When I speak, I know exactly what I mean. Since you are not a mind-reader, sometimes you are puzzled about my statements.
This past week and in some previous weeks, I have toyed with the idea of a modification of our name. For short, I usually just say Peace Haven.
Officially, the name of our corporate entity is Peace Haven Church. We are a non-profit. I mentioned a few weeks ago the idea of calling ourselves Peace Haven Ministries. The reason is that the word, church, brings things to mind things that are not a representation of who we are or who we want to be.
I want us to be known as ministering and serving people, not just people who attend and observe those who minister. That was my reason for considering the name Peace Haven Ministries.
Then, to further confuse you, I introduced the name Peace Have Life last Sunday.
After a few days to think and pray about it, here is where I am now. Peace Haven Church is our corporate name. There is probably no need to change it. Peace Haven Ministries is what we do. It is related to our mission. Peace Haven Life is the culture we want to bring into existence and nurture.
The mission statement I have considered and proposed is: “Our mission is to reveal to the world what God is like by building, encouraging, and restoring people, and helping them discover a meaningful way of living.“
That meaningful way of living is what I will call, Peace Haven Life. The characteristics of Peace Haven Life are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. These are the fruit of living in the presence and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We want to be involved in ministries that exemplify what I will call Peace Haven Life.
Over the next few weeks, I hope to bring greater clarity to that vision.
My Thoughts 