Professional Documents
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VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 2
OUTLINE
VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 3
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FIRST SESSION:
SECOND SESSION:
THIRD SESSION:
FOURTH SESSION:
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VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 5
KEY TRUTHS
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people
and members of the God's household” Ephesians 2:19
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The important truths are these:
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1. The Church is a family.
to refer to a universal sense. Almost whenever you see the word “church” in the Bible, it is to
refer to a specific group of believers like us, who are here today.
At the moment that you gave your life to Christ, you became a believer and automatically
became part of God's universal church. You do not become part of a local church until you make
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your own selection. It is as when you were physically born. You automatically entered the human
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race because you did not have any other option. You became part of the human race the moment
you were born, but you did not become part of a local family until someone decided to take you
home from the hospital. S
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This is what we are trying to say. You need to be part of a local family church. Many people say, E
“I do not need to be part of a local church. I am part of the invisible church.” Then I say to them, K
“wonderful! But when you are sick, who visits you at the hospital? The Pastor? The church
leaders? or the invisible members?” You need someone in the flesh. There are more than thirty ☜
mandates in the Bible that you neither might obey nor might follow, until you become part of a W
local church and say, “This is going to be my family church for the rest of my life.” E
Only in America, we have those who are called floating believers. These are persons who, every ☜
week, show up at a different church. “This week we will go to the Cathedral of Faith. Next week
we will go to the Temple of Worship, then to the Church of Grace, and later on we will go to the W
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church that is on the hills of the coast. Then we will go to Vida Nueva Church”.
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These persons, who are floating around different places without establishing themselves at any
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church, need support and guidance so that they can be established at one place. Vida Nueva is
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open and prepared to teach and help all those families who want to be established in a church. F
That is why we have written this material to give stability to the families of our church. It is our Y
desire that everybody finds a safe place in our church.
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The Bible says that if you are a Christian, you are a part of the body of Christ. You could well be
the hand, the ear, the eyes, the nose, or the liver. What would you say if your liver told you, “I W
think that for one week I will be part of this body and next week I will be part of another body E
and the following week I will be part of this body again ...” What will it happen? What is going S
to happen very soon is that your disconnected liver is going to shrink and eventually die. In the E
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same way you need to be a member of a permanent family church because that is God's will for
your well being.
What is the difference between being a Christian and being a member of a family church? The
difference is the word “commitment” I become a Christian when I commit my life to Christ. I am
a member of a church by committing myself to other Christians. This is true when I say, “This is
going to be my home church where I am going to give and receive, where I am going to serve
and be served, where I will love and be loved, and where I will take care of others and I will be
taken care of”
Therefore,
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FIRST SESSION
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OUR MISSION OUTSIDE
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E Christ said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
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Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
☜ commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
W Matthew 28:19-20
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VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 10
Vida Nueva is in Gresham, OR, to do the work that Jesus Christ entrusted us when He said,
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And
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surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
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THE GREAT COMMISSION
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• “Therefore go…” It is evangelism.
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• “…and make disciples…” It is discipleship.
• “…teaching them to obey everything…” It is ministries.
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• “…go to all the nations…” It is missions. K
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For such motive, we firmly believe that Jesus sent Vida Nueva to earth in order to reproduce
followers of Christ. W
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Therefore Vida Nueva's mission is directed to do four things:
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1. To search through evangelism. U
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To increase the church’s membership.
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2. To guide through discipleship. E
To make the church bigger in God's knowledge.
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3. To edify through ministries.
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To make a bigger church through stewardship.
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4. To send out through missions.
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To make the church bigger by accomplishing its mission.
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Then we exist for these four reasons because we believe that by accomplishing
Great Commission”, we will be accomplishing “God’s great commandment” Y
of being a “Great church.” ☜
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Declaration of our Mission: This summarizes everything that we do here in Vida Nueva
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“To bring the people to Christ, to equip them through the Process of Development so that they E
may, too, serve God.” Matthew 28:19-20 N
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VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 11
The definition of evangelism is: “sharing the good news.” Ephesians 3:10 says, “His (God)
intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to
the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,”
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E In other words, the purpose of the church is to talk about God, to talk about the incredible things
that He has done, and the amazing person that He is, and to show His wisdom to others. That is
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our purpose.
E Romans 10:13-14 says, “For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How,
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then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of
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whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” The
☜main point of the verse is that you cannot know God until somebody else tells you the gospel.
WTo a great majority of the persons, first, someone told them about of Jesus Christ before they
E came to church. That is our mission, to tell the good news of Jesus Christ to every person. In
Vida Nueva we are committed to grow. Our membership consists of 150 persons including
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children. If this number is not enough, how many more people do we need? I only want to give
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I you some reasons about why this church is never going to stop growing.
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Why our church must never stop growing?
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1. Because God loves every person.
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This is one of the most important reasons of all. Because God loves every person, we also love
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them. 2 Peter 3:9 says: “…He (Lord) is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but
everyone to come to repentance.” The fact is that we believe that every person in the world needs
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F eternal condemnation. Because we know what that means, we are going to continue reaching out
Y to everyone who lives in Gresham, Portland, Sandy, etc.
☜We feel the responsibility to tell them about Jesus Christ. Because He loves the whole
community, we also do it. So at Vida Nueva we will never stop growing.
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2. Because God commands us to reach out to those who do not Know Christ.
God says that our duty is to give people a hand and to tell them about Jesus. In Luke 14:23, Jesus
is speaking: “Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house
will be full” We currently are 105 persons here and somehow the house/building is not full as
Jesus said that it should be.
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Every person who visits us represents someone who needs Jesus. In Acts 1:8 Jesus again speaks:
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“…and you will be my witnesses…” He does not say, maybe, if you are having a good day or if
you feel like it, then you can be my witnesses.
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Clearly, Jesus said: “…you will be my witnesses…” We will extend our hand to people because E
God loves them. So we reach out to people because He has commanded us to. E
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3. Because growth is God's will.
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It is God's will that His church grows. Colossians 2:19 says, that under Christ's control “…The
whole [entire] body…grows as God causes it to grow.” God is very clear, very frank. He says W
that He wants His church to grow. E
In Matthew 16:18 Jesus says, “…I will build my church...” God loves everyone. He wants us to G
continue helping others. He has said that we will do it if we are His disciples. U
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Therefore, in Vida Nueva, you and I will do what Jesus said. We will share our faith because the D
growth of our church is God's will. E
Allow me to give you some not Biblical reasons that we have heard about why we must stop ☜
growing and put a barrier to this growth. They are not biblical, so do not think that these are
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good. E
Antibiblical excuses to not grow E
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1. Some say, “God is not interested in numbers.”
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If God is not interested in numbers, why He named a book of the Bible with this name F
"numbers” And what does He do in this book of Numbers? He numbers people time after time. Y
Why? Because every single person, every number, represents a person that He loves. God is ☜
interested in numbers. These represent the persons.
