Southwood's Focus
Why does the Church exist?
To advance the Kingdom of God in our lives, homes, church, community, and world.
From Genesis to Revelation scripture is about one main theme—the Kingdom of God. The Church exists to see this Kingdom advanced—established and expanded—in all of life everywhere. Our desire is to see all peoples and all areas of life brought under the reign of God through the transforming power of the Gospel.
What are we seeking to accomplish?
To turn everyone we meet into fully devoted followers of Christ.
In the Great Commission, Jesus calls us to an outward-facing (missional) model of discipleship. Huntsville is our mission field. Therefore, we seek to introduce everyone we meet to a life in Christ in which they become like Christ.
Where do we want people to be?
Sunday, Small Groups, Serving
As a church, three primary environments (Sunday, Small Groups, Serving) will best facilitate our mission to advance God's Kingdom through turning everyone we meet into fully devoted followers of Christ. Everything we do should help people become engaged on Sunday, involved in small groups, and purposefully serving.
We want people to be engaged on Sunday.
Corporate worship is the pinnacle of the week, indeed an end to itself. We gather on sunday as one body to celebrate and worship Christ. We acknowledge that others in the community also gather with us as they consider whether or not to become followers of Christ. From the parking lot to the pew, we want everyone to feel welcome.
We want people to be involved in Small Groups.
Small groups are an ideal environment in which to become a fully devoted follower of Christ, They provide a safe and predictable environment where people experience spiritual growth lived out in authentic community. Together, we experience heart change that leads us to life change, and our changed lives can change lives! Small groups help us to understand how to advance the Kingdom of God through accountability, a sense of belonging, and the care that is best received from people we know.
We want people to be purposefully Serving.
As fully devoted followers of Christ, we are called to serve others and show them the same grace and mercy that we have been shown. At Southwood we aim to care for each other well at church, reach out to others in our community, and improve lives around the world. In the process, we not only seek to change lives, but discover that our lives are changed as well.