We have a vision of being a solid foundation in a shifting world and seeing individuals find hope, healing, forgiveness, freedom, and purpose in Jesus. To pursue that vision, we must follow the command, called the Great Commission, that Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:18-20.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (New American Standard 1995)

To help us remember and live out this command, we have crafted a mission statement, based on the phrase "SEEK SHAPE SEND."

These three words were first put together by Pastor Fish Robinson as a short, action-focused, summary of Matthew 28:18-20 at Community Church Oxford, and with permission, The Stone has incorporated them into our DNA.

Romans 10:14-17 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV)

God sought us first, and once we know him as our forgiving and restoring King, he trusts us with a mission. He wants us to spread the same good news that has changed us.

We do this actively. The Stone isn't waiting on folks to pop through a church door. We do this organically by being present and active in the community. We do this relationally by being trustworthy friends, family and coworkers. We do this intentionally as there are souls all around us who need to hear the good news just as much as we did.

1 Peter 2:5 “you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (Nasb 95)

When reminding Christians of their identity in Christ, Peter called them "living stones." Jesus was the cornerstone, the first stone placed and the "stone" that holds it all together. Those of us born again in Jesus are called not only to be structural components, but "living" stones, active in the ongoing construction of his church. We are to be solid, and support each other as we become something more together. Romans 12:2 instructs us to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind," God is shaping us into who He wants us to be. He uses fellow believers to shape us, and He uses us to shape others! As God continues to shape us we will continue to fit together in increasing unity.

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

God will be shaping us over our entire lives, but he calls us not just to learn, but to do. We want to send solid servants of Christ, back into the sifting world, as ambassadors for our King.

Even before The Stone had a single service, the desire was to be a church that sends individuals out of the building to live with purpose, sends missionaries into the world and plants other churches.