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The point is, obviously, that the persons are important and we count them to know if we are E
accomplishing our mission. Every number represents a person. God is interested in numbers.
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This normally is said in a very religious tone. When you go fishing, which are you more
interested in, quality or quantity? Are you not interested in both? I believe that, yes, you are
interested in both things. The majority of people who go fishing want to catch the most fishes
they can within the legal limits and the biggest and the nicest. There is no contradiction between
Wquality and quantity.
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The same applies to church when we try to reach big numbers of people for Christ and want
them to grow to the maturity of Jesus Christ. Quantity and quality go easily together. One of our
S goals at church is to be one of the most spiritually mature churches by 2015.
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K people. We want that as many people as possible know Jesus Christ and we want to help them
through their process of development to reach full maturity in Jesus Christ, so that they can be
☜ quality believers. Absolutely, there is no contradiction here.
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How many of you were not first-born in your family? And what if his parents had said, "We have
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a quality child so we do not need anything else” Many of you would not be here or, even, be still
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D suddenly we lost all three, we would immediately go out to look for them. Then Loly finds one
E of them and says, “Honey, we do not need to search any more. I have found a quality child!”
Would I be happy with it? By no means! Would you? You certainly would not.
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3. Others have said that big churches are impersonal.
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E In reality a big church is not achievable if you are not friendly. Usually, people do not go to a
church which is cold and hostile and where people are not nice. Commonly the small churches
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are that way and not the big churches. Big churches achieve to be big because they are friendly
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and take care of their people.
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F In the coming years, we want thousands of visitors say that Vida Nueva impresses them. And the
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number one thing that we want to hear is about the fervor and fellowship that exists in the
☜ church.
WDuring the last ten months that we have met with the church’s leadership, we have tried to
E encourage ourselves to be friendly and to always say hello. We know it would be insane to say,
“Greet 47 persons” This cannot be done in just a few minutes.
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Then, how do we achieve to be friendly? I believe, firmly, that it is making contact with people.
They know that a smile and a greeting are important and it makes them feel that there is someone
who is interested in them and that they have found good friends in Vida Nueva. Big or small
churches can be impersonal, but Vida Nueva is not.
While the church keeps growing, every Sunday at 12:15 pm. it also becomes small by having the
membership participate in the small groups of development. Then, at 1:30 pm., it is absolutely W
fantastic to have our celebration where there are more than 150 people praising and worshiping. E
Our voices can be heard singing along the music. It is an incredible experience and I love it.
Vida Nueva is going to grow so much more, but you need to be a part of a small group where S
they know your name, where they know what is going on in your life so they can take care of E
you, where they know your troubles and they are there to help when you are sick at the hospital, E
or when a tragedy has occurred, or to simply help you with the normal daily things of the life. K
We become big on Sunday afternoons, and at the same time we become small by participating in ☜
a small group. W
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We are aware that attending church one Sunday every week is not enough to face the challenges
and problems of the week. For that reason, every Tuesday at 7:00 pm, we have meetings of small G
groups in many different homes. So we encourage you to look for a home where you can meet U
every Tuesday. And if you would like us to start a new small group at your house, please feel free I
to contact any of the coordinators for small groups. D
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Guillermo and Blanca Sosa. Cell. (503 927 8714) - (503 927 8716)
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The definition of it is discipleship. Discipleship means to help the believers to grow spiritually.
Hebrew 6:1 “Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to
maturity...” Evidently there is something more than to simply know Jesus Christ in a personal
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relationship. There is something more that Vida Nueva offers you and that is the discipleship. For
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that, we use the book “New Life in Christ.”
The Bible says that we should mature, becoming more like Christ. 2 Pedro 3:18 says: “But grow
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Ein the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...” And Ephesians 4:11-13 says,
E“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some
Kto be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of
Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of
☜God and become nature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
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One of our goals at church is to be one of the most spiritually mature churches by 2015. This part
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is discussed in class “B” of this process of development.
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These classes will continue opening whenever we have 5 or more disciples. In this class we will
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Iteach them how to grow in their relationship with God, and how to begin the process of maturity.
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These classes talk about how to learn the most elementary steps of the Christian life, how to
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know more about Christ, the church, the family, the future, how to study the Bible, and learn
☜about prayer and a devotional time. This class talks about the things that will lead you to this
path which will transform you into a spiritually mature person. Take this class and you will get
Wall the necessary information for your daily living.
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NEW LIFE IN CHRIST volumes 1, 2, and 3, are the books with 39 lessons that we study weekly.
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We have these classes every Sunday at 12:15 pm. and every Tuesday at 7:00 pm. We have classes
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for all ages that are taught by 10 dynamic and loving teachers.
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A definition of ministry is to fulfill the needs with love. The reality is that we all have been hurt
at any given moment in life. We all carry a wound. We all fight a battle. It does not matter how
well you look. It does not matter if your shoes match your purse or wallet. It does not matter if
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you have a big house, and a good car, and a good job.
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It does not matter, really, if all these things are in its place because somewhere in your life there
is a wound, a need, a battle. Part of the reason, of why this church exists, is to help you fulfill S
these needs with love, to fulfill not only the needs of those who are here, but also those of the E
community where we know that people are suffering and dying. E
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So, one of the purposes of our existence is to show love, and satisfy people’s needs. John 13:35
says, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Jesus could ☜
have thought about all kinds of reasons, all kinds of slogans for his disciples and He had the
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opportunity to tell them, this is how I want you to be known.
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He did not say to his disciples, “I want you to be known by your fabulous preaching; I want you
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to be known for how well you dress, or for the nice churches that you build, etc.” Instead, Jesus
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said, “I want you to make disciples; I want you to teach others about me, I want you to be I
admired in this world for being loving people who are willing to give your time, your finances, D
and more.” E
We want people in this area to know that Vida Nueva church is a place of love, a place where ☜
you give love, a place where you can express love, and a place where you can mitigate and heal
your needs. It is more important to be known as people who love than as people who have a W
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great building.
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Our small groups, which meet on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm. and every Sunday at 12:15 pm., are the
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heartbeats of God’s heart in Vida Nueva. Those are the places where you need to get involved in
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and where you will find people who will get know you and will be concerned about you. F
1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 27 says, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are Y
different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same ☜
God works all of them in all men. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is part
of it.” This is one of my favorite metaphors used in the Bible to illustrate the church as a body. W
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Each of us has a body, so we can relate to this metaphor. Jesus is the head of the body. He is in
charge. We all are the other parts. Some are the elbows; others are the knees, or the eyes, or the
nose, or the big finger on the foot, etc. We all are a part in the body of Christ.
What we have to offer is something very valuable. I know that when some of you came to this
church, you probably took a look around and thought to yourself, “They do not need me here.
