We are a Matthew 25 Congregation

What is a Matthew 25 church?

Matthew 25:31–46 calls all of us to actively engage in the world around us, so our faith comes alive and we wake up to new possibilities. Convicted by this passage, both the 222nd and 223rd General Assemblies (2016 and 2018) exhorted the PC(USA) to act boldly and compassionately to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor.

How the vision unites all Presbyterians

By accepting the Matthew 25 invitation, GCPC helps our denomination become a more relevant presence in the world. We recognize Christ’s urgent call to be a church of action, where God’s love, justice and mercy shine forth and are contagious. And we rejoice how our re-energized faith can unite all Presbyterians for a common and holy purpose: our common identity to do mission.

The Matthew 25 vision unites all Presbyterians in our common mission. 

Here are the areas of focus:

1. Building congregational vitality by challenging our congregation and members to deepen and energize their faith and grow as joyful leaders and disciples.
2. Dismantling structural racism by fearlessly applying our faith to advocate and break down the systems, practices and thinking that underlie discrimination, bias, prejudice and oppression of people of color.
3. Eradicating systemic poverty by acting on our beliefs to change laws, policies and structures in our society that perpetuate economic exploitation of people who are poor.

GCPC is a part of the Heartland Presbytery to Alabama in March.  This video was filmed by the Presbytery from a trip to Alabama in March 2020 and illustrates our commitment to dismantling racism.

About the Matthew 25 mark

The circular shape represents unity and equality. Like God, a circle has no beginning and no end, and it symbolizes our continuing effort to help one another. The shape also suggests a globe that points to our engagement with the world.

The three interlocking figures represent the equality of all people without gender or race bias. They have their arms around each other, symbolizing friendship, protection and service. The number three suggests the three focus areas of congregational vitality, structural racism and systemic poverty, as well as the Trinity.

The color palette is bright, lively, friendly and energetic — suggestive of our active commitment.

Finally, the legend “Matthew 25” below the symbol is the literal identification of the mark. We use a handwritten font to make the point that active engagement in the world requires human effort.

Matthew 25 Resources & Links