Vision & Mission

“If you avoided the words evangelism, outreach and mission, what are you talking about?”

That was the question a group of leaders considered in 2007 that led to the birth of “Church in Action. “ We believe that reaching out to those around us with the love and message of Jesus is what it means to be the Church.

Church in Action Vision Statement:

"We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our everyday lives, together in our community and standing with the Church around the world to do the same."

This is demonstrated individually:

• Through our words and actions and as we pray for those around us at work, home, school and all the other everyday places.
• When we volunteer in our community - in organizations, on boards and commissions, through civic duty, and at events that we are passionate about.

It is demonstrated collectively, as we serve together:

• In our Community Groups. We’re making a difference in our communities - from Ridgefield to New Milford, from Brewster to Waterbury, and from Bethel to the Valley - as we reach out to our neighbors in need (individually), and to town-based organizations and associations.
• As Walnut Hill Community Church, in church-wide food drives, campus-based work days with local organizations, or joint ministry activities like Walnut Hill men serving in the local homeless shelters.

In all this, we are simply trying to “be Church” to our community and to encourage the Church around the world as it does the same. We recognize that we are all in this together – we have much to learn from our brothers and sisters around the world who are already doing this themselves.

Our role is not to dominate, but to serve. Therefore, instead of sending short-term mission teams to a country to do the work, we instead believe it’s better to ask the indigenous, local organizations how we can send smaller teams to partner with them – for the purpose of building up the local church.

The focus of our involvement here and around the world is through:

• Reaching out to the most vulnerable with the love of Jesus
• Sharing Jesus where few know Him
• Training indigenous leaders for the Church

Ultimately, we want to see the Body of Christ strengthened – so that the world sees Jesus through us.

“Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” Matthew 5:16

Values Behind Church In Action

His Church	The focus of our partnerships are enabling, training, and providing the means for His church to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We thus seek to engage with the church understanding that often involves others who work with, through, and for the indigenous church wherever it is located.
Engagement of our people	We seek partnerships that provide opportunities for greater expression of the people of Walnut Hill Community Church in being His hands and feet. We seek to lead our people on a journey of greater engagement involving: Awareness - the knowledge of how God is at work and the impact of His church. Giving - surrendering the resources God has provided for His purposes. Prayer - partnering with the Holy Spirit to see the Lord's work accomplished. Engagement - encouraging each person to get involved by going and serving where God leads, whether it is down the street or around the world. Equipping - encouraging and enabling His Church and His People in other communities to be His hands and feet.
Sharing Jesus	We seek involvement with an emphasis on sharing Jesus in word and deed.
Reciprocity	We seek partnerships in which we can learn, grow, and benefit from the church around us and those who serve the church.
Stewardship	We must ensure that the resources the Lord has entrusted to us are invested with the highest level of integrity and go to the purposes they are pledged to.