Statement of Purpose
The congregations of CALC find our unity in our common Statement of Purpose as set forth in Article Five of our Constitution:
ARTICLE FIVE - STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Witness to the Christian Faith. The Canadian Association of Lutheran Congregation is a fellowship of congregations to which the Gospel of reconciliation has been given. It seeks to focus and coordinate the purposes and resources of these Congregations so that the Triune God may be more fully known among all people through a faithful ministry of God’s Word and the Sacraments. The Association dedicates itself to bear witness to the eternal Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in its fullness and purity, and to preserve and extend the unity of that faith as revealed in God’s Holy Word.
Proclamation and Propagation. Through the Means of Grace, the Association specifically purposes to proclaim and propagate this eternal Gospel to the lost and weary of this world, and to provide for daily renewal and sanctification of the members of its congregations.
Emphases. The emphases of the Association shall be evangelism, missions, prayer, the study of the Holy Scriptures, and the application of these to daily living within congregations and caring ministries.
Statement of Mission: The mission of this Association is to:
4.1. Assist Associate and Member Congregations and Individual members in coordinating joint efforts for the sake of Jesus Christ and His Church.
4.1.1. These shall include the emphases of the Association. These may also include (but are not limited to) other areas such as: conferences and seminars; exchange visits; lay activities; distribution of Bibles and other literature; children’s homes, Bible camps, Bible schools, ministries to women, men, youth, singles, families; chaplaincy work; and other caring ministries.
4.1.2. Assist the congregations involved with the Association in the nurture of the children, youth, and adults in the covenant of their Baptism that they may grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and in their life of loving and obedient faith in Him.
4.1.3 Study the problems of contemporary life and society in the light provided by the sacred Scriptures in order to bring to bear as Christian understanding of human nature, Law and Gospel, and Dr. Martin Luther’s insight concerning the two kingdoms, in order to enter effectively into society and government to help in dealing justly and mercifully with such problems.
4.1.4. Develop, produce, and broadcast programs to communicate the Gospel using various communication media such as radio, television, audio and video tapes, motion pictures, etc.
4.1.5. Establish pension, medical, and disability plans in order to provide assistance for the pastors, eligible laity, and their families.
4.2 Assist Member Congregations on the roster of this Association to:
4.2.1. Establish congregations and missions throughout the world as centres for the proclamation of God’s Word and proper administration of the Sacraments, Christian evangelism, ministries of outreach and mercy, and Christian fellowship and growth.
4.2.2. Train and discipline an ordained ministry for the administration of the Means of Grace.
4.2.3. Provide theological and parish education and ministry to those involved in higher education.
4.2.4. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships and support with other denominations, groups, and independent movements, who are in doctrinal agreement, so that together we may effectively minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world.