WWhat can I give? I cannot sing as Adrian, I cannot play the keyboard like Erick, I cannot play the
E drums like Josue, I cannot talk or pray the way others do, or I cannot teach kids, etc. But
although you think that way, you must know that here YOU ARE NEEDED!
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E Christ, He gave you in exchange a gift, something that could be used to serve God in Vida
E Nueva. Therefore, do not feel inadequate because here, at Vida Nueva, you are important.
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God uses ordinary people. He chooses those like you and I to fulfill his will in what He
☜commands. God chooses the persons who will give everything no matter how little power they
Wmay have because little things become great when we put them in the hands of the Lord.
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God promises that if you give him what seems to be small, He will take it and bring a miracle to
Gyour life.
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Every member is a minister
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In Vida Nueva each of you is a minister. If you belong to Jesus Christ, you are His minister.
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Every task is important
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E The persons who close the building are as important as the persons who are in the pulpit every
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People who bring food to share, people who vacuum the carpet, people who bring others to
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church, people who invite others to come church, people who take care of the building, people
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who make sure that everything is in order in the building, are so important as those who teach
our children in Sunday School.
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At Vida Nueva, we value your life and your work, because all of that is important in the God's
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In any given area of the church, you have something very special. Even if you are a typical
familiar person, you have that to offer it to God and He will take it and use it in a miraculous
way. We trust you, and firmly believe that you can, and know how to, do things right.
If something did not go well, we will not criticize you, but we will help you to try again. You
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have the right to make a mistake as any of us. We just encourage you not to make the same
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mistake twice. We thrive not to make the same past mistakes, so we want to help you prevent any
fall.
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We believe that the best way to learn to live is by observing and listening to the experiences that E
others have lived through, either good or bad, so that we do not make the same errors. We listen E
to your advices, and learn to prevent any danger thanks to the people who attend Vida Nueva. So K
we like helping each other instead of criticizing each other.
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That is what we live for.
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On this phase of our purpose you have already discovered which are your gifts and talents to
serve God in Vida Nueva.
WOur goal is that you serve the rest of your life to accomplish God's mission in Vida Nueva using
E your time, talents, and treasures for His Kingdom, without caring so much about what area to
serve in or where God takes you or how much it will cost you.
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E Proverbs 16:4 says, “The Lord has made everything for his own purposes …” (NL)
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God planned your mission in life before you were born.
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Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
Wwhich God prepared in advance for us to do.” (NIV)
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Your mission in life has, both, universal elements (God calls every Christian to complete a task)
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and unique elements (What God has designed for me to accomplish).
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I To fulfill your mission in life brings glory to God.
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E John 17:4 says, “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”
(NIV)
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Therefore, the main task in Vida Nueva is to fulfill your mission in life. Acts 20:24 says,
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“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the
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task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” (NIV)
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DTo discover your mission in this world, you must first understand God's global purpose on
I having created the human being.
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WHAT WAS JESUS’ MISSION?
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Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (NIV)
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WJohn 18:37 b says, “In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to
E testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
S John 10:10 says, “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
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1. If I want to be like Jesus, MY MISSION in life must include HIS MISSION in life.
Jesus prayed to the Father “As you sent me [to a mission] into the world, I have sent them [to
a mission] into the world.” John 17:18. W
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2. Jesus HOPES that I continue his mission into the world.
“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21 S
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3. To share the Good News is my RESPONSIBILITY. E
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To preach the gospel “Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to
preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” 1 Corinthians 9:16 ☜
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all
nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14
10.Because you WILL REJOYCE when you see those who are saved in heaven.
W “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who
E repents…” Luke15:7a
☜ All of that is what makes us grow in Vida Nueva. This is what we pursue in the fourth phase of
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our mission.
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On the next page you will find a chart which we use to describe Vida Nueva's mission.
Feel free to use this chart when talking to your relatives, friends, and others or use it when
evangelizing someone. It will certainly help you, in a great way, tell others why we exist.
I use this chart every time I invite someone to, or talk about, our church. I let them know that the W
church provides them things which they cannot find in any other part of the world. The church E
helps you focus and develop in God’s way and no country in the world does this. Only the
church helps you meet with God! S
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EXPLAIN VIDA NUEVA’SMISSION TO PEOPLE K
The
Matthew Basic Emotiona Benefits ☜
Mission Task
28:19-20
Objective Target
Means
Church
l Benefit for you
provides
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“Therefore Commu My Objectives Purpose to
We search Evangelism Mission Meaning E
go...” nity testimony to live for live for
“…and My G
Congre Values to Principles to
We guide Discipleship make Maturity relation Support
disciples...”
gation
ships
live for live forU
“and I
A
We edify Ministries
teaching
Training
Commi The Teaching to
Stability foundation
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them to ted Scriptures live for E
to live
obey…”
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SThe point in Vida Nueva is that we give priority to the beliefs and essential things. There are
Eeight things which you need to agree to if you want to join Vida Nueva.
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K Our Essential Beliefs
W“…one body and one Spirit…, one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all…”
EEphesians 4:4-6
GThese are essential things that we believe in. These are things to which we need to be joined in
Uthought and purpose. Nevertheless, we are opened to your to interpretations, when you study,
Iwhen you pray, or when you ask God to teach you.
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E1. About God.
☜God is the creator and governor of the Universe and he has eternally existed in three persons: the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are equal and one only God. Genesis 1:1, 26,
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27; Genesis 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
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The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to
make men aware of their need of Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment
of their salvation.
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He provides every Christian with the understanding to live and the understanding of the E
spiritual truths and direction to what is right. He gives a spiritual gift to every believer from
the moment of their salvation. As Christians we must live under His control every day. 2 S
Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians E
1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18. E
K
4. About the Bible.
☜
The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural
guidance of the Holy Spirit and it is now the supreme source of truth for the Christian belief W
and life. For being inspired by God, it is the unmistakable truth. 2 Timothy 1: 13; 3:16; 2 E
Peter 1:20, 21; Psalm 119:105,160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5.
G
5. About Mankind. U
I
Man was created to the spiritual image of God to be like him in character. The man is the D
supreme object of God's creation. Though the man has a tremendous potential to do good, he E
is stained by his trend to disobey God. This disobedience is called “sin”. That sin separates
☜
every person from God and causes lots of problems in life. Genesis 1:17; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah
53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2 W
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6. About Salvation.
E
The salvation is the gift of God to us and it is necessary to accept it. We cannot pay for our D
sins with our good deeds or personal improvement. I
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Only by trusting that Jesus Christ is God's offer for the forgiveness of our sins, we can be Y
saved from his punishment. When we turn away from our own controlled life, to a life
controlled by Christ, we are safe. ☜
Eternal life begins the moment in which one receives Christ as their Lord Savior and. W
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1 E
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Because God gives us life trough Jesus Christ, the believer can be sure about his salvation for
eternity. Salvation can not be lost. Salvation is obtained and kept by God’s grace and power. No
man can prevent this. John 10:29; 1 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10-14; 1 Peter 1:3-5.
