Every Bible Study class exists for a purpose. Some focus on evangelism, some discipleship, some on short-term studies and some on ongoing curriculum. All of those endeavors are fine, but when a class or group is without a clearly defined purpose, they become unfocused and sadly, unfocused classes don't grow. They either decline or plateau because they don't have anything to offer to those we invite.

Therefore, we believe we should adopt the following as a Mission Statement for NHSBC Bible Study classes to help us focus on our purpose as both idividuals and a group.

The Mission of NHSBC Bibles Study shall be based upon Deuteronomy 31:12 - 13 which states: "Gather the people together, men and women and little ones and the stranger within your gates that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully observe all the words of this law and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land which you crossed the Jordan to possess."

These two verses contain three words on which we can build both our individual lives and our Bible Study classes;

• GATHER - We will endeavor to invite and encourage people to first make Jesus their Lord and Savior and then connect with our church.
• LEARN - We will endeavor to invite and encourage people to attend Bible Study with the goal of increasing comprehension, retention and personal application of God's Word.
• OBSERVE - We will endeavor to invite and encourage people to "carefully observe" (i.e. obey) the Word of God. All reading, memorizing and meditation on the Word of God is of no value without obedience. To obey the Word of God, we must learn the Word of God, then do what the Word of God indicates thereby pleasing our Lord God.

If we will endeavor to abide by this simple mission statement, we will help others, as well as ourselves grow to Christ-like maturity, develop to serve in ministry, both at home and in the church and teach that worshipping and serving God is best done through a life of selfless sacrifice and devotion.