Congregational Life Centre
Our mission is encourage possibilities
Vision
We envision a society where people are given every opportunity to develop their full potential. It is a society where the blocks to growth are removed and the education and encouragement that enable people develop to the full are provided. It is a society where everyone has enough of what they need for a full productive life.
Ours is a vision of a world in which everyone has a home. That means everyone has a place where they are accepted for who they are. It is a place where people's gifts are recognized and there is every encouragement to develop those gifts and put them to use. It is a place that encourages full development from the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual perspective.
In our world, everyone is encouraged to see themselves in relationship to the universe in a way that gives their lives meaning and honours others. It means moving from being self-centred to being outward-focused. It is the transformation that moves us from dependent childhood to mature adulthood. This transformation is daunting in that seeing ourselves in relationship to everyone and all there is makes us aware of just how very small we are as individuals. But by seeing ourselves as inextricably connected to that which is greater we know ourselves as having significance and find meaning to our lives.
It will take leaders who put the good of others ahead of their own welfare to bring this about. It will take transformed organizations who make the vision of those leaders their own.
We have a vision of organizations whose purpose is to help individuals be all they can be. This involves respect for people as full human beings. It also means truly connecting with everyone the organization touches, including those the organization serves, the organization's staff, and those who have a stake in the success of that organization.
This is a vision influenced by Jesus' dream of God's New Community where the blind see, the lame walk, the marginalized are accepted, and forgiveness and love are the guiding principles for every interaction. It is influenced by the Buddha and his dream of a world where compassion is at the core of every relationship. It draws insights from Confucius who saw harmony as the prime virtue. It echoes Mohammed who viewed all human beings as ultimately equal.
The marks of this vision coming to reality are joy, hope, peace and a love that wants the very best for each and every person.
Mission
Our mission is to encourage possibilities.
We are clear that the only person we can change is ourselves. Our mission is to encourage others to recognize their own power.
We have a vision for society and for the organizations that contribute
to making society vibrant and healthy. Our particular role, however, is
to encourage the individuals who are part of those organizations to see,
develop and put their potential to work.