Introduction and Mission Statement
The Goal-Setting Process
Historical Background
The Continuing Challenge
The Goals
Conclusion

As Creekwood Christian Church anticipates its second decade, its members have sought God's leading and direction to respond to the growth of our congregation and the communities we serve. We are no longer an infant congregation, but a church of stature and strength. In our mission statement, we find the seeds of the goals we have set for the years 2000-2005 as we seek to be faithful witnesses to Christ.

Gather to worship God
We wish to deepen our worship experience by embracing new and varied forms of expression. That may include building on our traditions with new music, new readings and new patterns as we try to better connect with each other and with our Creator.

Remember the story of God in Jesus Christ
We strive to enhance the ways adults and children can grow in their faith through Sunday School, Bible studies and other small group experiences. As our church grows, we seek more ways to understand scripture and apply it to our lives.

Accept one another as Christ accepts us
Each of us is unique, yet we are all children of God. We want to more fully embrace the needs and gifts of our members, prospective members and all whom we encounter in our lives.

Care for all God has created
We are called to be more attentive to caring for each other and for those outside our church walls. In a growing congregation, there are many personal needs to be ministered to. In a growing area and in a troubled world, there are even more. We also seek ways to be better stewards of God's earth, even as we worship amid the sprawl of suburbia.

Extend an invitation to discipleship
We want to reach out more effectively to our community. Many of those who live around us do not know where to turn for help. Most are unchurched. We want to better welcome and serve them by offering programs of interest and drawing them into a caring community of faith.

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The goal-setting process

Five goals were set in 1999 through an extensive process of congregational discernment. Those goals were then revisited in the fall of 2001 after Creekwood's founding minister, Richard L. Spleth, was called as the regional minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana.

An interim Steering Committee was charged with evaluating Creekwood's progress toward the goals and discerning whether they still reflected the congregation's priorities. This was accomplished by getting input through an all-church survey initiated by the Pulpit Committee, a "town hall meeting" attended by 50 members and a survey of a group of new church members. A strong consensus emerged that the goals and topics covered in the original New Vision Report remain an important blueprint for the congregation's growth. We repeat the original goals here, along with comments on what progress has been made toward accomplishing them, what congregation members said about them, and how we can proceed toward meeting the goals.

The Steering Committee was comprised of chairwoman Nancy Keiser, Walt Bollman, Diane Connolly, Melissa Horn, Vern Mayfield, Troy Mills, Dana Morgan, Mike Pedigo, Steve Schmidt and Transitional Minister Jerry Kirkpatrick.

The 1999 goals came about through a months-long discernment process that included a board retreat, a congregational survey and a series of home meetings with congregation members. The New Vision Committee was comprised of co-chairs Mike Pedigo and Deena Reeve, Nancy Keiser, Eric Brown, Kay Hagadone, Wes Clarke, Betty Brett, Colleen Vanderbilt, Patricia Clark and Rick Spleth.

The New Vision Report builds on the success of The Next Step, a long-range planning document completed in 1995.

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Historical background

Creekwood Christian Church was organized in 1992 as a new church start of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The North Texas Area of the Christian Church, its sponsoring body, wished to respond to the rapid population growth in the communities of Flower Mound, Lewisville, Highland Village, and Coppell.

A Project Advisory Committee of 12 people from six congregations was formed in July 1991. Seven acres of land was purchased in Flower Mound in January 1992, and Rick Spleth was called as minister in May. He began serving the new congregation in August 1992, and the first worship service took place on December 6 of that year.

Creekwood met for its first 28 months in the Garden Ridge Elementary School in Flower Mound. In April 1995 it occupied 7,200 square feet of leased retail space in the Meadow Glen Plaza of Lewisville. The church moved into a permanent building of 10,000 square feet in November 1998. In November 2000, a portable unit was added for classroom space.

In June 2001, Creekwood members financed the first third of a $750,000 capital campaign, which will pay for the design of a second education building and a downpayment on its construction. It also paid for a parking lot expansion and a second portable unit, which were both put in place in November. It is anticipated that the next capital campaigns will pay for construction of the second education building and, later, a permanent sanctuary.

