The gospel makes us a growing community of Christ’s kingdom
The Bible describes the church as the as the vehicle for the growth of Christ’s kingdom – a kingdom that has grown, is growing and will grow (Matthew 13), even in the midst of Christ’s enemies (Psalm 110:2), until it fills the whole earth (Daniel 2). Therefore, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, as a part of Christ’s universal church, looks for kingdom growth.

The images for the church in Scripture lead us to anticipate the church’s growth. The imagery leads us to expect both quantitative growth – as sheep are added to the fold, as stones are being added to the building, as branches are added to the vine, as size is added to the body, as enemies of the kingdom become its faithful citizens – and qualitative growth – a body growing in maturity, a bride growing in beauty, a temple growing in holiness, a building growing in strength, a priesthood growing in service – in the church.

And once again, this growth will come through the way of the cross. Not only is the message of the cross the power of God unto salvation for the growing number of those who are being saved by its message (Romans 1:16; I Corinthians 1:18), the cross presents the pattern by which we take its message of love, forgiveness and renewal to the world.

Beyond our gathered worship services at Redeemer, we look for growth to appear in the following ways:

• We expect to see growth at Redeemer – both kinds, but especially qualitative growth – as a natural by-product of our life together. As all the worshiping, learning, sharing and serving take place within the community, we look for Redeemer to become more beautiful and strong in Christ.

• We expect to see growth at Redeemer – both kinds, but especially qualitative growth – as church membership is held in esteem by the body and as church discipline is humbly and wisely practiced under the leadership of a humble and wise session. Although it is counter-intuitive to us, when the church practices discipline, it grows, not only qualitatively (I Corinthians 5), but quantitatively as well (Acts 5:1-16)!

• We expect to see growth at Redeemer – both kinds, but especially quantitative growth – as the church steps forward in her mission to take the gospel to Austin, to this region and nation, and to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).

And so, Redeemer Presbyterian Church seeks to be – because of the love of God the Father, in the death and resurrection of God the Son, and by the power of God the Holy Spirit – a worshiping, learning, sharing, serving and growing community of followers of King Jesus in the way of the cross, who live together the life of his kingdom as they trust him exclusively according to his powerful gospel, in the certain hope that his fame is spreading throughout the world.