Explanation of the Vision Statement

Across the World – With India being networked through technology and as people travel from place to place, the possibility of ‘Radiance’ being an influence in the world is not a far-fetched reality. For example Phil and Abhishek worshiped with us in Radiance for over 2 years, they are now temporarily residing in the US and the UK. Both of them have started groups with the aim of functioning as a House Church.  

Home Churches – Though as stated earlier there are other legitimate and scriptural ways and means for people to gather as a Church such as a Community church or a Mega Church we’d like to specialize and focus our energies on the House Church model, to enable us to be more effective. The term ‘Home Church’ can be a misnomer implying that the ‘place’ is important. Some groups meet under a tree or in other locations, this has led some groups to call this form of Church as simple church. For the sake of continuity we have used the term Home church or House church. 

There is a dual thrust

1. ‘To be a Growing Movement’ – The name ‘Radiance’ is used and multiple groups’ spring up as part of the Radiance network in different parts of the world as people move to different locations. There is a greater need for interdependence between the groups for mutual help and encouragement. This would further help in establishing our credibility as a Church planting ministry.
2. ‘To serve as catalysts’ – This would involve serving within established Churches or organizations to help them grasp and adopt the house church model in their ministries. It could also mean to facilitate and encourage networks to function independently in various languages and locations. 

The Mission Statement

Our mission is, to draw people to Christ, by our example influence them to be Christ like and empower them to meaningfully worship and effectively serve as His ambassadors to radiate God’s light to the nations.

The mission statement highlights the core values that were mentioned above though not with the same terminology. The mission statement is theological in nature and it reflects the core aspects of our ministry. It is therefore transferable to other language groups or city fellowships that should develop.

Explanation of key phrases

Note the following keywords, they help in remembering the statement,  

D-Draw; I-Influence; E-Empower to form the acronym D. I. E. The other 2 key words would be ‘ambassador’ and ‘light’.

D- Draw

‘To draw to the reality of Christ’ is basically evangelism; sowing the seeds of the gospel, by sharing true life stories of Christ at work, in a believer. This involves a lifestyle that is Christ like.

I- Influence

 The phrase ‘by our example’, underscores the importance of a godly lifestyle that should be evident, it is not mere lectures or class room sessions but its personal involvement in peoples’ lives. ‘Influence’ implies mentoring – to gently lead rather than forcefully drive or lord it over people. ‘…to be Christ like’ involves the thought of focusing on who they ought ‘to be’ rather than what they are ‘to do’.

E-Empower

The phrase ‘empower them’ involves systematic teaching and working in various contexts which serve as opportunities to discover and develop gifts and abilities.  It is here that the core values are given its due importance. The phrase ‘meaningfully worship and effectively serve’ suggests the dual responsibility of a believer which is to love God and love the neighbour.

…as His Ambassadors

‘We are ambassadors therefore for Christ…’ 2 Co 5:20 clearly points out who we represent, and our divine responsibility. The term ambassador suggests immense responsibility in a foreign land. The church can no longer assume lifelong membership with the current trend of people relocating for better prospects. Like a stream that branches out, equipped members can flow out of our fellowship and aid transformation in distant locations.

…radiate God’s light to the nations

Even as the name ‘Radiance’ serves as a reminder to shine out for Him, the same thought is reinforced in this statement – ‘radiate God’s light’. The phrase ‘to the nations’ is drawn from the following verses Matt 5:14, Matt 28:19, Acts 1:8 that speak about the extent to which we as lights ought to shine. Taking into account the manner in which people travel from place to place, the opportunity of reaching nations is not as difficult as it was years ago. It is a matter of organizing ourselves and harnessing this trend to facilitate believers to start Home churches across the world.