Since its birth, Creekwood has grown steadily in physical facilities, staff and worship attendance. In addition to a full-time minister, it now has a full-time children's minister and secretary and a part-time youth minister and evangelism director.
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The Continuing Challenge

Raising the roof from from 'pastoral' to 'program'

Creekwood has already succeeded by becoming larger than many American Protestant congregations and most Disciples congregations. Now it faces the important challenge of moving from a pastoral- to a program-size church.

Pastoral-size churches typically average 50-150 in worship and are single-cell organisms, "one big family," served and supported by a single pastor to whom all persons relate closely. In fact, the growth of such churches often depends on the popularity of the pastor. Churches that outgrow that model, but choose not to change, tend to shrink back to a size that one pastor can handle.

Now, with an average worship attendance of 250, Creekwood has become a program-size congregation. While the pastor is still central to such a church, his/her role shifts. The pastor is called to motivate, recruit, plan, train, evaluate, coordinate, and to build consensus and trust. Lay leadership becomes vital, and many leader cells and programs must be developed.

A program church is a multi-celled organism that includes a variety of dynamic ministries, headed by program staff and dedicated lay leaders. A variety of programs and ministries are offered that address the diverse needs of unique individuals.

A congregation can grow to 400 or more in worship with this model. When the model is working well, individual members will feel even better served by their congregation than in the pastoral-size church. They will have more places of "attachment" -- a richer palette of worship, educational, fellowship, and service opportunities, a diversity of staff members to whom they can relate, and a variety of trained lay leaders whose charge it is to nurture their involvement and care.

The Steering Committee offers its report on these program goals, built upon our Mission Statement, with the assumption that Creekwood can make a full and successful transition from a pastoral- to a program-size congregation.

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The Goals

Here we present the five goals as they appeared in the 2000 New Vision Report. Each is followed by the Steering Committee's midterm report on what progress has been made as of January 2002.

We added a sixth goal, about outreach and mission. While outreach was not addressed in the original five goals, an entire page of the New Vision report was devoted to cataloging members' outreach efforts to the community and the world. That sense of importance was confirmed in the recent congregational survey and town hall meeting. Members expressed tremendous support of and pride in Creekwood's outreach efforts. For that reason, the Steering Committee chose to include outreach as a primary goal for the church.

Goal 1: Embrace new and varied forms of worship
Through worship we give glory and praise to God. Through our worship life we connect ourselves to one another and to our Maker and Creator. We live in a time when new worship patterns are emerging to give witness to our faith.

The worship life of our congregation can be enriched as we share the rich and varied ways that people of faith have worshipped our God. Creekwood's worship life could be described as "traditional." As such, it offers an alternative to many other new congregations in the community whose worship life would be described as "contemporary."

While such terms are rather broad, "traditional" Protestant worship services in our era would be typified by a structured order of service with bulletin, hymnbooks, candles, and acolytes, robed clergy and/or choir, and music life supported, primarily, by organ and/or piano, and an emphasis on liturgical life -- the Lord's Supper and baptism. "Contemporary" worship usually refers to a less structured service, often an auditorium-like setting, projected words for songs, an absence of liturgical robes and symbols, an emphasis on preaching and conversion, and music support often by keyboards, drums, and guitars.

While maintaining our "traditional style," we believe that our worship life can be enhanced by variations that allow us to experience worship in fresh ways. This means being open to the renewal of worship offered by contemporary services, and also seeking to rediscover ancient rites and practices that may find fresh life among us. Possibilities might include a re-arrangement, on occasion, of the seating for worship, and the order of the service. Exploring different styles of corporate and personal prayer could draw us closer to God. The inclusion of camp songs, gospel hymns, and praise choruses, alongside the traditional hymns, is desirable so that worshippers have the opportunity to experience a variety of musical styles. The choir and soloists could be used to teach new hymns and responses to the congregation within the context
of worship and support them as they sing.

In addition, the expansion of musical groups will benefit this goal. We envision children's choirs, youth choirs, handbell choirs, and other ensembles. All persons with musical gifts and talents, vocal and instrumental, should be encouraged to participate in these programs. The congregation should seek the finest professional staff that is available and affordable to enable this program. The occasional use of cantatas and special music groups should be planned.

