Our vision is centered around the West Houston family being disciples who make disciples in West Houston and around the world.
hope
To be clear, our hope is found in Christ alone. As disciples, our hope is deeply rooted and anchored in the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And, it is only because of the gospel that we can have hope. “Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Hope fills us with a sense of anticipation of what God has done, is doing and is going to do. It (hope) is both a present and future reality. We live in a world that is filled with a sense of hopelessness—therefore, our mission as a church is to offer Jesus as a living hope to the world. The gospel compels us to live life with a sense of eternal urgency and share this good news (hope) with our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. It also means that we are committed to seeing the good news of the gospel advance around the world through foreign missions. Romans 8:32 says: “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Our hope lies in the reality of what Christ has done for us in order to make us right before God. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
healing
Healing (true healing) comes about when my life intersects the life of Jesus. Healing means that I have received forgiveness in my life and, therefore, have been made whole—spiritually speaking. As we read through the gospels we see Jesus offering healing to those he encounters by offering the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, healing is tied to the good news of the gospel because it means that I have been justified (made right) and sanctified (made holy) as a believer in Christ. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5. In short, healing means that my relationship with God has been made right and that transformation has taken place in my life. Healing also means that brokenness is being restored in my life. We all experience brokenness at different times for various reasons—therefore we all need healing. Healing means that we are willing to extend grace, kindness, compassion and forgiveness to others because we have all received grace upon grace in our own lives. As a church, we are a group of committed believers to help others find healing in their lives as well. Admittedly, healing is an ongoing process (a work of God) in my life that is never ending. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24.
home
Home means that I have found a community and sense of connectedness with other believers. Home means that we are a family and I have a place where I belong. Home means that I am free to be myself and am accepted for who I am as I grow in maturity towards Christ. Home means that church is a place where I can experience meaningful relationships, connectedness, joy, laughter and fun. Home means that there is a sense of discovery and learning that takes place in my life as I grow as a disciple. Home also means that I am expected to utilize my spiritual gifts by serving the body of Christ at West Houston—we all have different roles and responsibilities as a member of this family. Home also says something about my willingness to offer hospitality to the stranger. In addition, home means that I have a responsibility to give financially to support the work and ministry of my church family. Home means that we treat one another with a sense of love, honor and respect. “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:13-14