What does it mean for our church body to be Gospel centered?
The good news about Jesus is the driving force and compelling motivation at the center of everything we do individually and as a church body. This certainly includes sharing the good news that leads to salvation, but it is not limited to that. A Gospel Centered approach to ministry distinguishes our church from other humanitarian organizations because our message and our example is focused on the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. He is the center of all we do and through His Holy Spirit, He inspires us to spread the gospel to every square inch of Salem and to the ends of the earth.
We have many examples of what it looks like to be Gospel Centered.
The Disciples were Gospel centered. They were with Jesus face to face, learning from Him, working with Him, and listening to Him. Paul was Gospel centered. He was intensely focused on spreading the Gospel, establishing churches, and developing leaders to continue sharing a gospel centered message in his absence, to both Jews and Gentiles alike.
1 Peter 3:15-16
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”