Implications for building/budget/staff
To implement this goal over the five-year period the congregation will likely need to expand music staff. A half-time position, covered by one or more persons, will be needed to give leadership to a variety of musical groups. Rehearsal and storage space are needed as well, none of which presently exists. The congregation should strive to set aside a specific room for music ministries when the building is expanded. Musical instruments, tables and music will need to be purchased, along with a rehearsal piano or keyboard. Changes in worship order and style are not expected to impact building or budget.

2002 => Where we are today

Accomplishments
As Creekwood has grown, so has the quality of our worship. The repertory of music has expanded through the use of newer hymns, contemporary music, solos, and special instruments. The seating has been rearranged for some services. Special music is presented during Lent and Advent. Children and youth are more frequent participants and leaders in worship.

Congregational input
Our congregation is becoming more diverse in religious backgrounds and former affiliations. As a result, we have varied expectations of what worship is and what it is not. Many members vigorously expressed interest in different forms of worship. The strongest desire was for more variety in the music we sing and listen to. Many members would like to have a greater mix of contemporary Christian music in worship.

Many also said they wanted a more emotionally expressive worship service. Most emphasized that it was critical that the service include a strong proclamation of the Word and that it give them a successful "kick-start" to their week. Some expressed a desire for more special Sunday evening services, the addition of a Saturday night service and a strengthening of the music program in the 8:30 a.m. service.

How we move forward
The tenor and quantity of the congregation's response to this goal was overwhelming. It is evident that a significant number in our congregation feel much remains to be done to successfully meet this goal. Therefore, the Steering Committee recommends that this goal receive considerable, focused attention by the Church Board and the Worship Committee. We recommend that the Worship Committee immediately begin to assess where there are opportunities for enhancing worship, realizing that our new senior minister will provide additional leadership when he/she arrives.

When this goal has been met…

...the congregation will gather each week in worship with a sense of excitement and expectation that they will come away renewed and changed. Though grounded in an ordered format that provides continuity and quality, our worship life will escape a sense of "sameness" week in and week out, and instead reflect a sense of the variety of God's Spirit. We will intentionally seek to use a variety of music, old and new, which gives testimony to our beliefs.

Goal 2: Foster the development of small group Bible studies

It is in the setting of small groups, of approximately eight persons, that the Bible has the best opportunity of being appropriated as a living part of one's faith. In large groups, and in corporate worship, the meaning may be lost on a particular individual, and in private devotion we are captive to our own bias. In the context of a small group, however, there is the opportunity for exploration that allows greater depth of discovery. Each participant has an opportunity to ask the questions of their hearts, and to be challenged or encouraged in their understanding by their fellow student.

We recognize that the level of Biblical literacy in our congregation is woefully inadequate for a people who have claimed to be disciples. We are called to increase our knowledge and understanding so that the Word might dwell in us and we might be conduits of the Good News to others. To do so, we must know that Good News.

Our Sunday School program serves only as an introduction to study. Because of time constraints on Sunday morning, and the need for Sunday School classes to also serve other purposes, such as fellowship and pastoral care, Sunday School will never be adequate by itself to achieve our educational purposes.

The church has already begun to address the need for additional Biblical study for children and youth with the LOGOS program, which began in January 2000. This mid-week opportunity provides a significant enrichment for our children and youth in their understanding of the Christian faith. It essentially doubles the time spent in Sunday School for all who participate.

A similar opportunity is needed for adults. The congregation might materials published by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Disciple Bible Study materials published by the United Methodist Church, or similar material. All would require a commitment of approximately 90 minutes a week, outside of Sunday morning, for a set period of weeks.

Implications for building/budget/staff
Many small groups may choose to meet in homes rather than at the church for this activity, though some might choose to meet at the church and share child care there with other groups. The church staff will need to promote these opportunities and assist with the scheduling of groups and the recruitment and training of members. Some curriculums have minimal cost, while others require an investment in leader training that the church would need to underwrite.

2002 => Where we are today

Accomplishments
The LOGOS program has offered weekly Bible study for the 50 children and 40 adults who participate, and it has helped draw new members into the congregation. Special Bible studies have been held during Advent and Lent. The number of adult Sunday School classes has grown to six, giving members more options for study.

Congregational input
While many members praised youth education efforts, most said adult education needed more attention. Many said they were interested in Bible study offerings outside the Sunday School hour, such as during LOGOS or during youth meetings on Sundays. Some said they wanted in-depth Bible study. There was desire for a broader array of topics in adult Sunday School, as well as or more short-term offerings, so members could more easily rotate among classes. The church could also consider offering retreats for educational study and establishing a church library.

