Who is Duncan First?
Duncan First is a body made up of “The Church.” Yes, we are a church, but we also identify as “The Church.” This comes from the New Testament Greek word “ekklesia” which means the “called-out ones.” Duncan First identifies as believers who have been “called out” to “go out” and share the Gospel.
We are a discipleship-based ministry. We want to remain faithful to Scripture by building one another up in Jesus. If, as a group, we are not abiding in Jesus daily, then we are nothing more than a social club. Social clubs are all about the members. We, however, are all about the glory of God.
Our Vision Statement is simple — The 4 B’s:
Believe Belong Become Build
Our Mission Statement is an extension of our vision statement:
We want to help others come to Believe and trust Jesus,
Belong to a family, Become a disciple, and Build His kingdom.
Believe
As Peter stood before the first group of “Called Out Ones” he began by calling them to believe in Jesus and be saved. We pray that our community would see Jesus in us and by our example, come to believe that Jesus is Lord.
14 “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words….21 That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’
Belong
When Peter stood to share the Gospel to the world, he did not stand alone. It is comforting to stand alongside other believers as we live and worship. Peter was a believer, and as a believer he belonged to a family. This family supported one another as they believed in Jesus and belonged to the family of God. No one is intended to live the Christian life in isolation. We so desire that every person belong to God’s family.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice…
Become
Duncan First strives to uphold the same core values that existed in the first church established in Acts 2 in Jerusalem. We are a church that patterns our actions after Acts 2:42, 46. We want to help others become disciples for Jesus. As believers in Christ who belong to His family; we must daily devote ourselves to the teaching of God’s Word, fellowship with others, breaking of bread, and prayer as we become the disciples that God has called us to be.
42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 46 And day by day continuing with one mind.
Build
In the early church they would worship together corporately at the Temple, leave there and more frequently meet in their homes daily, sharing meals together—all the while praising God with great joy in prayer and ministry. These relationships were built on a deeper sense of accountability that was found in their relationship with Jesus and His word. Consequently, the Lord added to the body of Christ week after week and has continued for over 2,000 years. We hope to build God’s Kingdom in much the same way.
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them… 42 And they continued steadfastly… 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.