Mission Statement

Hays Vision and Mission Revised May 19th, 2025

Vision:

The Vision of Hays First United Methodist Church is to be a vibrant and transformative community where every member follows Jesus by making disciples, healing communities, and building relationships with each other and with God

Mission:

The Mission of Hays First United Methodist Church is to be a Christ-Centered Community that Gathers, Grows, Shares, and Serves

Gather- To worship, to study the word, to pray. We will always be the gathering community. Where two or three are gathered, God is.

Grow- In faith, grow in fellowship, foster meaningful relationships with each other.

Share- We will be a sharing church. We share our time, we share our money, we share the gospel. We will selflessly share what we have.

Serve- We will be serving other people, serving each other, serving Hays community, serving God’s world. We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Our Method: Love God, Love Neighbor

Goals:

1. Studying God’s Word: (Conference document- making disciples)

Focus on deepening the knowledge of God's Word and encouraging its application in daily life.

Form groups that provide a space for discipleship, accountability, and fellowship.

Equip and train leaders fostering a culture of growth and spiritual maturity.

Community Outreach: (Conference document- serve joyfully)

Partner with the local community. Engage schools to organize food drives and collect supplies for students and families in need, ensuring that the most vulnerable are cared for.

Initiate and build relationships with our community by offering support services as needed. (Lead Courageously)

Organize seasonal outreach events for our community to meet tangible needs and build relationships with neighbors.

Fellowship and Community Building

Host regular community meals to encourage fellowship and build connections between church members and neighbors.

Plan worship services to foster unity and celebrate the diversity of the congregation, promoting a culture of togetherness and mutual respect.

Foster intergenerational fellowship, encouraging participation across all age groups, from young families to seniors.

Stewardship of all Resources:

Complete a phased renovation of the church building, focusing on creating a welcoming entrance that invites people into our faith community.

Build and design a dedicated Young Adults Ministry Center that provides a space for worship, study, and fellowship for young adults, addressing their unique spiritual needs.

Renovate different spaces in our building including but not limited to chapel, kitchen, fellowship hall, bathrooms and showers, install solar panels, and seal the stone on the building. Ensure the spaces are designed with accessibility in mind, creating an environment that is open and welcoming for everyone.

Encourage biblical giving and generosity though yearly giving and capital campaigns.

Train and equip volunteers for the work of the ministry

Core Values:

Rooted in the Bible, God’s all-sufficient Word for salvation and the ultimate authority for all we believe, teach, and practice. We are Committed to growing in the knowledge of the Bible through teaching, study, and application.

Dependence on God through Prayer: We are committed to prayer as the key to everything we do. We trust in God's guidance, provision, and strength. Seeking God’s will in all our plans and initiatives.

Caring for others through Service: Loving people enough to sacrifice our comfort and resources. Serving God, people, and the church as we are able.

Unity in Fellowship: We are dedicated to fostering an environment of genuine fellowship where people of all backgrounds can come together, worship, and grow in their faith. We seek to honor and respect the diversity within our church family.

Giving and Generosity- We are committed to being a generous church, to mirror the heart of God who so loved the world that He gave. We seek to give our tithes, Offerings, time, and talents as we support missions, ministries, and those in need.

Welcoming through Hospitality- We believe the church should be a place of radical welcome. All are invited to deepen their relationship with Jesus and encounter his love.

Outreach and Fostering Community: We believe in building meaningful relationships with the community and sharing the love of Christ.

Excellence and Stewardship: We believe in honoring God excellently in all areas of ministry. We seek to be good stewards of our resources, including God’s word, God’s people, our building, and our finances.