The South Pacific Division has its first purpose statement. Purpose is the reason why we go about our mission (how) in pursuing our vision (what). Why do we need it?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Zealand and Australia is a registered charity. The charities commissions in NZ and Australia want all charities to report on their purpose and the outcomes or impact of their purpose. NZ has to begin such a report from July 2020.
Our purpose statement is, “To inspire hope and wholeness of life in our communities.” This was voted at the SPD year-end meetings.
To “inspire” means to lift up people’s outlook on life or to produce a sense of positive change. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV).
“Hope” means new possibilities and horizons, an anticipation of newness and a better future as revealed in Scripture through Jesus. “ . . . having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18 ESV).
“Wholeness” is a sense of positive wellbeing with a balance between spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, environmental, vocational and physical health. It is complete. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11 ESV).
“Life” is living and experiencing goodness and meaning. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10 ESV).
“Our communities” are wherever we do life–with family, neighbours, work colleagues and church. They include all people—no-one is left out. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28 ESV).
I want to live a life of purpose. I invite you to join me.
