Identity Statement
The purpose of Sunnybrook Church is to reach unbelievers and the unchurched; to connect them with other followers of Christ, to help them grow, and foster the growing to discover their ministry and honor God as they journey through life.
What is the drive behind our church?
HONOR
Celebrate God’s presence in all that we do and with our lifestyle. Honoring God can be done many ways; true worship is doing anything because of your love for God; some examples of worship are praying, hearing/studying Scripture, giving, singing, meditating, and communion.
CONNECT
Being with and interacting with other believers. True fellowship happens when people are known, cared for, held accountable and encouraged throughout their spiritual journey.
The 5 purposes are found in “The Great Commandment” and “The Great Commission”.
The Great Commandment:
Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart (worship/honor) and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself (ministry/discover). All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:37-40
The Great Commission:
Therefore go and make disciples (evangelism/reach) of all nations, baptizing them (fellowship/connect) in the name of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey (discipleship/grow) everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
GROW
Build up and strengthen believers in their mission to be like Christ. This purpose is accomplished by spending alone time with God, having an accountability partner, Bible study, being involved in the community and being committed to the community.
DISCOVER
Helping people discover their unique ministry God has created them for by: Assist them in discovering their spiritual gifts; combining them with their passions and abilities, and factoring in their personality and experiences. Help people learn how to put their gifts into practice.
REACH
Our mission is to see as many people saved as possible. Leadership should be an example for other believers in the church as to how this is done. Reaching nonbelievers is a responsibility of every Christian. Growth will not happen because of evangelistic programs, but through evangelical people.
Through these 5 dimensions of the church we will grow:
Stronger through honoring God
Warmer through connecting with other believers
Deeper through growing in our faith
Broader through discovering our personal ministries
Larger through reaching nonbelievers
The fruits these purposes will produce in a healthy church:
1. Repentance Matthew 3:8, Luke 13:5-9
2. Practicing Truth Matthew 7:16-21, Colossians. 1:10
3. Answered Prayer John 15:7-8
4. Christ-like Character 1 John 2:6, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 1 Peter 2:21
5. Winning Unbelievers Proverbs 11:30