Maranatha Christian Reformed Church A Community of Christ Ambassadors
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		...at Maranatha we strive to be Christ’s ambassadors in all areas of life, working to reconcile all peoples back to God. We have been chosen to represent Christ: sent into the world. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. (2Cor.5:20)  When one contemplates the depths of what it means to be Christ’s ambassadors, one can easily become overwhelmed. “I am not worthy might be the first thought. I can’t do this on my own. I don’t know what or how to do it.” These are thoughts could overwhelm us as we contemplate the task given to us. At Maranatha we have come to understand the task in four stages – not to say that we have it all figured out – we don’t! But we do want to pursue this calling placed on us, so here’s what we are thinking:  These four stages follow a simple premise based on a relationship with Christ. 1.     We are to be centered on Christ – our lives are to orient themselves as if Christ is our sun. 2.     We are to become ambassadors to one another, and that starts with the family; our own flesh and blood. 3.     Then as a brothers and sisters in Christ we discover that Christ is also the centre of our church – our other family, and that of Spirit’s doing! 4.     And with the unity in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ we can go out as ambassadors from that Christ centeredness and reach out to all those around us. If we can do family well, then we can do church well. And if we can do church well, then we can do community well. If we do community well ... well, who knows, we can do the ends of the earth well!  Acts 20:24 is a clarion call to the task before us: if only we may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given us – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.   MEET PASTOR DALE Dale Melenberg is a second career pastor who began his ministry at our church. Dale, a husband of one and a father of three sons comes with life experience in parenting, marketing, and pastoring. Dale has a blended sense of fun and intentionality. He brings a fresh sense of life to the pulpit. A visual learner, Dale combines both text and image together to convey God’s Word. As a pastor one-on-one in counseling, Dale is compassionate and engaging. We commend Dale to your ears as we wish to share the ministry that God has given us through him.   Top Of Page ABOUT THE CRC DENOMINATION We call ourselves Christian because we belong to Jesus Christ and want to be his followers. We recognize as fellow-Christians all people who accept the teachings of the Bible as summarized in the Apostle’s Creed. Reformed because we're part of that historic branch of the Christian church that follows the teachings of 16th-century reformer John Calvin, who struggled to return Christianity to its biblical roots. Church because God has called us to be a fellowship of his people in the world. We often call ourselves "the CRC" for short. Biblical Standard The beliefs and doctrine of the Christian Reformed Church are based on the Holy Bible, God's infallible written Word contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and that it is the supreme and final authority in all matters on which it speaks. Mission and Vision Statements Our Mission As people called by God,   We gather to praise God, listen to him, and respond.     We nurture each other in faith and obedience to Christ.       We love and care for one another as God's people.         We commit ourselves to serve and to tell others about Jesus.           We pursue God's justice and peace in every area of life. Our Vision As people called by God, we see   the church as a growing, diverse family     of vibrant congregations         in which thousands           worship God celebratively,             grow in his Word,               and honor the Creator as Lord. Christ's forgiveness liberating   women and men, boys and girls     in all places and cultures,       shaping the church         to respond with gratitude; the Spirit releasing gifts to all   for ministries of love, mercy, and justice     --combined with articulate witness--       which change hearts and lives         by proclaiming wholeness in Christ alone.   Top Of Page