Vision: Encountering and Sharing Jesus Christ
Our mission is to encounter Jesus as the Word of Life through creative worship and authentic community. We seek to share Jesus through relational evangelism, lifestyle discipleship, and hands-on service.
Who are we called to reach?
Church of the Word is a regional church drawing people from Centreville to Strasburg with a congregational center of population somewhere west of our physical location in Gainesville, VA. We feel a responsibility to be a strong presence for Christ in the western part of Prince William County and throughout Fauquier County. But we are happy to welcome and minister to anyone who comes our way. We seek to minister to the whole family, including parents and children, as well as the growing number of individuals living in our area without immediate family nearby. We are determined to help the seeker encounter Jesus Christ for the first time and to help those who already believe to grow in their walk with Him.
We encourage people to:
- know the life-changing power of confession, repentance, and forgiveness through Jesus Christ
- receive the empowering of the Holy Spirit
- discover and use God-given talents
- live daily by faith in God
Colossians 1:28 "Christ we proclaim... teaching everyone in all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
How shall we reach them?
We see small groups to be the primary place where family-like relationships can be born and spiritual maturity and ministry can be fostered. In such small groups, we experience open and honest sharing, the study of God's Word, prayer, and praise. At Church of the Word, we refer to many of our small groups as Home Groups to stress the family-like settings, whether they meet in private homes or in our church building. Home Groups are the place where people experience the personal touch and tender care of others and are often the starting place for lasting friendships. The experience of God's love in an intimate group transforms lives and families.
Hebrews 10: 24-25 " Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together... but encouraging one another..."
What is our distinctive style of worship?
Our corporate worship invites the heartfelt presence of the Holy Spirit and welcomes the use of spiritual gifts. Our service emphasizes celebration, prayer, contemporary Christian music, Holy Communion, and practical, biblical teaching.
1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 "There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit... to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good...."
We invite you to select any of the following links to learn more about us.
Church of the Word - Past and Present
Vestry Supported Position Statement - May 2005Future of the Episcopal Church - Pastor's Letter - Feb 2006
