Our Theme & Vision:

With God's Help,
We can do BETTER...
Why this theme:

John Wesley's central focus for the early Methodists was: "To reform the nation, particularly the church, and to spread SCRIPTURAL HOLINESS through the land."

Central to his idea of the purpose of the early Methodists was the notion of SANCTIFICATION and CHRISTIAN PERFECTION. This is to say that Wesley believed that every person claiming the name of Christ ought always to be in the process of growth in grace: SANCTIFICATION. In addition, SANCTIFICATION is always aimed at the goal of PERFECTION in love in this life. Though few may attain this highest standard, and fewer still will sustain it, this standard of PERFECTION must always be our aim. Jesus taught "Be ye perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." Our Lord would not give us a command that he did not believe we could pursue and, with God's help achieve. Our choice is plain in this matter, either we strive WITH GOD'S HELP for PERFECTION, or we settle for something less. We either aim for the target, or we aim to miss it. WITH GOD'S HELP, WE CAN DO BETTER...

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH in Hawkinsville, Georgia was a beautiful church even before our renovations. The paint had grown tired, the pews were not evenly spaced or securely bolted, the carpet was worn and the social hall lighting was out of date. But it was a beautiful church. Still, we knew that it could be better.

We are an dynamic church, with creative activities for many age groups and meaningful worship services. We could, if so inclined, continue to do what we have always done, in the ways that we have always done it, and we would, by most accounts, be doing fine. But WITH GOD'S HELP, WE CAN DO BETTER...

We have a functioning administrative order that has served us well for a number of years. Those who attend the administrative meetings, function well and make positive decisions. Our structure seems cumbersome at times, but is adequate. But WITH GOD'S HELP, WE CAN DO BETTER...

We minister in and to our community with a ministry of presence, giving and leadership. Yet often our leadership in the community is as representative of social clubs and businesses than of the God who has called us to serve him. In our community work, we do well: But WITH GOD'S HELP WE CAN DO BETTER...

We draw others into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. We have patterns and programs in place to train our young people in discipleship. Our evangelism statistics are in line with those of other comparable churches in similar situations. Yet as long as there is one lost soul within reach of our church's ministry, our task is not done. WITH GOD'S HELP, WE CAN DO BETTER...

To make this bold claim is not to raise questions about what God has done or is doing through this community of faith. It is rather to recognize the power of God to transform our lives in His image. It is not so much an acknowledgement that our best efforts will always come up short, as it is an affirmation that through the power and Spirit of the Living God, our best efforts can be even more useful. For the one who has called us is also the one who empowers us. WITH GOD'S HELP, WE CAN DO BETTER...

This theme and vision, takes into account the many things that we do well at First United Methodist Church. It also takes into consideration those things that we lack, either through a lack of resources or a lack of will. It is broad enough to call for change in every aspect of our ministry together. It is specific enough to challenge us to go beyond even our best efforts.

The theme can be worked out:

		Through example in and through the ministers and leaders of the congregation.
		Through constant and creative presentation of the idea of improvement
		Through sermons and teaching on the theological and practical implications of SANCTIFICATION
		Through creative dissemination of the theme throughout the congregation and community
		Through targeted, specific, measurable points of reference