Lay leaders recognized that one of the most successful ways that churches grow today is by drawing in and educating members through small-group experiences. They also saw the growth of small group Bible studies as an important step toward becoming a program-based church.

How we move forward
For the church to expand opportunities for Bible study, it needs more leaders. That can be accomplished through lay leader training and occasional guest teachers from outside the congregation. We recommend that the Education Committee review the input from the town hall meeting and congregational survey and assign a task force to work toward this goal.

When this goal has been met . . .
...there will be an atmosphere within the congregation
that our activities are stimulated by our knowledge of the scripture. An increasing number of members each year will choose to participate because they find their spirituality deepened and their relationships strengthened by their contact with the scriptures in small groups. In addition, the recruitment of members for other tasks in the congregation's life will become easier as members have an awakened sense of call and purpose through their study of the Bible.

Goal 3: Offer fellowship groups and classes that address the needs of particular groups

We recognize that our congregation is no longer "one big family" but is more like a "community" or "neighborhood." In the 1995 "Next Step" report we documented that 61% of our households were composed of a husband and wife with children under 18. Four years later that number had decreased to 52%.

We celebrate our increasing diversity and eagerly embrace those singles, young marrieds, empty nesters and seniors who have come to identify Creekwood as their church home. We also recognize the need to address the particular needs of those distinct groups, and provide for an opportunity for those who are in a similar life stage to connect.

In 1997, a Senior Fellowship was formed to join together Creekwood members over the age of 55. Each month 12 to 15 persons come together for a luncheon and program. Participants in this group have experienced a change in their perception of the congregation. They see that the church cares for their needs and interest and are thankful that the Senior Fellowship has facilitated their getting to know others who are similar to themselves.

Through Sunday School classes, fellowship groups, Bible studies, retreats and the like, we can offer opportunities to connect persons in the congregation who represent distinct groups. In a "program" church, developing a Bible study or Sunday School group aimed exclusively at singles or empty nesters would not be deemed as divisive, as it might in a "pastoral" church. In addition to developing groups for persons of similar age or marital status, the congregation might also choose to link those who are going through a common life experience, such as infertility or grief.

Implications for staff/building/budget
This goal potentially increases the need for additional spaces for Sunday School rooms, if classes are expanded around this principle. In addition, scheduling conflicts could arise as groups attempt to offer programming for their members.

2002 Where we are today

Accomplishments
The First Friends program was created this year to help integrate members into the life of the church. The New Perspectives Sunday School class was added for younger adults. The Senior Fellowship group is thriving. Sports enthusiasts fielded a coed softball team and two men's teams last season. Church members formed a brass quintet that has enhanced worship and special events.

Congregational input
It was apparent in the survey that many small, diverse groups already function within Creekwood. It was equally apparent that satisfying a larger variety of needs is vital to Creekwood's growth. Members wanted more attention to programs for adults. There was desire for new ways to bring together people of similar backgrounds, such as singles, new mothers, couples without children, empty nesters and people in grief. Another challenge is finding better ways to direct new members and visitors to Sunday School classes or small groups.

Members suggested restarting some groups that once existed but later stalled, such as Christian Women's Fellowship, the Men's Group and the group of "empty nesters." Other suggestions included a children's choir, more Dinners for 8 and more sports/social activities.

How we move forward
This goal cannot be accomplished by one staff member or one committee because it touches on nearly every aspect of the church. For that reason, we recommend that the Program Council and the Church Board both consider ways to expand the number and type of fellowship groups and classes that Creekwood offers.

When this goal has been met…
...members and visitors to the church would readily be able to find other persons similar to themselves, thus quickly developing a sense of belonging. While continuing to provide fellowship opportunities across the congregation, the church will recognize the unique needs of particular groups and offer distinctive programs and ministries to address those concerns.

Goal 4: Increase pastoral care services to members of the congregation

A fear many persons have is that they may lose contact, support, and care from the church as the size of the congregation grows. With proper planning, however, their needs may be better addressed. Our church is called in the next five years to enrich our pastoral care to our members so that no person drifts away unnoticed, particularly in a time of crisis.