W
E 8. About Eternity.
All people were created to exist forever. We either live separated from God because of our sins or
S live attached eternally to God through his forgiveness and salvation.
E
E The eternal separation from God is hell. Living in eternal union with God is the eternal life.
K Heaven and hell are real places for an eternal existence. John 3:16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13;
Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 1:8; Matthew 2:44, 46
☜
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In these eight essential things we have unity and you need to agree them if you want to join
E Vida Nueva. There are many other things that are opened for interpretation and we have freedom
in doing so. And in all the things, we have love and understanding.
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U1 Corinthians 13:2 “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all
I knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing”
D
E It is possible that you could be theologically correct, and be well documented about who the
beast and the red horse are, and what the glasses and trumpets mean, and when all this is going to
☜take place according to the book of Revelation. You could also be knowledgeable about the book
of Daniel, but what if you are not an affectionate and loving person? All that knowledge is worth
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nothing!
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“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters…Who are you
that you judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or fall. And he will stand, W
for the Lord is able to make him stand…So then, each of us will give an account of himself to E
God…So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God” Romans
14:1,4,12,22 S
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There are some things in which you are not going to agree with other persons. We consider many
E
of those non essentials because your salvation will not depend on whether you believe them or
K
not. In Vida Nueva we believe that these non-essential beliefs can hurt and divide the body of
Christ especially when a person is very extremist in their belief. For such reason, you are free to ☜
believe in them. It is here, in the non-essentials beliefs, where we accept diversity of thought.
W
For instance, some people ask me, “is this a charismatic church?” And I answer: “no, Vida Nueva E
is not a charismatic church, but we are not anti charismatic. We love charismatic people.
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There are some church members in Vida Nueva that have a charismatic background, and who at U
some point spoke in tongues which they believe is an essential part of their faith and their I
walking with God. On the other hand, there are those who see that as something strange and do D
E
not want to be asked or forced to speak in tongues.
☜
We do not believe that speaking in tongues is the only way to be saved since the Bible says that
Christ ALONE is the only savior. The gift of speaking in tongues is not one of our eight essential W
beliefs, which we wrote about previously, but it is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that God E
gives to whom He wants to give it to. On this matter, it is your own choice. If God has given you
E
that blessed gift, truth be told, I am glad for you as long as you do not tell others that they must
D
have that same spiritual gift.
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That would make a difference. That is an example. We are not charismatic, but we are not anti- F
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charismatic. We love people and do not criticize them. We are here to be blessed by all the gifts
that God gives to his children. ☜
“Jesus Christ is coming again.” It is our responsibility to be ready and to have our hearts
prepared to meet Him.
Three days ago my son Ariel asked me “Dad, do Christians who smoke go to hell?” So I thought
to myself, “That is a really controversial topic.” Then my first response was, “No, but smoking
W
will make them smell as if they had been there” Then I explained him about the risks that
E
smoking brings to his health and his Christian testimony. Also, I told him about the advantages of
trusting God to dominate that addiction which is not beneficial at all.
S
E A drinker. We believe that a Christian does not need to drink alcohol to feel well with oneself or
E with their neighbor. At Vida Nueva we do not teach that the Scriptures teach that drinking
K moderately is good.
☜Anything that makes you give the control of your life to something else, other than God, is very
dangerous. Drunkenness is always wrong in every circumstance. There is no place in life for
W
drunkenness. To everybody at Vida Nueva, we encourage you and exhort you to take a vow of
E
abstinence. Take complete abstinence because we do not want to add to our lives something that
Gbecomes a habit because if we were to be drinking at some place, this would give permission to
Uothers to drink too. So we all have decided, by all means, not to drink.
I
DIn short, we have unity in the things that matter, and give us freedom in the things that are not so
E important, and above all, we treat each other with love. We accept everybody as they are. We
accept them not for what they are or what they do, but for they are human beings who deserve
☜our respect, love, care, and support.
WWe are like that for we look at people with Jesus' eyes. We wonder how would Jesus look at
E
those who still struggle with their addictions, bad habits, etc.? Certainly, Jesus would look at
E them with eyes of love to help them transform their lives. That is what Vida Nueva does! That is
Dwhy we exist, to mirror God’s transforming power.
I
F At Vida Nueva, you are going to find some people whom you may not like or identify with. You
Y may find some persons who might hurt your feelings intentionally or unintentionally. It could
happen that you would not get credit for something that you did and worked arduously to
☜accomplish. This will probably make you feel bad. However, you have to strive to be an example
W
of unity and Christian forgiveness, and help restore any bad situation.
E You might find some people who are troublesome or who still have a difficult character. And you
S might wonder, why does this happen? It is, simply, because the church is formed by people who
E are just like you, imperfect, sinful, saved by God's grace and whom still make mistakes.
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VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 28
We need to have a loving heart towards those who we meet at this church. I say this to you so
that you can practice the reconciliation and forgiveness when necessary. You are going to need it!
You are going to need to learn to forgive and to have the will to do it if you are going to join this
church. We have never had a split at our church in twenty-three years of existence and we do not
W
want you to start one.
E
If you decide to join this church, come with a positive attitude which says, “If I encounter a
problem, I promise, before God, to do what the Bible says, doing it with a loving heart towards S
the reconciliation and forgiveness.” E
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What We Practice
All beliefs are nothing until they are put into action. Based on what the Bible teaches, we
maintain the following seven practices:
W
2. Autonomy of the local church.
E Jesus Christ is the head of this church, not the pastor Johnny Sangoquiza or any of the church
G leaders. Jesus Christ is the recognized head that we honor at this church. In agreement to that, we
U are a body and always work together. He is the fountain of our life.
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We value associating with other groups of Christians, but this church takes its own decisions on
D
E its type of government and its properties. No other denominational control, outside of our
church, can tell us what to do or tell the pastor to move to another church. This church takes its
☜own decisions on those types of things. We are autonomous.
☜Nobody here wears a special gown or a special tunic. You and I are priests before God. We do
Wnot need anybody to intercede for us before God. Jesus Christ already did that with His death and
E resurrection. You do not need any another human being to act as a mediator between you and
God. Due to that, we all have equal access to God.
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Sometimes people ask me, “Would you pray for me?” And they tell me about their needs in their
life. I know the reason they ask me is because I am the pastor and they believe that I have a
special direct line to God, but none of that is true. You and I have equal access to God.
