What does the vision statement mean?

“The Kingdom of God …”
The Kingdom of God was the focus of Jesus’ teaching, as found in 14 distinct parables. We can summarize the meaning of the Kingdom by stating that it is wherever God reigns. The Kingdom of God is a realm that followers of Jesus have entered (Col. 1:13) and can be experienced in this present age through Jesus (Luke 17:20-21). We are taught explicitly how to live as members of the Kingdom, most notably in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 – 7). The Kingdom of God advances on earth as people come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and the path of Kingdom membership involves repentance (Matt. 3:2,8) and servanthood (Matt. 20:26-28).

“…advancing among all peoples,…”
“All peoples” includes “all nations” or “tribes,” but we also mean to include every human being on the planet, regardless of ethnic background. This more inclusive meaning has lately become more important because so many people today have such a diverse ethnic heritage that they chose not to identify themselves with a specific ethnicity, tribe, or nation. Thus, “all peoples” suggests that every group and every person is uniquely treasured by God and pursued by Him. The heart of God is that everyone would come to know Him (II Pet. 3:9). We understand that Matthew 24:14 is telling us that the Second Coming of the Messiah will not occur until “all peoples” have access to the gospel message, which will permit them to know God.

“…bringing about redemption and reconciliation”
To “redeem” means to “buy back” or “win back,” providing a release from blame or a debt. God’s redemption is the “buying back” of our salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:24-25, Eph. 1:7). To “reconcile” means to “restore to harmony.” We experience reconciliation with God in our relationship with Jesus Christ (II Cor. 5:18-19), making possible also reconciliation with others. Our earthly ministry in Christ must involve announcing the Good News of redemption (the “Great Commission”) and the restorative ministry of reconciliation (the “Great Commandment”).

“…through Jesus Christ.”
Jesus is the only way to salvation; there is no other way to a saving relationship with God except through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). He is Messiah (John 1:41), the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), King of Kings and Lord of Lords (I Tim. 6:15), and the Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8). Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except through Jesus (John 14:6).