GSAE - Is it an Organization or Mission?

What is the difference between an organization and a mission? And just what is the Greater Spokane Association of Evangelicals? Is it just another organization that needs financial support? This is a question leaders of the GSAE have anticipated people asking as member recruitment for 2007 begins.

Webster’s Dictionary defines an organization as an association or society such as a charitable institution. It states further that an organization can be an administrative and functional structure such as a business or political party.

In a sense it would be appropriate to call the GSAE an organization. It certainly is an association that creates a relationship between Spokane area Christians and churches. The GSAE also adheres to sound business practices and a functional structure as a local representation of the National Association of Evangelicals. But is that all it is? Is GSAE just another organization, association or society to join and send dues off too?

Webster’s Dictionary defines a mission as the act of sending, like a ministry commissioned by a religious organization, or an assignment to work in a missionary field. It is an organized missionary work, a vocation or calling from God to carry out an activity to which the missionary has been charged.

Many local Pastors and churches consider it appropriate to consider the GSAE a mission’s effort in Spokane and the surrounding area. Those actively involved see the ministry of the GSAE as more than just an organization of members. It is a missionary endeavor, a calling and charge from God to support the evangelical cause of Jesus Christ in our local community.  

The GSAE is a missionary effort to unite Christians and churches as members of the family of God. It is serving Christ together in relationship with other evangelicals. GSAE provides opportunities for Christians and churches to grow in appreciation and understanding of one another. It is a missionary effort to pray, witness, and advance the cause of Jesus Christ together in our community. This is done as GSAE members and supporters acknowledge their unity out of the diversity of many congregations. “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:4-5 (NIV)

Becoming Part of the Team:

Evangelicals hold to a unique belief in the authority of scripture and the need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Membership in GSAE results in becoming part of a mission’s team. It is stepping out to identify an individual or church as holding to the uncompromising values of God’s word. The GSAE seeks to fulfill the missionary charge to endure faithfully as we proclaim the Gospel. “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:3-5 (NIV)

The GSAE provides an umbrella of support and encouragement for individuals and churches in their outreach efforts by affirming broad based credibility. Membership allows churches and individuals to utilize corporate prayer and individual spiritual gifts in a variety of GSAE sponsored community events such as the Billy Graham, Luis Palau, and Franklin Graham Crusades held in Spokane. There are many things we do better together.

Membership in the GSAE makes a statement. The Apostle Paul says believers are “God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15 (NIV) GSAE membership is a statement to our community of Christian love for God and the truth of His word, the Bible.

Would you consider joining the GSAE mission’s team by becoming a new member... or renewing your membership commitment for 2007? Maybe you or your church would consider supporting Home Missions by making a monthly or annual missionary support contribution to the GSAE? God has blessed us with a wonderful community to live in. Let’s do our part to proclaim God’s love by partnering together as a mission’s team serving in Spokane. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 (NIV)

Together In Christ,

Pastor Bob Smith
President, GSAE Leadership Team