We all are priests and that means that we have the same responsibility of sharing the Gospel to
people so that they praise God too. That is a unique privilege that we have and one that we
believe in at Vida Nueva. W
E
2. Tithing.
“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs S
to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” Leviticus 27:30. At Vida Nueva, we practice tithing for E
the support of Christ's body, the church, as God teaches us. We acknowledge that giving 10 % of E
our income is a biblical mandate. K
The word tithe means ten per cent. That is how we support this church. We do not support it by ☜
coordinating raffles or playing bingo or any other similar games. We sustain this church through
church members who give ten per cent of what they earn. Nobody is going to inquire whether W
E
you are tithing or not. Nobody is going to knock on your door and say, “You are behind three
months. Please make sure you stay current!” Never! We have never done that and we will never G
do it. Tithing is a matter between you and God. U
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We feel that if we teach you what the Bible says, your decision will stay between you and God. It D
is the love to God and His work what makes people become members of Vida Nueva to support E
and to give to the work of the church.
☜
5. Baptism by immersion.
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“Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of E
God, who raised him from the dead.” Colossians 2:12
E
We practice the baptism by immersion in water, the way in which Christ was baptized and the D
way that the Bible stipulates it. I
F
6. Living guided by the Holy Spirit. Y
(Jesus said)... “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will ☜
bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
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We believe that the only possible way to live a Christian life is through God’s power in us. We
seek to live a life which depends daily on God and His Holy Spirit to help us do what is correct.
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” Philippians
2:13 and Ephesians 5:18 say, “…be filled with the Spirit.”
“…But in your hearts set apart Christ Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone
who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and
respect, keeping a clear conscience…” 1 Pedro 3:15-16 a
It is the responsibility of all Christians to share the Good News to every one whom God has put
around them and to personally share Christ and invite their neighbors and friends to church.
YES WE CAN!
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VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 33
SECOND SESSION
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E OUR VISION
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SHARING
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Vision 2008-2015
“Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint...” Proverbs 29:18
THE VISION allows the church to see with clarity what God wants to get done, so a vision with
a task, in Christ, is the hope for the world.
☜
3. Physical
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1. SPIRITUAL
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Achieving full maturity in Christ.
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• It is the dream of being a church dedicated to the practical and profound teaching of the Bible D
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to give the people what they need to grow spiritually, and to achieve full maturity in Christ.
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• It is the dream of developing the next generation of leaders whom God will use to transform Y
this society. ☜
• It is the dream of being missionaries, beginning in our city. We believe that God wants W
every Christian to be a missionary, someone sent to reach out to those who do not have E
Christ. Our motto is “each one, with one” because we hope that each one of us be actively
evangelizing. S
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• It is the dream in which each one of us, here on Multnomah County, tries to reproduce
followers of Christ through friendship, and to plant the seed of the gospel (both, with
your lips and with your life as testimony.)
• It is the dream of being who we are, without any pressure to change according to the
opinions or expectations of the world, with freedom to walk with God as He has made us.
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• It is the dream of training each believer in order to have a specific ministry, helping them
E
discover their talents and gifts that God has given them.
☜ • It is the dream to keep adding more musical players specially those who can play wind
instruments such as: Trumpets, saxophones, bugles, etc.
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E • It is the dream of having concerts and alternative worship celebrations based on music
only performed at special venues.
G
U • It is the dream of training those who God has called to the music ministry.
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D • It is the dream of having a music band led by children, teenagers and youth who will first
E perform at our prayer meetings and eventually play on our Sunday celebrations and at
any other events.
☜
2. NUMERICAL:
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E A church of 400
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• It is the dream that by April, 2015, we will have a church of 400 members or more.
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I • It is the dream of looking for people without Christ to show and give them: love, trust,
F acceptance, support, guidance and encouragement.
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• It is the dream to know, and to contact, all the 40,000 Hispanics who live in Gresham and
☜
through out 10 miles around our church, to share the gospel of Christ.
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• It is the dream of a sufficiently big church, in membership, to have a voice in our society.
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If we want to influence our next generation, we need to have a voice among them.
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• It is the dream that while we are becoming a big church, at the same time, we turn
into a small church through a genuine friendship so as to not lose the sense of family
and community.
3. PHYSICAL: W
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To have a property of more than 10 acres.
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• We understand that the Church is not just a building, but that we, the believers, are the D
Church. But we also understand that a building is an extremely important and useful I
tool for Vida Nueva to carry out God's mission here on earth. F
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• It is the dream of being owners of a property of more than 10 acres and we will work
on this from June, 2008 until April, 2015. ☜
• It is the dream of a nice and clean place which is useful in the ministry to accomplish W
the mission that God has ordered us to do. E
S
• After buying the property,
E
• It is the dream of building new, contemporary, and attractive buildings which are good for N
multiple purposes, D
VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 37
o Where children can play safely and know the Lord through a creative, relevant
and interesting education.
o Where adults and elders can find friendship, and feel rejuvenated. Also where
they can receive a healthy biblical education for their lives and biblical guidance
W
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to be successful in God's plan.
E We firmly believe that God has called us to reach out to those who do not know Christ and those
D who do not have a church in our city, to get them involved in a continuous growth at a spiritual,
I personal, and collective level. Ephesians 4:13
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WHAT WE VALUE
We all have values. Jesus said on Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart
will be also.” All of us invest our time, our energy, and our money, in the things that we value
most. All churches become what they value as well.
At Vida Nueva, we have determined what WE are going TO DO and, definitively, what WE are
W
going TO BE as a church. Jesus, on John 14:21, says: “Whoever has my commands and obeys
E
them, he is the one who loves me.” This means that we have to be moved by our free will and not
by our feelings or thoughts, because feelings and thoughts do not reach their maximum
expression which is to follow our will to do God's will. S
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“To obey” means: to do, to practice. Then: E
K
• Jesus' words to his disciples were not, “feel things for me” (Feelings)
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• Jesus' words to his disciples were not, “Think about me” (Thoughts)
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• Jesus' words to his disciples were “follow me” (Will) E
For that reason, at Vida Nueva, we value all the volunteers’ service to God and we strive to serve G
Him in an efficient way by our own will. U
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Declaration of our values D
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We have two essential values that we develop at our church. First: To love God with all our
being. Second: To love all people. ☜
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• The support and give opportunities to every family to completely participate without any
barriers.
• The church, in alliance with those who share the same vision.
• The members and non members with the ability to work and to walk the extra mile.
• The commitment of the members and non members who sustain the church financially.
THIRD SESSION
OUR STRATEGY
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E “…That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge …To the weak I became weak, to
win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save
some ...I do all this for the sake of the gospel…”
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E 1 Corinthians 9:18, 22, 23
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MISSIONS
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You need to understand this, why do we not use hymnals on Sunday afternoon? Why do we not
celebrate the Supper, on Sunday morning, more often? Why do I sometimes show a video clip
before preaching? And why do I write my sermon and the biblical verses on the church’s
screens?
