MPC IS A MATTHEW 25 CHURCH.

There is a loving commitment to radical and fearless discipleship that exists within Matthew 25 churches.  By partnering with mid councils and congregations, Matthew 25 churches embrace one or more of these three focuses:

• Building congregational vitality by challenging people and congregations to deepen their faith and get joyfully and actively engaged with their communities and the world as a whole.
• Vitality is primarily based on spiritual strength and its capacity for purposeful mission, rather than size of the congregation, scope of programs, or size of financial gifts.
• Congregational vitality is evident when  its structural systems, finances, and discipleship practices are aligned in such a way that the community is actively engaged in the mission of God in their local community and the world, and they are focused on growing as disciples in the way of Jesus Christ.
• Dismantling structural racism by advocating and acting to break down the systems, thinking, and practices that drive discrimination, bias, prejudice, and the oppression of people of color.
• Racism in not primarily about an individual's prejudice, beliefs, or attitudes, but rather, racism in the US is a socially constructed system.  Some people are advantaged, while others are disadvantaged, simply because of the color of their skin, ethnic identity, or ancestral background.  Some people are privileged, while others are oppressed.  Because of this, there is unequal and inequitable access to resources like education, money, decision-making authority, and information.
• Eradicating systemic poverty by working to change policies, plans, laws, and structures in our society that perpetuate the economic exploitation of poor people.
• 25% of children under the age of 6 live in poverty.  Their families lack sufficient income to meet the basic needs for clothing, food, shelter, health care, and a stable family life. 
• Poverty is the greatest threat to the healthy development of children, which comes with many negative consequences:
• Inadequate quality and quantities of food
• Exposure to violence
• Underfunded schools and lack of early childhood educational opportunities
• Frequent housing mobility
• Exposure to pollution
• Other health risks