For the One: Everyone Has a Part to Play

By Pastor Lyle Parker | First Christian Church of Sullivan

At First Christian Church of Sullivan, we believe God is doing something special — not just in our church, but through it. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been talking about our vision, mission, and core values. But here’s the truth:
None of those things can be accomplished by a few people on staff or a handful of volunteers.

It takes all of us.
Every member. Every family. Every heart that calls this church home.

Because the vision God has given us isn’t meant to sit on paper — it’s meant to move us to action.

Our Vision: FOR THE ONE!

Our vision is clear and simple: we exist for the one.

Jesus said in Luke 15:4 that He left the ninety-nine to go after the one lost sheep. That’s our example. We want to live with that same intentional pursuit — to reach the one person God puts in front of us.

But it doesn’t stop there. Ephesians 5 reminds us to live in a way that pleases the One — to reflect Jesus in how we love, speak, serve, and live every day.

You don’t have to be a pastor or missionary to live “For the One.” You just have to be willing. Every conversation, every act of kindness, every invitation to church — they all matter.

Who’s your one?
Who is God calling you to reach, love, or encourage this week?

Our Mission: Seeking... to Share, to Serve, to Save

Our mission describes how we carry out the vision — and it’s something everyone can be part of.

Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10) and “to serve” (Mark 10:45).
So that’s what we do.

We seek those who need hope.
We share the good news of Jesus.
We serve in love and humility.
And through it all, we point people to the only One who can save.

This mission doesn’t belong to the leadership — it belongs to the body. You have a role to play. Maybe that’s serving in Kids Ministry, joining the worship team, helping with outreach, leading a small group, or simply being available to someone who’s struggling.

If every one of us took one step of involvement, imagine the impact we could have — not just in our church, but across Sullivan County.

Our Core Values: What Keeps Us United and Moving Forward

Our core values aren’t just what we believe — they’re how we live out our faith together.

Unchanging Truth — God’s Word is our foundation. It shapes everything we teach, say, and do.

Unwavering Trust — We walk by faith, believing that God is faithful even when we can’t see the outcome.

Unbreakable Relationships — We grow stronger together. Church isn’t a crowd — it’s a family.

Uncomfortable Generosity — We give and serve even when it stretches us, because we trust God to provide.

Unconditional Love — We love like Jesus — without judgment, without barriers, without conditions.

When these values take root in all of us, they don’t just describe our church — they define it.

This Is Your Invitation

If you’ve been attending for a while and wondering, “What’s my place here?” — this is it.
Get involved. Jump in. Be part of what God is doing.

Serve.
Bring your family on Wednesday Night
Invite your neighbor..
Pray for your “one.”

The church isn’t built by spectators — it’s built by servants.
And when every believer takes their place in the mission, the church becomes unstoppable.

I believe the greatest ministry moments of First Christian Church of Sullivan are still ahead — not because of what I do or what we plan, but because of what God will do through all of us together.

So let’s live the vision. Let’s carry out the mission. Let’s embody the values.

Let’s be the church that truly lives FOR THE ONE!

With gratitude and expectation,
– Pastor Lyle