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This kind of questions are basically saying, How come we are not like the traditional church?
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The answers to all these questions are clarified when you understand our strategy. Jesus said, “I
did not come to those who are healthy. I came to the sick. To seek and to save what is lost.” Our
goal is to reach out to those who do not know Christ. S
E
What is the profile of Hispanics living in Gresham, Portland, and its surroundings? E
K
We have developed a small profile of the typical person that we try to reach. We have called that
person, Vida, and he is married to his lovely wife called, Nueva. They have four children, and the ☜
way to reach them is not by asking them to be like us, and to become Christians. Instead, we will
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be like them to tell them about Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:22
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WHO IS MR. VIDA?
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His description would be as follows: U
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• He does not know Christ. He is a great man and a good person, friendly and family oriented. D
He lives within a radius of 10 miles from this church. But while you were at church this E
afternoon, Mr. Vida was on the soccer field drinking a few beers. On other occasions he had
☜
to work, or he jus went shopping on Sunday. He is a good guy. He just does not know that he
needs God. W
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• He is foreign, and he came to this nation to provide his family a better life. He came in search
of a better future. E
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• He needs to work, and he is responsible and a hard worker. He does his best to keep his job I
and be successful. F
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• He feels melancholy for his land and family, and he always remembers them with a profound
feeling. ☜
• He is catholic by inheritance from his parents though he is not attending any church. W
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• He likes up-beat and the contemporary music mixed with recollections from the past.
Specially those of his native land so he can sing them.
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lasts about 80 to 90 minutes. If you have something to do during the week, do not worry it is
only on Sunday. Come to this place which is very clean and elegant, and you do not have to wear
a suit. They do not sing hymns. They play contemporary music that makes your spirit rejoice.
The messages are not offensive or even antiquated. Let’s go Vida, it is incredible!”
That is how we can ask Mr. Vida to visit us. Only through friendship telling them, “come and try
the good news during our celebrations!” W
E
We do NOT criticize people when they are not singing because they do not know the song lyrics.
We do NOT look at them when they cannot pray or give an offering because we are not here to
make people feel bad or make fun of them. We only want people to come in and feel S
comfortable, and listen for a moment, and try and receive, a stimulus from Christ. We do NOT E
make people feel shameful. E
K
Mr. Vida thinks that we are an organized religion and that he would have to commit, from the
beginning, to a set of rules. But we say, “Wonderful! Come to Vida Nueva, we are not religious ☜
or legalistic with anybody. W
E
He likes contemporary music, and our music is contemporary. The point is that we want to use
music that people understand and can relate to. That it is our style, and you need to find the G
church of your style. Some churches are emotional, others are formal, but Vida Nueva is both. U
We combine both styles: emotional and formal. We are kind on our style. I
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More over, when preaching, every Sunday afternoon, we use relevant topics such as: what does E
God say about tension? What does God say about marriage? What does God say about worrying?
What does God say about money? All those subjects are talked about to reach the non-believers. ☜
So, every Sunday afternoon we get ready so you can bring Sr. Vida with his family. If you are not W
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bringing to church your neighbors, friends, and coworkers who do not know Jesus, you are
missing the target. E
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Now you know why we do, what we do.
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HOW ARE WE TRYING TO DEVELOP IT?
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If Vida Nueva's mission is to reproduce and to turn people (Sr. Vida) into followers of Christ,
how will we manage to accomplish that Mission?
W Growth Guidance
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Maturity
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I Birth
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E Reproduction
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Vida
E Nueva has a team of evangelism dedicated to contact the visitors or new believers, to give
them a follow-up which consists of several friendly meetings at their houses or at any other
E
place. During that time, they share experiences of their lives they listen to people and take care
D
of some of their needs, pray for them, and encourage them.
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Contact person for this ministry: Adrián Ubaldo (503) 674-0254
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Vida Nueva encourages the whole congregation to an active stewardship in all the areas of their
☜ each person helping in accordance with their divine design: teaching the Bible one on or in
life,
groups,
W helping with the maintenance or the administration of the church, giving advice to
others,
E fulfilling physical needs in the community, and developing creative and innovative
ministries to reach out, for Jesus Christ, those who do not have a church
S
In
E other words, our strategy is:
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by means of Evangelism
by means of Discipleship
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3. To turn participants into leaders We edify E
by means of Ministries
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4. To turn leaders into servants We send E
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by means of Missions K
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1 To turn people into visitors We search
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2 To turn visitors into participants We guide D
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3 To turn participants into leaders We edify W
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4 To turn leaders into servants We send D
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FOUR CIRCLES OF COMMITMENT
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At Vida Nueva, we currently have four different objectives; and the purpose of this church is to
direct people to the center of the circle through a personal spiritual commitment. More
specifically, we reinforce four basic areas of commitment:
W
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Class A EVANGELISM
S Class B DISCIPLESHIP
E ALCANCE
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MINISTRIES
K Class C
Clase ☜ MISSIONS
Graduation
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Clase E
Clase G
UClass A. It is the Community on the exterior circle.
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GRADUACION Those are the ones that we want to reach out for Jesus Christ. We want them to come to know
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Christ. We want to go out there, and to continue reaching out to them. As long as there are people
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without Christ, this church will continue growing. We do not grow for our own benefit. The
☜bigger the church is, the more problems there are for Pastors, the more headaches, the more
weddings, the more funerals, and the more visits to the hospital there are. But we want to grow
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E big because we love people. We keep growing because the Bible says that God wants everybody
to know Jesus. We will keep growing, and growing because people need the Lord.
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DAlso, we call the community our occasional attendees. If you come to four events at Vida Nueva
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in one year such as Christmas, Easter, Mother’s day and Valentine’s day or any other event, and
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fill out a visiting card, we will keep your name on our records (The List of Occasional
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Attendees.) We currently have 31 names in our list of occasional attendees. This means that, one
☜in every 1,290 persons living around Vida Nueva, on a 10 mile radius, has come to this church in
the last 4 months.
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Class B. These are the congregation and the church members.
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These people are taking Class B. They commit to be members of the church. You are not a
member of this church until you have committed to comply with the requirements of the
membership. One of them is, to study class A.
They are committed to attend constantly. That is the group of people that are present on Sunday
afternoon. We call them the regular attendees; presently, our Sunday attendance is between 95
and 105 persons including children. There are, approximately, 110 Hispanic churches in the area W
of Gresham, Portland, Beaverton, Vancouver, and their surroundings, and Vida Nueva is ranked E
sixth in church attendance, among the twenty largest churches in the area.
