ADK Mission

Who We Are

Our Vision

adk-map

Relationship-based communities of Christ-followers who love God, love others, and make disciples of Jesus across every corner of the Adirondack Mountain region.

We are entirely focused on this vision.  It is our single-minded goal…our preferred end state…the mission that unites us.  Each component of this vision serves to focus and guide us along our journey, as as we work with pastors and leaders across this region.

Relationship-Based

Our vision is for churches that are characterized by genuine, life-giving relationships with God and each other, steering away from the temptation toward a more comfortable, ritualistic religion, or a consumer-oriented, spectator-based Christianity.

 …Communities

Instead of emphasizing a large, centralized organization, our vision is for churches that are small enough to be genuine communities where everyone knows each other, and grows in their walks with Jesus together.

 …Of Christ-Followers

The term “Christian” is little more than a cultural identity in our contemporary culture; our vision is for a family of believers who actually follow Jesus with their lives, and with one another. Together, we are pursuing a pure and simple devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2-3), fully embracing that Jesus came to start a revolution, not a religion, and that He is not a powerless teacher, a safe hobby, or a spiritual vending machine; He is the Lord of our lives, and reigns as King.

 …Who Love God

We embrace the Father’s love, and love Him in return, to worship Him and walk confidently in our identities as sons and daughters of the living God.

…Love Others

We love each other, and we love the people outside our churches – both within our own neighborhoods, and through significant giving to local outreach, domestic and international missions, and community revitalization.

…And Make Disciples

Our vision to counter cultural trends by lowering the bar on what it means to “do” church, while also raising the bar on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Each person serves as an actively functioning member of the Body of Christ – growing together as disciples, and working to make disciples of those around them. We want to see everyone move closer to Jesus – from those with serious doubts to more seasoned followers.

…Across Every Corner of the Adirondack Mountain Region

Although we are based in Saranac Lake, we are called to build up the church across every corner of the Adirondack Mountain region – from one side of the Blue Line to the other. We long for a day when thousands of believers will gather from every corner of the Adirondack Mountain region to worship Jesus together as one. That’s a goal worth giving our lives for!

We’ve heard it said that the largest oak tree came from just one tiny acorn, but we need to expand our thinking.  Within that single acorn is not just the potential for a huge tree, but rather an entire forest.  And while that may take a lifetime to achieve, the investment is worth it.


The New Testament “One Anothers”

We believe that this vision, expressed across denominations throughout the Body of Christ in this region, is the most effective way to live out the list of “one anothers” found throughout the New Testament:

  • “Have no debt except debt to love one another.” (Romans 13:8)
  • “Love one another deeply, from the heart.” (1 Peter 1:22)
  • “Love one another.” (1 John 3:11, 3:23, 4:7, 4:11, 4:12; 2 John 1:5)
  • “Stop passing judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:13)
  • “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other.” (Ephesians 4:32)
  • “Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.” (Colossians 3:13)
  • “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” (Romans 12:10a)
  • “Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10b)
  • “Serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
  • “Submit to one another.” (Ephesians 5:21)
  • “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” (1 Peter 5:5)
  • “Live in harmony with one another.” (Romans 12:16)
  • “Accept one another.” (Romans 15:7)
  • “Agree with one another.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
  • “Be humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
  • “Live in harmony with one another. Be sympathetic, love as brothers.” (1 Peter 3:8)
  • “Encourage one another.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
  • “Encourage one another daily.” (Hebrews 3:13)
  • “Spur one another on towards love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)
  • “Let us not give up meeting together…let us encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25)
  • “Ask one another.” (Acts 2:12)
  • “Talk with one another.” (Acts 26:31)
  • “You yourselves are full of goodness, competent to instruct one another.” (Romans 15:14)
  • “Greet one another.” (Romans 16:6; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14)
  • “Speak to one another with Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” (Ephesians 5:19)
  • “Teach and admonish one another.” (Colossians 3:16b)
  • “Have fellowship with one another.” (1 John 1:7)
  • “Offer hospitality to one another.” (1 Peter 4:9)