What We Believe

At McLean Bible Church, our vision is to make an impact on secular Washington with the message of Jesus Christ. All of our ministries are designed intentionally to accomplish that mission.

While our worship services, radio programming and outreach programs are all important, the most powerful resource we have to impact our city is the people of our congregation. That is why we say, “the goal of our ministry is to transform people into fully devoted followers of Christ” (Core Value #3) … fully devoted followers who make an impact on their families, friends, neighborhoods, schools and workplaces.

Just how are people transformed into fully devoted followers of Christ?

Transformation starts with God, who made it possible for us to be reconciled to Him through Christ’s death on the cross. When we receive His gift, not only do we become a new creation, but we also have the opportunity to become a vital part of the ministry of reconciling the world to God (see 2 Corinthians 5:17-20).

After accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, a person begins an amazing adventure with God, a lifelong process of transformation from new believer to fully devoted follower. The transformation is the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. The transformation is also partly our responsibility (see Philippians 2:12-13). We must learn to identify the leading of the Holy Spirit and respond in obedience. It is only as we are filled with the Holy Spirit that we can follow Christ, surrender to His Lordship, be conformed to His likeness, and become fully devoted followers. At McLean Bible Church, we believe that learning to identify the leading of the Holy Spirit, yielding our will to His, and responding in obedience requires discipline.

Specifically, we believe that four spiritual disciplines are essential to becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ. Therefore, we encourage and challenge every believer to practice these four disciplines:

    * Grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ
    * Connect in biblical community
    * Serve in your God-given ministry
    * Share the message of Jesus Christ

As we develop and exercise these disciplines in our daily lives, we experience both personal fulfillment as well as fruitfulness for His kingdom! The four disciplines are interconnected components of the growth process, not independent activities. They work together to prepare you to successfully navigate your spiritual journey, make wise decisions, and withstand the hardships along the way.
Why become a fully devoted follower?

The transformation from new believer to fully devoted follower – as with anything worthwhile – requires discipline. We believe that the motivation for the journey comes from many sources, including love, obedience and a focus on heavenly rewards:

   1. Love. “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died” (2 Corinthians 5:14).
   2. Obedience. “Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him’” (John 14:23).
   3. Heavenly Rewards. “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free” (Ephesians 6:7-8).

Summary

At McLean Bible Church, our vision is to make an impact on secular Washington with the message of Jesus Christ. Our desire is for you to join God in accomplishing this vision by becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ.

Becoming a fully devoted follower is the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and our personal spiritual disciplines which help create an environment to facilitate our growth. Specifically, we believe that The Four Disciplines – growing in your relationship with Jesus Christ, connecting in biblical community, serving in your God-given ministry, and sharing the message of Jesus Christ work together to transform believers into fully devoted followers. Regardless of whether you have been a Christ-follower for 24 hours or 24 years, there is always an opportunity for growth.

We offer a wide range of ministry resources designed to help you implement the Four Disciplines in your life. We look forward to traveling the journey with you.

Copies of the Becoming a Fully Devoted Follower of Christ booklet are available at each MBC Campus or you may download an electronic copy here.