At present, we have approximately 56 adult members. They are more than attendees; they are S
church members who are taking Class B. We have 8 classes with different teachers for four E
different ages, and we are teaching the same class, with the same material, to our children, E
teenagers, youth and adults. The teachers organize their class and they teach it in accordance to K
the students’ age. It is impressive! ☜
Clase
Class C. The group of the committed members. W
Clase E
They have already taken class A, and B and now are taking Class C. They have just discovered
Clase
their gifts and talents. These are the people who are committed to church. They are getting ready G
to be ministers and leaders. They are acquiring full growth on their gifts and their capacities on U
GRADUACION
the Christian faith. They are strong believers, but for whatever reason they are not an active part I
of a church ministry. D
E
Graduation. The center of the circle where says “ministers.”
☜
It is the center of the church and they are the people who are involved in the many different
ministries of the church. They are the leaders, the ministers, the musicians, the servants, the W
E
greeters, the ushers, the childcare assistants, the chaplains, the evangelists, the prayer leaders, the
sound system and advertising coordinators, the computer systems coordinators, the teachers of E
the small groups of development, etc. We have, on our church, 15 different ministries led by D
those who are in the center. If you are a member of our church in a position of leadership, we call I
you a part of the center. F
Y
The way for you to enter the center (nucleus) is by studying three classes: “A, B and C”. My goal
for you is that you move to the center. At the moment, we have approximately 37 persons at the ☜
center. These are the people who are taking CLASS A, and are helping in some areas of the W
E
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VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 49
church, using their gifts and talents. They are already helping because we recently started this
“Process of Development”.
So, Vida Nueva's objective is to keep people moving towards the center, encouraging them to a
spiritual commitment. For example: our church’s goal is to move the community to the
congregation. We want to stimulate those who come occasionally to be present every week and
Wbecome regular attendees. We hope that people who visit our church become members. How can
Ethey be accepted in the congregation? Taking class A.
Immediately after class A, we want members to start growing in their faith, established in the
Sbasics of their faith and transferred to the commitment stage. How can you move to the circle of
Ecommitment? Taking Class B.
E
KThen we want to stimulate the committed people to find a ministry where they can reciprocate,
serve, and use their talents and skills. We want them to move up to the center (nucleus) taking
☜Class C.
W
And finally, we want to give them opportunities to serve God, placing them where they can be a
E
blessing to others. By then, you will have completed classes A, B, and C.
G
WHY DO WE HAVE THESE STEPS OF COMMITMENT?
U
IWhen you enter Vida Nueva, you are going to find help for your spiritual development. You will
D
never ever are going to stop growing because we have put together a plan of growth for you and
E
your family. It consists of four circles of commitment that I already explained; however, I now
☜have drawn a set of stairs so that you can see how you grow in your spiritual life.
W
E
E
D 5
Enjoying
SERVICE
I
F 4
Class C
Y MINISTRY
3
Class B
☜ DISCIPLESHIP
2
W Class A
MEMBERSHIP
E
1
Entering
S EVANGELISM
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VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 50
This is one of the more important things that Vida Nueva can tell you. We become what we
commit ourselves to. Many people are committed fifty per cent, or less, on many different
things. If you really want to make an impact with your life, or make sure that your life counts,
and make a difference, you have to learn to be fully committed to a few things, instead of being
somewhat committed to a half a dozen things. One of our tasks, as leaders, is to help you
arrange your commitments in life and to make the right commitments.
W
These steps in your life will help you develop and become a servant of the Lord. E
Everybody wants to be happy and they all look for it in different ways: W
E
Some look for happiness acquiring possessions; others, experiencing pleasures, or earning
prestige and personal satisfaction. But the real happiness comes when we understand: THE G
PURPOSE OF MY LIFE. U
I
Why am I here, on earth? D
E
God created me so he could love me, guide me, equip me, and send me to complete His
mission. This is the lifestyle that God wants us to live. Therefore; Vida Nueva has all these ☜
benefits in order that you live in complete harmony with God's purpose.
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THIS STAR SHOWS GODS BENEFITS FOR YOU
VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 51
THE STARK
STAR K SHOWS YOU GOD’
GOD’S BENEFI TS FOR YOU
TO EDIFY
Maturity
Class C Class B
Finding your Growing up
TO EQUIP ministry during discipleshp TO GUIDE
Ministry Membership
W Growing up
3
g
E
Gu
inin
4 2
idin
Tra
g
S Class A
Training
1
Sh g
E ari rin Getting to know
o ve
Preparing you ng c Vida Nueva
E for you mission Dis
K
☜ TO SEND
Mission
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E
G
NINE PRINCIPLES THAT MAKE VIDA NUEVA UNIQUE
U
At Vida Nueva, we have 9 principles that make our church be unique. We did an acrostic with
I
our church’s name which has nine principles that make Vida Nueva different from other
D
churches.
E
Vida Nueva,
☜
Values everyone who attends our Celebration Services. We have designed our church services in
W
E
order that you can enjoy them. We preach with a variety of “message series or topics” that relate
to our daily life.
E
D
We are sensitive on how we greet people. We try not to make them uncomfortable. We almost
I
never make our guests stand and tell us their name.
F
Y
When we collect our offerings we always tell this: “If you are a guest, do not give an offering”
Many nonbelievers think that churches are here to only ask for money. Though it is true that we
☜
depend on tithing and offerings given by our church members and attendees for the support of
this church, if you are a visitor, we want you to receive from us instead of feeling obligated to
W
give something to us.
E
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VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 52
Integrates every family in a network of small groups. Every Tuesday, Vida Nueva becomes a big
network of small groups. We want you to grow in your faith by being part of a big worshipping
group and a small fellowship group.
Designs processes and systems to help you grow. So far, we have designed the Process of
Development which will help you grow and discover your spiritual gifts to serve God. Our goal
is to help you become everything what God wants you to be.
Aims to reach out to those who do not have church. Vida Nueva does not try to reach everybody.
It tries to reach out to those who do not know the Lord as well as those who have stopped going
to a church.
Never closes its doors to opportunities. We always let people serve God. Every church member
is a minister. Every church member is not a pastor, but every church member has a ministry and
your ministry is to serve others.
Utilizes your abilities and talents. We firmly believe that God has sent you here to complete His
purpose on earth. Consequently, our church offers you the opportunity to use your skills and the
knowledge acquired on your profession.
Encourages everybody to not criticize others. We do not expect everyone to be perfect at this
church. At some churches, you have to be perfect or pretend that you are because if you are not
then you will not be welcome there. This church is for the people who do not have everything. It
is for the people who want to grow. It is for the frail people.
Values and lives led by a mission. We know where we come from, where we are, and where we
want to go.
Accepts all people as they are. We accept everyone without judging them. There is a difference
between acceptance and approval. We can accept a person without approving their lifestyle.
Jesus did it. He accepted the woman who was caught committing adultery without approving the
adultery itself. He accepted her and loved her without approving what she was doing. We can
accept all people without necessarily approving their bad habits. We do not expect the non
believers to act as the believers before they become believers.
