First Christian Church of Washington (Disciples of Christ)

Greetings!
Prior to my arrival in Washington, a Long Range Plan was presented to me that included emphases on (1) Evangelism, (2) Spiritual Growth, and (3) Service. Seeking to build on a rich history of the congregation, I sincerely believe that the aims discerned by those commissioned by our congregation are part of an inspired and inspiring Long Range Plan that we are already implementing and will continue to implement over the next several weeks, months, and years.
Evangelism at FCC Washington is viewed from a holistic perspective. Jesus understood his mission to be the proclamation in word and deed that God’s eternal reign of love has already begun and will one day be fulfilled. The good news of God’s kingdom has both eternal and historical implications, and it affects every area of our personal and social, individual and collective lives. Just as Jesus proclaimed and embodied the good news of God’s healing, liberating and reconciling love, evangelism is not just something we occasionally do, it is central to who we are.
Next, we believe that each member/disciple has been gifted and empowered by the Spirit of God with an extraordinary capacity for spiritual growth. Unlike many churches that emphasize the importance of “membership,” we at FCC Washington are more interested in discipleship. So, rather than viewing “the” minister as a manager and general practitioner to whom members are dependent for spiritual matters, the ministry staff operate out of their spiritual gifts and are called by the congregation to equip disciples with the resources that are needed for spiritual growth.
Finally, we believe that every disciple has a distinct and yet inseparable calling and ministry (service) within the church and world. In the words of Frederick Buechner, “The place where God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” There are few things more fulfilling than discovering and participating in the ministries to which we have been called. The staff and lay-leaders at FCC Washington are committed to assisting disciples both in the discernment and practice of ministry.
These are just a few of the ways we are implementing what I sincerely believe is a God-given Long Range Plan. Committed to holistic evangelism, multiplying disciples, and serving the church and world, this is an exciting time to be part of a community of faith with a proud legacy and promising future.
Thrilled to be part of this extraordinary community of faith,
Rev. Jacob Kines, Ph.D.