In contrast to the purpose, whose scope is unending, the mission statement is a clear statement of this congregation's direction in this time and place. The mission describes what we are to do and what we are to be for the next part of our story -- for the coming five year period. The mission presented in the Ministry Vision Task Group's recommendation was developed during 2005, as we individually, as a committee, and as a congregation listened to God's call upon us. When this mission is accomplished, a new mission shall be revealed, as we continue to listen to God's call.

The mission of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for designing our new facility and for the years following our move into it shall be:

• Strengthening the congregation’s faith by sharing our individual faith stories.

• Closer bonding between members by more rapid communication.

• Nurture the spiritual nature of the congregation through recognition and development of spiritual gifts that are vocalized and shared.

• Encourage the individual ministries of the congregation’s members.

• Adult education based on biblical studies.

• Re-establish Sunday School for children based on a biblical curriculum.

• Ensure that our elderly members feel valued by the care and love we show them.

• Reach out to the community by offering classes that tutor children in their educational work and adults in obtaining their GED/life skills education.

• Provide a welcoming atmosphere for families with children and/or individuals with disabilities.

• Accept diversity in various forms of music.

• Develop a program of intentional evangelism throughout the community.

Once these missions were identified, the question becomes: "How do we go about approaching them? Who is best qualified to lead the various efforts?" We were led into a program of discovering our gifts of the spirit. A discussion of the need for that voyage of discovery and its results are available.