This might include:

• A strengthening of our Shepherding Groups as a means of maintaining contact, particularly with those persons who have minimal involvement in the program life of the congregation.
• Training for Elders in visitation and listening skills so that they increase their competency in recognizing when someone is in need.
• The development of a Stephen's Ministry, a program that trains lay persons to provide one-on-one care to those in acute crisis.
• Planned and regular follow-up on persons who have experienced a personal loss or other life change.
• Encouragement for each Sunday School class and group to have a designated "pastoral care" coordinator to follow-up on persons who are absent or inactive.
• Enhancement of "Member to Member" correspondence, whereby members of the church might communicate their prayers for those in special need.
• Use of the congregation's web page to share pastoral concerns through a password-protected area for member only access.
• The employment of a staff person to coordinate our care to one another.

Implications for building/staff/budget
Within the five-year period of this plan the congregation should seek to employ an additional staff person to oversee pastoral care. This person might also be used to facilitate the meeting of other goals, including the development of small groups for Bible study and fellowship, each of which have a component of pastoral care. The congregation will need to bear the cost of lay leader training in order to strengthen the service of its elders and develop programs such as the Stephen's Ministry.

2002 => Where we are today

Accomplishments
Shepherding groups have been revamped to focus on pastoral care. A weekly Discernment Group, a Care Givers Support Group, the First Friends program and the Member Care Committee have been developed to address the needs of individual members. Prayer cards have been made available for members to share concerns with the staff and congregation. Prayer requests are also included in the weekly newsletter. The elders have begun offering quarterly Healing and Wholeness services on Sunday nights.

Congregational input
Most members named "friendliness" and "member support" in the survey as strengths of our congregation. That said, pastoral care ranks very high in importance with most members.

Areas identified for continuing development included the following:

• Developing an attitude among members that each person has responsibility for checking up on other members.
• Further defining the role and responsibility of Shepherding Groups.
• Better explaining the roles of committees and groups that help with member care, such as the Shepherding Groups, Member Care Committee, Discernment Group and Care Giver Support Group.
• Developing more responsibility for member care within existing small groups, and making sure it is considered part of all new groups.
• More effectively monitoring member attendance and participation so that people don't "slip through the cracks" during times of transition or crisis.
• Identifying the pastoral care needs of new and prospective members to help connect them with appropriate committees and groups.
  

How we move forward
Each member shares the responsibility for pastoral care within the congregation; we cannot expect the minister and staff to completely shoulder this role for our growing membership. We recommend that the Church Board explore how training could be offered for elders, deacons and lay persons to develop pastoral care skills. We recommend that the Shepherding Group program be evaluated to make sure it is fulfilling expectations, and that the Board consider increasing the number of elders. We suggest that efforts be made to educate the congregation about the different roles various groups and committees play in member care.

When this goal is met . . .
...all who become a part of our congregation will know that they are valued and cared for as a child of God. The number of people who become inactive will lessen, and conflict among members will have less chance of arising because personal needs have been addressed.

Goal 5: Provide programs that serve the larger community and create a welcoming presence for our church in the community

The Great Commission of Jesus requires that our primary effort be to expanding the church through the proclamation of the Good News. The majority of persons living within our community are not connected to a local church. Consequently, we are called to recognize our role and responsibility by creating an invitation and welcome to those who live around us.

Our most effective evangelism is the invitation extended by our members to their neighbors, co-workers, and friends. If we are successful in enhancing our worship life, deepening our familiarity with the scripture, creating opportunities for individuals to link their lives with others, and showing care and concern in times of need, the word will spread. Our members will tell others that the investment of their life in our church grants them meaning and purpose, and, as a result, we will grow.

We are called to give witness, though, not simply to those we know, but those we do not know, and, most particularly, those who do not know God. Through workshops and seminars offered to the community we have the opportunity to extend our reach and introduce ourselves to a wider group.

Consequently the church should seek to develop periodic programs that would attract the unchurched and offer an inviting and non-threatening introduction to our congregation and its ministries. Possible topics include parenting classes, grief support, estate planning, baby-sitting training, couples communication and marriage enrichment, CPR, and the like. Through such programs the church would demonstrate concern for and involvement in the community and begin a relationship of trust.