W
E OUR STRUCTURE
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. But everything
S
E
should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
E 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40
K
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da
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VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 54
On 1982 the pastor of “Pleasant Home Church” along with Brother Guadalupe González, a
member of the church at the time, acknowledged the need to create a ministry in Spanish since
the strawberry fields were full of Hispanic workers and there was not a single Spanish-Speaking
church for them.
W
That same year they had their first meeting with only the families of Pastor Peter Conrrado and
E
Guadalupe González becoming the church’s founders. Among an arduous evangelistic work in
1984, and with a membership of 200, the church was established adopting the name of “Hispanic
Pleasant Home” S
E
After two years, in 1986 and with an approximate membership of 250, Brother Guadalupe E
González felt the call of God to enroll at the “Rio Grande Bible Institute”, making this year a K
year of transition having to search for a new pastor for the Hispanic church. At the “Multnomah
Bible School” Pastor G. González met Brother Jaime Dunn who led the Hispanic church from ☜
1987 to 1993. On that year, 1993, Pastor G. Gonzalez graduated from Rio Grande Bible Institute. W
E
Under the leadership of Pastor Jaime Dunn, the Hispanic church moved to another building on
Cleveland St in Gresham, OR where Mountain View Church is located. Also, for the first time, G
the Hispanic church adopted an own new name: “Iglesia Vida Nueva” U
I
On 1993 Brother G. González led Vida Nueva until 1995 when he had to leave the church D
because new challenges arose for his ministerial life. E
On 1995, with a membership of 150 people, Pastor Alfredo Valencia was appointed as the new ☜
pastor of Vida Nueva, which he led until May 26, 2002 when he and his family became
missionaries in Chile following God’s calling. From that date until June 6, 2007 the church had W
E
no Pastor, but was kept together under the care of the church leaders and the help of other
preachers who served in Vida Nueva. E
D
On June 6, 2007 Pastor Johnny Sangoquiza became Vida Nueva’s Pastor with a membership of
I
45 people. F
Y
During the last 23 years we have had four Pastors acknowledged by the entire congregation.
Each one of them has made a great impact in the life of the church. They left so many good ☜
memories, and a great example of spiritual and moral purity worth imitating.
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VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 55
OUR AFFILIATION
Vida Nueva is part of the Interstate Baptist Association which approximately has 4 Hispanic
churches in the Portland metro-area, Vancouver, and their surroundings.
WNote: The “Association” is shaped by a group of local churches of a certain area, but a
E “Convention” is shaped by a associations of churches of different states. In other words, the
Association is local and the Convention is state-run.
S Why are we a part of a denominational convention?
E
E We belong to a denominational convention because that is how we can support God's work
K around the world. We are a part of the Convention Baptist of the South. A lot of churches, like
ours (IGLESIA VIDA NUEVA), do not carry the “Baptist” denomination on their names, but we
☜
still are Baptists, denominationally speaking.
W
E We are an independent church though we chose to be attached to a bigger body. Why did we do
that? We did that because we are a part of the biggest missionary force in the world. Just as we
G believe in tithing to the Lord, we also give, as a church, ten percent of Vida Nueva’s income to
U the IBA and NWBC to help other churches start their ministry. We are a part of what is called the
I Cooperative Program which is the biggest missionary force in the world. Every Sunday when
D
you give you are supporting 10,500 missionaries in 134 countries. Your donations help to preach
E
the Gospel all over the world.
☜
Who is the Southern Baptist Convention to which we belong?
W
• It is the biggest Denomination of Christian churches in the United States of America and
E
the American Continent.
E
D • One in every ten churches in the United States is affiliated to SBC. It approximately has
I 43 thousand churches. 15 million members more than other denominations, combined.
F
Y • It has a Church Diversity branch that includes different races, nationalities and ethnic
groups. Every Sunday, there are church services held in more than 80 different languages.
☜ 1 in every 4 Afro-Americans in the USA is a Southern Baptist. Our Convention has many
W
Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Hispanic, Vietnamese, Russian, and Philippine Churches
E among others.
S
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VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 56
• It is one of the fastest Christian groups. The SBC baptizes more than 1,000 new
Christians every day in the USA and it starts 5 new churches every day on average.
YES! We are an independent church! Every Southern Baptist Church is completely independent.
There is no denominational control, or hierarchy, as in other denominations. Every Church is
W
autonomous and it makes its own decisions.
E
For example:
“…just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her” Ephesians 5:25
Occasionally, I hear people say, “I like Jesus, but I do not like the church” or “I commit myself to
Christ, but I do not want to commit myself to any church” or “I like Christ, but I do not think a
need a church.”
When people express this, I think that they say it for two reasons: The first reason is because they
W
do not know the church they attend very well. It is because the church does not give them a class
E
like the one taught at Vida Nueva. And the second reason is because they are, incredibly,
immature believers.
S
E The more mature you grow as a Christian, the more you are going to love the church. The Bible
E says that the church is Christ’s bride and Christ's body. What would you think if I said, “I like
K you, but I do not like your body.” You would be offended by that. Or what would you think if I
said, “I like you, but I can not stand your wife.” I am sure you would get offended.
☜
The Bible says that Jesus died for the church. He gave His life for her. The more Christ-like you
W
become the more you will be willing to give your life for the church. It is not perfect, but IT IS
E
what Jesus died for. If we are to be like Christ, we have to be committed to the church as much
G as He is.
U
I 2. Cultural reason: It is an antidote for our society. We live at a time where very few people
D want to be committed to something such as work, marriage, church, our country, etc. This
E attitude has produced a generation of church marketing (Church-negotiating) and the church-
jumpers. These people go from one church to another every week. The membership sails against
☜ the current of consumers of religion in America.
giant step into your personal development. First, you commit your life to Christ. Then, you
commit your life to Christ's family, the body of believers. If you do not like, sharing with, or
seeing other Christians, then you are not going to heaven because in heaven that is all you are
going to see, Christians.
If you are not willing to commit to other Christians now, do you think that you will rejoice in
heaven?
At Vida Nueva, we never ask our members to do more than what the Bible teaches us to do.
We only hope that our members do what the Bible expects from every Christian. These
responsibilities are well specified on our membership agreement.
MY MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT
VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 59
After having received Christ as my Lord and Savior, and having been baptized and
having agreed with the mission, the vision, the strategies and Vida Nueva's structure,
and after being guided by the Holy Ghost to join the family of Vida Nueva's church, I
commit myself to God and to the rest of the membership to:
MY NAME: _________________________________________________________
DATE: _____________________________________________________________
WITNESSES: ________________________________________________________
VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 60
All Biblical verses have been taken from the 1960 Kings Version, and from the New
International Version (NIV).
VIDA NUEVA - VISION 2008-2015 61
Sincerely,