The only motivation for reaching out is the love of Christ. We are commanded to go into all the world and preach the gospel, but if our motivation is simply obedience to the Great Commission, we will become either prideful of our successful obedience when we do well, or discouraged and resentful of our burden when we do poorly. Instead, we are to reach out into our neighborhoods, cities, and the world with the love of Christ that has been given to us. (“Love as I have loved you…” “He who has been forgiven much, loves much…”)
We do not want to be a merely a church in the community (physical presence with little to no relational connection), or even a church for the community (possessing a desire to help “those people” as a charity project, still with little to no relational connection), but a church with the community—recognizing that the community has needs, but also has strengths and much to offer. We are therefore equals as human beings created in God’s image, and approach others with dignity and respect, taking the time necessary to know people, listen to them and learn their stories, pray for them and with them. We are not only “givers” in our relationships, thus relegating others to be perpetual recipients, but we are also teachable, willing to learn and to be challenged; we are both givers as well as receivers in our relationships. In short, we seek to accept and love people where they are, affirming all that is good, even as we are uncompromising in our proclamation of the gospel as the only hope for salvation.
Beyond our own community, we seek to be a church that is committed to the great commission. Therefore, we are involved with and support mission work in the greater Pittsburgh area and throughout the world.