Going
Catalyst is committed to carrying out its mission with an incarnational heartbeat and a missional mindset. The heart of going is derived from the heart of God to send His one and only Son into this awful, sin-ridden world becoming one of us, taking on human flesh for the very purpose of revealing Himself as our Joy and Redeemer. Jesus lived, died and rose with us and for us. Our heart is to be “with” the people of this world, side by side, with the heart of our Redeemer. Our mind is set on carrying out the mission of Jesus as catalysts of transformation in the lives of people. As a centrifugal community of faith, we will be “going” as the Great Commission assumes to speak the truth and share the love of Jesus Christ.
Striving to always be….
Thinking relationally
A church that transforms the lives of people will focus heart and soul on people, not programs. Recent church history has revealed a church that provides a plethora of programming to meet the felt needs of people in their community. Most strategic efforts are directed toward finding the most attractive and/or engaging program(s) and inviting people within the community to “come and see”. Catalyst will focus its missionary strategy on the existing network of relationships that people have and send people to be the living presence of Jesus inviting people into their homes, share a meal, and build relationships with their neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family members. Relationships transform people, not programs. Programs are tools used by the church to teach within the context of relationship.
Practicing hospitality
Hospitality is one of Catalyst’s primary practices. What we do not mean here is “hanging out with our Christian friends.” We will be intentional about developing relationships with those who have not known the truth or experienced the love of Jesus Christ. God has provided us with homes that we might be hospitable, not hermits hiding Jesus from our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family. Our homes play a major part in our ability to touch the lives of people with Jesus’ love.
Serving locally
The people of our world assume that Christians have an agenda. People see Christians as unwilling to love them unless they come to their church or “get saved.” Catalyst is committed to serving people just to serve people. We intend to love people because simply loving people, even if they don’t come to the next church service, is at the heart of Jesus. Serving allow us as well to transform the lives of people in physical and emotional ways. Painting a house for a single mom transforms her life and brings her joy. Catalyst will serve felt needs as well as spiritual right here in our local community. Missions is on our street.
Meeting attractively
Emphasis will be given to people, hospitality, and simple acts of service. Yet, we will do all we can to not abandon an appropriate level of excellence in all we do. Our gatherings will strive to be attractive, enjoyable, and life-giving. We reject any notion that church is entertainment but embracing sub-par ministry in a world that expects excellence will hinder our ability to carry out the mission of Jesus. Again, there is no need to create any barriers for people to know Christ. What attracts people most to Jesus is His matchless power and love, not gatherings that have the best media, technology and sound. Catalyst will do all it can to meet in a way that fosters a connection with Jesus’ love.
Giving & sending globally
There needs to a shift from thinking that mission is in some other country on some other continent to a mindset that thinks locally. But the needs afar still exist. Jesus gave the disciples a local and global vision for missions in Acts 1:8, “...you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Catalyst is committed to giving and sending globally.