A Season of Vision: September 2025-May 2026
Where We Started
Why Mission Matters | September Town Hall Recording | Town Hall Highlights
We started by asking:
- Who are we as a church?
- What sort of work does God have for us to do—in His Kingdom, in our community, and in one another’s lives?
These are questions of mission and vision. Mission is about what we do. It helps us steward our time and energy for the sake of God’s Kingdom. It ensures we’re not just busy, but faithful. Vision is about where we’re going. It articulates our shared dream for the Kingdom, our city, and our church. Ultimately, it shapes our actions so that we arrive at a destination.
A clear mission and vision provide not only clarity but also helps to unify us and focus our efforts on a common direction. These are necessary elements for our church to thrive.
Where We Are Now (May 2026)
CGS Mission and Vision
Approved by the CGS Session: April 2026
Renewed CGS Mission
Led by God’s Word and Spirit, the Church of the Good Shepherd seeks to glorify God by proclaiming the gospel, shaping faithful followers of Jesus in grace-filled intergenerational community, and loving our neighbors in Durham, Chapel Hill, and the world.
Renewed CGS Vision
We envision our church so filled with the transforming power and love of God that people find new life in the risen Christ, experience restoration in broken relationships, and are sent out by the Holy Spirit to bring flourishing to families, schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces, reconciling generations and cultures under the shelter of God’s grace.
Mission Pillars
1. Proclaiming the Gospel
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the primary catalyst of God’s work in the world.
We proclaim the gospel and align our lives to its truth in every aspect of our church.
- Christ-Centered & Biblically Grounded Worship
We offer reverent, joy-filled worship rooted in the authority of Scripture, trusting God’s Word to renew minds, awaken hearts, and shape lives. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Psalm 100; John 4:23-24; Romans 12:1-2) - Evangelism as a Way of Life
We weave gospel witness into the fabric of our life together. Those who are not yet Christians are welcomed into meaningful belonging as they explore Christ, ask honest questions, and are called to repentance and faith. (Romans 1:16-17; 10:6-17; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21) - Ongoing Gospel Renewal
We continually return to the cross of Christ. Through repentance, faith, and Spirit-empowered obedience, we pursue personal and corporate renewal so that grace remains the animating power of our identity and mission. (Luke 9:23-25; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:15-20)
2. Gathering a Grace-Filled Community
The gospel does not merely save individuals — it creates a people.
We gather as a visible expression of Christ’s reconciling grace.
- Deep & Authentic Relationships
We cultivate a church where people are known and loved. Because of God’s grace, we move from polished appearances to honest presence, confession, encouragement, and shared burdens. (Romans 12:9-16; Philippians 2:1-4) - Intergenerational & Reflecting our Context
We intentionally foster relationships across all ages and backgrounds. Newcomers experience warm hospitality; youth and older adults learn from one another; our congregation aspires to reflect the rich diversity of Christ’s kingdom. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalms 78:1-7; Galatians 3:28-29) - Grace-Shaped Fellowship
We create environments where repentance is safe, forgiveness is real, and the Spirit works through mutual prayer, Scripture, and encouragement to bring healing and spiritual growth. (Galatians 5:13-14; 6:2-5; Colossians 3:15-16; Hebrews 10:23-25; James 5:16)
3. Shaping Faithful Followers of Jesus who grow and are equipped for every sphere of life
We make and mature disciples who represent Christ faithfully in every calling.
- Whole-Life Discipleship
We shape believers who think biblically, love graciously, and live faithfully — walking in both gospel-humility and Spirit-empowered confidence. (Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 1:17-23; Colossians 1:9-11; 2 Peter 1:3-4) - An Equipping Culture
We are not merely a learning community but an equipping one. Members are trained in Scripture, prayer, discernment, stewardship, and courageous obedience. Fruitful growth is expected, normal, and celebrated. (Ephesians 2:10; 4:11-14; 6:10-18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17) - Mentorship & Leadership Development
We intentionally develop pathways from new believer to mature disciple to ministry leader. (Hebrews 5:11-6:3; 1 John 2:12-14) Spiritual gifts are discovered and deployed for building up the body and extending gospel impact. (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:15-16) - Mobilizing the Whole Church
We seek to equip all members to serve in meaningful ways, both inside and outside the church. (Galatians 6:9-10; Colossians 4:5-6; 1 Peter 4:10-11)
4. Loving Our Neighbors in Durham, Chapel Hill, and the World
The love of Christ compels us outward in tangible service and courageous witness.
- Local Presence
We engage our neighborhoods, schools, campuses, and workplaces with humility and boldness — sacrificially seeking the flourishing of Durham, Chapel Hill, and the broader Triangle. (Jerimiah 29:7; Matthew 5:13-16; 22:37-39; Galatians 6:9-10) - Mercy, Justice & Generosity
We care for the marginalized, advocate for the vulnerable, steward our resources faithfully, and pursue justice shaped by biblical truth and compassion. (Micah 6:8; Psalms 82:3-4; Proverbs 31:8-9; Matthew 25:31-46) - Strategic Partnerships
We collaborate with other churches and gospel-centered ministries, recognizing that responsibility for kingdom impact extends beyond our congregation. (1 Corinthians 3:5-9; Titus 3:13; 3 John 1:5-8) - Global & Campus Mission
We actively support global missions, welcome internationals, strengthen campus connections—especially through campus ministries—and participate in God’s work among the nations. (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 15:20, 23-24; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelations 5:9-10)
Four Pillars
Proclaim
Gather
Shape
Love
How It All Fits Together
Proclaim the gospel
→ We are called by God’s grace
Gather in grace
→ We are shaped amongst God’s people
Shape faithful disciples
→ We are equipped for God’s mission
Love our neighbors
→ We make Christ known in God’s world
Our Prayer
That led by God’s Spirit and grounded in His Word,
the Church of the Good Shepherd would glorify Him
As people find new life in the risen Christ,
the broken are restored,
and people are sent out to bring flourishing
to families, neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces.