Our name, JOY Ministries, was chosen intentionally and contains an acrostic and two words that embody “The Dream” we believe Jesus has for our mission:
- Acrostic: J.O.Y.
- Jesus—everything about Jesus is beautiful and awe inspiring. When He is clearly lifted up as the Light and Life of the world believers and non-believers alike are powerfully drawn to Him (John 12:32).
- We intend to follow Jesus’ example—His mission was to seek and save the lost and His final mandate to his followers is to make disciples among every people group until the Gospel of the Kingdom has impacted the whole world.
- We intend to make a sharp distinction between Christianity and Jesus, religion and relationship, intellectual-faith and disciple-followers. Jesus wants obedient followers.
- We intend to be upfront, with both believers and non-believers, about our purpose and motivation to lift up Jesus and make disciples of all peoples.
- Others—Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. His life was all about being a blessing to others that ultimately they might embrace Him as Lord and Savior.
- You—Jesus loves you and died on a cross to save you from the just consequences of your sin. Responding to His personal sacrifice for you is your only hope for abundant life here and eternal life hereafter.
- Jesus—everything about Jesus is beautiful and awe inspiring. When He is clearly lifted up as the Light and Life of the world believers and non-believers alike are powerfully drawn to Him (John 12:32).
- Two Words: JOY & Ministries
- JOY—Jesus said He gave us the Gospel and told us Kingdom truths in order that “my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Paul said “the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of… joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Joy is a powerful internal and external manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in one’s life and is evident regardless of circumstances, however glorious or trying.
- Ministries—Jesus adapted His Gospel ministry to meet the felt need of the people he was serving. He knew they had unknown spiritual needs, yet in order to bless them and win a hearing for these deeper needs—He addressed their obvious need: the sick he made well; the blind he gave sight; the lame He made walk; and the dead He raised.