Warmest greetings on a cold February day!
Let’s begin with a few pictures from MBC’s recent Day of Prayer. Guess what we did? Yes – we PRAYED to our almighty God – simple, yet profound and powerful.
So I’ve been in the midst of a four-part series (see below for a recap).
But, I admit, I’ve been stalling on sending Part 4. Why? Because I wanted to lay out a fully developed plan and flesh out the action items! Our leadership is diligently praying and fasting and working on that long-term sustainability planning. But things tend to move slower than I think and hope they will! Anyone able to identify? We have what appears to be a significant meeting coming up on Friday, March 10, and I’d invite you to join us in prayer about that.
In the meantime, I’ve been eagerly wanting to communicate with all of you! So here’s what I’ve decided: I’m going to finish the series by giving you all the updated mission statement language, as promised. Then I’ll pick up in future Mission Moment communications from there. So . . . stay tuned!
Here, then, is MBC’s updated Mission Statement.
Let’s break that down a bit to let it sink in!
- Montana Bible College: An independent non-denominational Bible college serving the regional church in Montana and beyond.
- Montana Bible College: In distinction from a Christian liberal arts college that puts more emphasis on the creation mandate (Genesis 1:28 – dominion/stewardship), the center/core/bullseye of a Bible College mission is driven by the Great Commission to make disciples.
- Equips: People equipped are ready for service. It’s knowledge + skill + strategy + willingness.
- Future Christian Leaders: These are the next generation . . . and the generation after that . . . and the generation after that . . . because Jesus said “Pray the Lord of the Harvest to send out laborers into His harvest field.” This mission continues until Jesus returns.
- Future Christian Leaders: These are CHRISTIAN leaders – people who know and love Jesus being equipped for leadership as bold witnesses of Jesus in whatever context God places them.
- Future Christian Leaders: We equip leaders for service in the local church, on the mission field, in the family, in the classroom, on the job, in every ministry . . . Leaders know where to go, and their example inspires others to follow.
- Gospel-Centered: People whose lives are oriented around the good news of what God has done through His Son Jesus and His continuing saving and transforming work.
- Disciple-makers: Faithful fulfillment of the Great Commission in whatever station of life we’re in, whether in full-time occupational Christian service or as strategically embedded in the culture.
- For the Glory of God: We strive to do God’s work, in God’s way, by God’s strength, following God’s lead, so that in all things it is God who gets the glory. “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36 – NASB95)
- The Advancement of His Church: Jesus is building His Church – the global body of believers through the generations. His followers participate in His work in the world, seeking first His kingdom.
It is our mission which drives us forward. It is our mission that we rally around. It is our mission that guides decisions, forms partnerships, and draws supporters. This great cause is why MBC exists.
I look forward to the next time I get to communicate with you in the Mission Moment!
With love in Jesus,
Ryan Ward – President
P.S. Here are a few items you may be interested in!
- We have scheduled an MIC / BSBC / MBC reunion for June 2-4, 2023.
- Would you like to be a prayer partner? We send out short prayer update e-mails about once a month or as needed. If you want to receive these, please e-mail Ann Ward-Turner at awardturner@
montanabiblecollege.edu.