What's Our CPI?
What is Our Church Peace Index? Measuring Peace in Our Faith Community
Posted by Pastor Mark Poyner | Community Reformed Church Whiting
In a world that seems increasingly divided, where conflict dominates headlines and tension fills our social media feeds, the church has a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to be different. This Sunday, we're embarking on a special journey to discover our Church Peace Index (CPI), a concept inspired by the Global Peace Index that measures how peaceful nations are around the world. The Heart Behind Our Church Peace Index
Just as the Global Peace Index evaluates countries based on factors like safety, security, and conflict resolution, our Church Peace Index will help us honestly assess how we're doing as a faith community in creating, maintaining, and spreading peace. But this isn't about comparing ourselves to other churches or achieving a perfect score—it's about growing together in our calling to be peacemakers.
Biblical Foundation for Peace-Making
Our exploration will be grounded in two powerful Scripture passages:
Galatians 5:1, 13-15 reminds us that our freedom in Christ isn't meant for selfish purposes, but to serve one another in love. Paul warns us about the dangers of "biting and devouring one another" and calls us to fulfill the law through loving our neighbors as ourselves. Luke 9:51-62 shows us Jesus' unwavering commitment to his mission of peace, even when facing rejection and hostility. His example teaches us that being peacemakers sometimes means taking difficult paths and making hard choices. Key Questions for Our Church Peace Index
As we examine our CPI, we'll explore several critical areas:
1. Conflict Resolution
How do we handle disagreements within our church family? Do we address issues with grace and truth, or do we let them fester? True peace isn't the absence of conflict—it's how we navigate differences with love and wisdom.
2. Radical Hospitality
Are we truly welcoming to all who enter our doors? Jesus welcomed tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts. How well do we follow his example of radical inclusion while maintaining our biblical convictions?
3. Service in Love
Our Food Pantry serves 150 families monthly, our Clothing Tree provides for those in need, and our Hot Meal program feeds the hungry. These are beautiful expressions of our CPI in action. But how can we expand our service both within our church family and in our broader community?
4. Unity in Diversity
With 75% of our congregation over 70 and only 2% under 40, we span multiple generations. How can we bridge generational gaps and create unity while celebrating our differences?
Our Current Peace Footprint
Community Reformed Church Whiting already has a significant peace footprint in our community:
The Challenge Ahead
This Sunday's service isn't just about measuring where we are—it's about committing to where God is calling us to go. We'll discover practical steps we can take to:
Whether you're a longtime member of our church family or someone who's never stepped foot in our sanctuary, this message is for you. In a world desperate for peace, we all have a role to play in creating it.
Join us Sunday, June 29th, at 10:00 AM as we explore "What is Our Church Peace Index?" Together, we'll discover how God is calling us to be instruments of His peace in our homes, our church, and our community beyond Sunday
This conversation doesn't end when the service is over. We're committed to taking concrete steps to improve our Church Peace Index. In the coming weeks, we'll be exploring practical ways to implement what we learn, creating action plans for growth, and measuring our progress as a community of faith. This is part of our Church Growth Project.
The world needs more peacemakers. Our community needs more peacemakers. And perhaps most importantly, our own hearts need the peace that comes from knowing we're living out our calling as followers of the Prince of Peace.
Community Reformed Church Whiting
36 Lacey Road, Whiting, NJ 08759
Sunday Service: 10:00 AM
Phone: 732-360-0232
Email: whitingcrc@gmail.com Food Pantry & Clothing Tree: Mondays & Thursdays, 9 AM - 12 PM
Hot Meal Pickup: Fridays, 11:15 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays, 1 PM
Hannah Circle Bible Study Monthly from September through May.
Posted by Pastor Mark Poyner | Community Reformed Church Whiting
In a world that seems increasingly divided, where conflict dominates headlines and tension fills our social media feeds, the church has a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to be different. This Sunday, we're embarking on a special journey to discover our Church Peace Index (CPI), a concept inspired by the Global Peace Index that measures how peaceful nations are around the world. The Heart Behind Our Church Peace Index
Just as the Global Peace Index evaluates countries based on factors like safety, security, and conflict resolution, our Church Peace Index will help us honestly assess how we're doing as a faith community in creating, maintaining, and spreading peace. But this isn't about comparing ourselves to other churches or achieving a perfect score—it's about growing together in our calling to be peacemakers.
Biblical Foundation for Peace-Making
Our exploration will be grounded in two powerful Scripture passages:
Galatians 5:1, 13-15 reminds us that our freedom in Christ isn't meant for selfish purposes, but to serve one another in love. Paul warns us about the dangers of "biting and devouring one another" and calls us to fulfill the law through loving our neighbors as ourselves. Luke 9:51-62 shows us Jesus' unwavering commitment to his mission of peace, even when facing rejection and hostility. His example teaches us that being peacemakers sometimes means taking difficult paths and making hard choices. Key Questions for Our Church Peace Index
As we examine our CPI, we'll explore several critical areas:
1. Conflict Resolution
How do we handle disagreements within our church family? Do we address issues with grace and truth, or do we let them fester? True peace isn't the absence of conflict—it's how we navigate differences with love and wisdom.
2. Radical Hospitality
Are we truly welcoming to all who enter our doors? Jesus welcomed tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts. How well do we follow his example of radical inclusion while maintaining our biblical convictions?
3. Service in Love
Our Food Pantry serves 150 families monthly, our Clothing Tree provides for those in need, and our Hot Meal program feeds the hungry. These are beautiful expressions of our CPI in action. But how can we expand our service both within our church family and in our broader community?
4. Unity in Diversity
With 75% of our congregation over 70 and only 2% under 40, we span multiple generations. How can we bridge generational gaps and create unity while celebrating our differences?
Our Current Peace Footprint
Community Reformed Church Whiting already has a significant peace footprint in our community:
- Roughly 30 dedicated volunteers serve in our outreach programs
- 150 families receive assistance monthly through our ministries
- 50 years of faithful service since our founding in 1975
- Multiple weekly touchpoints with our community through various programs
The Challenge Ahead
This Sunday's service isn't just about measuring where we are—it's about committing to where God is calling us to go. We'll discover practical steps we can take to:
- Improve how we handle conflict and disagreement
- Become more welcoming and inclusive
- Expand our service to others
- Strengthen our unity as a church family
- Increase our positive impact in Whiting and beyond
Whether you're a longtime member of our church family or someone who's never stepped foot in our sanctuary, this message is for you. In a world desperate for peace, we all have a role to play in creating it.
Join us Sunday, June 29th, at 10:00 AM as we explore "What is Our Church Peace Index?" Together, we'll discover how God is calling us to be instruments of His peace in our homes, our church, and our community beyond Sunday
This conversation doesn't end when the service is over. We're committed to taking concrete steps to improve our Church Peace Index. In the coming weeks, we'll be exploring practical ways to implement what we learn, creating action plans for growth, and measuring our progress as a community of faith. This is part of our Church Growth Project.
The world needs more peacemakers. Our community needs more peacemakers. And perhaps most importantly, our own hearts need the peace that comes from knowing we're living out our calling as followers of the Prince of Peace.
Community Reformed Church Whiting
36 Lacey Road, Whiting, NJ 08759
Sunday Service: 10:00 AM
Phone: 732-360-0232
Email: whitingcrc@gmail.com Food Pantry & Clothing Tree: Mondays & Thursdays, 9 AM - 12 PM
Hot Meal Pickup: Fridays, 11:15 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays, 1 PM
Hannah Circle Bible Study Monthly from September through May.
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