Implications for building/staff/budget
The congregation may need to subsidize the cost of workshops so that they may be offered to the community at an attractive, affordable rate. Some investment may be needed in sound and projection equipment so that presentations may be made to large groups.

2002 => Where we are today

Accomplishments
Creekwood has provided a home for several groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous and the Flower Mound Mom's Club. In addition, the church has served as a polling place and offered popcorn to those waiting in line. The church has hosted ecumenical and interfaith services, including one on September 11, 2001, which was the only service in the Dallas area that day that included Christians, Muslims and Jews praying together.

Our church has increased its visibility through its leading role in the annual CROP Walk, which starts at the church. The addition of an evangelism director has allowed us to find more ways to reach out to the community. The tabernacle built on the front lawn during Vacation Bible School this summer gained notice in the community and toured several places of worship.

Congregational input
Many members expressed interest in actively seeking events or seminars to sponsor at the church. Suggestions included a Mother's Day Out program, marriage enrichment seminars and parenting support groups.

How we move forward
We recommend that the Church Board consider this goal and direct the Evangelism Committee and director to form a task force to work toward it.

When this goal is met . . .

...our congregation will be known throughout the community as a church that gives of itself to others. New members will have come into the life of the congregation having first attended a workshop or seminar that addressed one of their needs. Residents in the community will have a heightened respect for our congregation and value the contribution it makes to the quality of life.

Goal 6: Continually increase the amount of time, money and energy invested in outreach.

Outreach was not formally listed as a goal in the original New Vision report. It was not something members talked about striving toward; it was simply something they did, from the start, even when there was little money to do it with.

The amount of time, money and energy the church has devoted to helping those outside its walls has increased nearly every year since the church was started. This goal formalizes Creekwood's tremendous commitment to the community and world around it.

A main focus of our ministry in the community is our partnership with Christian Community Action, which provides physical, financial, educational and spiritual assistance to the poor among us. Creekwood members help with the food pantry, housing projects, fund raising, summer lunch program, and back-to-school store. They have served on the board and staff.

There are other important outlets for outreach. We give to denominational causes through gifts to Basic Mission Finance. We support programs as diverse as the airport chaplaincy and shelters for the abused. Each year youth and adults participate in a mission trip in association with neighboring Disciples churches. Creekwood takes a leading role in the annual CROP walk and sponsors two blood drives each year. Portions of our two recent capital campaigns were dedicated to improvements at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and the Christian Youth Foundation camp and conference facility in Athens, Texas.

2002 => Where we are today

Congregational input
Members who are personally involved in outreach efforts heartily endorsed them at the town hall meeting. Many highly praised Creekwood's support of CCA as an efficient and important way to serve the community. However, a good number also asked that the church expand its local outreach well beyond CCA to other efforts - which could encourage more people to participate.

How we move forward
We recommend that the Church Board consider this goal when budgeting for outreach each year and suggest that the Outreach Committee seek new ways to expand opportunities for members to become involved in outreach efforts.

Implications for building/staff/budget
This goal will necessitate more lay leadership. The Outreach Committee has already expanded from one chairperson to two; three will likely be needed to organize and shepherd a wider variety of year-round activities, promote them to members and enlist volunteers.

When this goal has been met…
...every member of the congregation will feel personally connected to the community outside the church. Each will feel actively engaged in answering Christ's call to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to visit the sick.

There will be a wide variety of opportunities for service - from Christian Community Action to mission trips to other local efforts - so that everyone has something they feel they can, and want, to do. The percentage of the church budget that goes to outreach will increase each year, to a level determined by the Board.

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Conclusion

Creekwood is just two years into the period covered by the original New Vision report. Already, much has changed. The congregation is in the process of calling a new minister, an ambitious capital campaign is under way, membership has grown to more than 450 and the church staff has expanded.

Yet by revisiting the goals set out in the year 1999, we see, too, that Creekwood's growth is built upon a firm and unchanging foundation. The congregation has made clear that its goals remain clear and strong, that it is passionate about its mission. We are proud of the progress we have made, and eager to accept the challenge of pushing ourselves to accomplish even more.

And so, through the grace of God, Creekwood members will strive to meet these goals, guided by the Holy Spirit who makes us one. Most importantly, we believe that through these goals we will remain faithful to the Great Commission given to us by our Lord to bear witness to the Good News in Christ's name.