City and Distinctions
City and Distinctions
We live in skinny, sarcastic, evangelicalized, smart, comfortable, suburban Roseville. In an effort to be a church on mission for Jesus in Roseville we aim to be distinctly serious, focused, missional, masculine, and sacrificial. (see below)
Our context determines our distinctions. While all true churches will share the same Biblical identity and mission, there will be distinctions in how they live this out. These distinctions, or differences, will be based on the culture in which a church exists. So a church in urban Sacramento will look differently than a church in suburban Roseville. While they will not be different (identity and mission will be the same), they will look different as they seek to reach a different culture with the Gospel of Jesus. To emphasize this, we talk about “holding our distinctions in an open hand.” Because the culture around us will change, so will our distinctions, our methods, and our forms. (see 1 Corinthians 9:22-23)
How is Veritas Church distinct?
Veritas is no different from many other local churches in that we are a people seeking to honor God by reflecting his character to the culture around us. However, as we seek to do this in the context of skinny, sarcastic, evangelicalized, smart, comfortable, suburban Roseville, we have some distinctions that may set us apart as we seek to declare and demonstrate the gospel right here right now.
Distinctly Serious (Veritas is theologians)
We see real and notional Christians who are Biblically illiterate and so we deeply stress the relevance and authority of the Bible in our lives. Much of the ineffectiveness of the church today can be traced to a lack of good, sound doctrine being taught and treasured. Christians will have a difficult time pushing back darkness and spreading the good news of Jesus if they are unable to wield their sword, which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:17; Colossians 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 1 Timothy 4:6,11-16; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:22-23).
Distinctly Focused (Veritas is gospel-centered)
We see local churches emphasizing, encouraging, and perpetuating a strong devotion to things other than the Gospel. We believe this is both unhelpful and sinful. Therefore, we desire to be a people who saturate everything we do with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We want to plant new churches as well as partner with existing churches to push through cultural stereotypes of church and Christian in an effort to proclaim the good news of Jesus locally and globally. (Jeremiah 32:16-17; Romans 10:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 Timothy 4:1-5).
Distinctly Missional (Veritas is missionaries)
We see people avoiding church services and functions and so we see ourselves as missionaries. We live in a culture where most people have been to church and said “no thanks.” If Veritas is going to be effective in reaching people with Christ it will have to abandon a model of inviting people to the church and embrace a model of taking the church to people. One who does this is called a missionary, and is on Christ’s mission. (Matthew 5:16; John 20:21; Romans 10:14-15; 1 Corinthians 9:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Colossians 4:2-6; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:15).
Distinctly Masculine (Veritas is men)
We see weak men abdicating responsibility and so we boldly challenge men to love and lead in their hearts, their families, their churches, and their cities. Many of the problems in our local churches and society are rooted in weak men. Scripture teaches us that God holds men responsible in a unique and significant way, and so we consistently challenge men to “take hold” of their lives and follow Jesus. (Genesis 3:9; Ephesians 5:23-25; 1 Timothy 3:4-5; 5:8; 1 Timothy 6:12).
Distinctly Sacrificial (Veritas is servants)
We are, by many standards, a wealthy community, and we see people suffering locally and globally. Therefore, we desire to use our freedom and wealth to ease the suffering of those who are helpless. God consistently challenges his people to open their eyes and serve those who are fatherless and helpless, caring for the body as well as the soul. Individually, and collectively, we want to live below our means and give up what God has given us in order to meet local and global needs. (Psalm 82:3-4; James 1:27; 2:14-17; 1 John 3:17-19).
