Enhancing the ethos and outreach of College Hill Church of the Nazarene by redefining its identity and purpose

Aristotle taught that "Why?" is the most important question we can ask. "Why do we exist?" is the most important question that church leaders must ponder and answer, if they are to effectively guide a congregation into the future. Many pastors assume that the "Why?" has been answered and that the congregation is far beyond such basics. However, the church that does not periodically re-evaluate its purpose in light of changing cultural conditions is likely to become stagnant and out of touch.; College Hill Church of the Nazarene in Nashville, Tennessee was established in 1942 for the faculty, administrators and students of Trevecca Nazarene College. Since the two institutions share both a campus and a cause, they have been inextricably linked together. This linkage has profoundly shaped the church's identity and purpose. Throughout its history, however, the congregation has struggled with an identity crisis with little agreement about what it means to be a "college church." As a result, we have been somewhat unfocused and less effective than we could have been.; As Senior Pastor, I spearheaded an intentional effort from September 1996 until May 1997 to enhance the ethos and outreach of College Hill Church by collaborating with lay leaders in redefining our identity and purpose. The principal focus of this professional project was the development of a corporate mission statement which would drive our ongoing ministries, allow concentration, reduce frustration, build morale, attract cooperation and assist evaluation. In the process, we honestly faced the painful realization that our fixation on ministry to the academic community resulted in apathy concerning the plight of the underclass in the nearby neighborhood. Our research revealed that other Nazarene "college churches" also struggle to avoid this "holy huddle" mentality. The new "bridge building" mission statement and its practical demonstration in a tutoring ministry has energized the church and enlarged our vision for compassion evangelism beyond the comfortable surroundings of the Trevecca Community.; This professional paper records the rewarding journey of a pastor and his people who dared to ask the "Why?" question. Perhaps the telling of our story will encourage others to do the same.