, and cross-economically. We believe the church thrives not by developing clubs of similar people, but instead seeking this wholeness.
Our primary vehicle for pursuing these ends will be small groups of Christ followers, who engage in fellowship and equipping built around this vision, mission, and strategy and seek to live it out by faith together.
OUR COMMITMENTS
As we pursue our vision and mission, we are committed to living in light of the eternal values set out in 1 Corinthians 13:8-13:
TRUTH, FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE.
TRUTH
We hold to the historic faith that the love of Christ brings hope for the renewal of all things in union with him. Therefore we:
Treasure above all the good news of salvation by grace through faith in Christ.
Look to Scripture as our only standard and our Confession as a faithful guide.
Aim to walk in light of the truth in obedience and integrity.
Pray for wisdom and strength to apply and adhere to God’s word always.
FAITH
In union with Christ we have received the gift of faith in him and his work on our behalf. Therefore we:
Rehearse with each other regularly that true life is found in Christ alone.
Embrace confession and repentance as essential rhythms in daily life.
Expect the Holy Spirit to work in and through us as we follow God.
Pray for continual reminders of the love of Christ which we can never earn nor lose.
HOPE
In union with Christ we have received the gift of hope in his promise to renew all things. Therefore we:
Speak the good news of Jesus, in confidence that he will bring people to himself.
Advocate and work persistently for the dignity and restoration of marginalized people.
Create beauty which reflects the good news of Jesus wherever we have influence.
Pray for a spirit of courage to risk and innovate in ministry and outreach.
LOVE
In union with Christ we have received the gift of God’s love as adopted children forever. Therefore we:
Care for one another sacrificially, applying grace in our inevitable conflicts.
Befriend those unlike us, particularly the marginalized and even the adversarial.
Foster reconciliation by affirming any points of Scriptural agreement.
Pray for the fruit of the Spirit in all our interactions in contrast to society’s tribalism.