Moe Bergeron

Welcome to Session 7 of our Church Goals series. So far, we’ve taken a deep dive into the nature of love as revealed in 1 Corinthians 13—love that is patient and kind, humble and enduring, truthful and unfailing. These sessions have helped us understand what love truly is: not a fleeting emotion, but a divine standard and lifestyle rooted in the character of God.

Now it’s time to take all that we’ve learned and ask: How do we build a church around this kind of love?

Today, we shift from principle to practice. We’ll explore how love can shape the vision and goals of our church, guiding everything we do—from worship and discipleship to outreach and community care.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:14, Berean Standard Bible)

This verse reminds us that love is the glue that holds everything else together. It’s not an addition to our vision—it’s the foundation. Every plan, goal, or strategy must flow from the love we’ve received and now extend.

Key Themes

Love as the Foundation for Vision

A compelling church vision isn’t built on ambition, branding, or strategies—it’s built on love. Our mission must start with a desire to reflect the love of Christ. This means that every goal we set, every plan we make, and every resource we use must be guided by the question:

Does this reflect the love of Jesus?

A vision without love may attract crowds—but a vision rooted in love builds a faithful, thriving, Spirit-led community.

Creating a Culture of Love

Culture doesn’t happen by accident—it is cultivated. A church that embodies love will be a beacon of hope in a hurting world. That culture is created through intentional acts:

• Hospitality that goes beyond a handshake.
• Teaching that challenges and encourages.
• Service that sacrifices.
• Correction that comes with grace.

“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35 (BSB)

Unified Goals Rooted in Love

Church goals often span multiple areas—worship, outreach, discipleship, community care. But love must be the common thread in them all. When love is our shared purpose, we find unity even in our diversity.

Love breaks down silos, heals divisions, and brings us together under one mission: to know Christ and make Him known.

Practical Love in Action

Love isn’t abstract—it’s lived out in tangible steps. Our goals should reflect love in motion:

• In discipleship: mentoring others, creating safe spaces to grow.
• In outreach: meeting physical needs while pointing to spiritual hope.
• In stewardship: managing resources not for gain, but for impact.
• In worship: prioritizing God’s presence over performance.

When our church goals are rooted in love and expressed through action, we become a community that not only teaches about Christ but embodies Him.

Discussion Questions

Vision for a Loving Church

• What would it look like for our church to be known primarily for its love?
• How can we ensure love is more than a value on paper—but a lived reality?

Building a Culture of Love

• What daily practices or systems could we implement to foster a culture of love?
• How can leadership and members work together to reinforce this culture?

Unity Through Love

• What specific goals could we set that promote unity among diverse groups in the church?
• What obstacles to unity have we faced, and how can love help us overcome them?

Love in Outreach and Service

• How can we make our outreach ministries reflect Christ’s sacrificial love?
• What does love-based evangelism look like in today’s culture?

Application: Turning Vision into Action

Envision and Share
Spend time this week praying about your vision for the church’s future. Write down a few key ideas that express how love can shape our direction. Be ready to share and collaborate during our next gathering.

Practical Steps Toward a Loving Culture
Choose one small action this week that contributes to a more loving church culture. Maybe it’s inviting someone new to coffee, writing a thank-you note, or showing up early to serve.

Commit to Unity
Wherever there’s division or tension, ask how you can be a bridge-builder. Make a commitment to speak well of others, seek reconciliation, and support the mission of the church wholeheartedly.

Love-Focused Outreach
Look around your neighborhood or community for one need that love could meet—then take action. Whether it’s a food drive, a conversation, or a helping hand, begin practicing love on mission.

Conclusion: A Church Marked by Love

Love is not just a part of the church’s mission—it is the mission. It shapes how we worship, how we lead, how we serve, and how we grow. When love is central, our vision becomes more than a statement—it becomes a story, one that reflects the very heart of God.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14 (BSB)

As we begin shaping the future of our church, let’s build on the foundation that never fails. Let’s dream boldly, plan faithfully, and love deeply.

Next Session Preview:

In Session 8, we’ll begin refining and organizing the church’s specific ministry goals—looking at areas like discipleship, worship, outreach, and community care. We’ll explore how each can reflect the love we’ve studied and how to measure impact through a lens of faithfulness, not just success.

Questions and Answers

Q: What makes love the best foundation for a church vision?
A: Because love is what unites, motivates, and reflects Christ. A vision rooted in love ensures that we are building something eternal and spiritually impactful—not just organizationally successful.

Q: Can love really overcome church conflict?
A: Yes—when love is practiced humbly and intentionally. Love doesn’t ignore issues, but it addresses them with grace, patience, and a desire for unity over ego.

Q: How do we balance structure and Spirit-led love in our planning?
A: By holding our plans with open hands, rooted in prayer and grounded in Scripture. We structure to steward well, but we leave room for God to move—and always let love be the guide.

Let’s build a church that isn’t just busy—but beautifully loving. One that is known not for what it does alone, but how it does it: in love.