ATMi is first and foremost a relationship-based ministry. We are, first, related to the Lord and His Word. Second, we recognize that we are related to all that honor His Name. Third, we are related in a very practical, functional way with all who choose to join with us in our sphere of labors and doctrinal convictions-the ATM network or family of churches.
We are also a vision-driven ministry. We passionately believe that Jesus' last command must be our first concern. That last command finds its fullest expression in what has become known throughout church history as the Great Commission:
[18] And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matt. 28:18-20)
The thrust of Jesus' command is two-pronged: there is to be a numerical, quantitative growth of His kingdom through outreach (making disciples/baptizing); and a maturing, qualitative growth through inreach (equipping/teaching "them to observe all things."). So important are these twin objectives that Scripture declares that, when they are accomplished, the end of the age will come:
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matt. 24:14)
"equipping the saints"till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:12-13)
Christians have actually been given the high and holy privilege, in the economy and providence of God, to be "workers together with Him" (2 Corinthians 6:1) in "hastening the coming of the day of God" (2 Peter 3:12). While there are many noble and needful endeavors with which the church should be occupied, its proper overarching priority of focus and urgency must be given to this primal marching order of the church. We have committed our lives to this end and are choosing to make Jesus' last command our first concern.
