We understand diversity as a gift from God, and we recognize that we are a predominantly white church; we have work to do. We commit to engaging in anti-racism work as a community, including re-evaluating our leadership structures, ministries and work so we can become a more just, inclusive and loving church that welcomes all people. We will intentionally seek to listen to, learn from and work alongside people with different life experiences, races/ ethnicities, gifts and theological and political beliefs. We commit to affirming and supporting people of all gender identities and sexual orientations and mental, physical and behavioral abilities.

We commit to stepping outside of our church building to engage with our neighbors and the community with greater intention and frequency. We seek to be a church that is known for loving others, living their faith and being part of the social movements that are happening to make Kansas City a more just and loving community. We commit to serving alongside our neighbors through hands-on service efforts such as Be the Church Sunday, Harvesters, and Cross-lines on a more regular basis. Rather than expecting people to come to us, we will go out and meet people where they are. We will get to know the names, stories, struggles and joys of our neighbors. We will adopt a posture of listening and learning. We will seek ways to serve and care for our neighbors in Kansas City, especially those within a two-mile radius of Second. Our successful capital campaign established that we are committed to creating space for all people. We seek to be a congregation known for both extending Christ’s love beyond our walls and welcoming all inside. We commit to using our building as a tool for mission and ministry by opening our doors and inviting people to use our space for classes, meetings and other programs and events that advance the good work God is doing in our community.

One of the primary dreams people had for our church was growth. We experience personal growth, authentic relationships and transformative community at Second and want others to have the opportunity to experience the Spirit of Christ and the gift of our community, too. As a church, we can no longer expect to grow by simply assuming people will come to church after they have kids or when they move into the neighborhood. We must be willing to step out of our doors to meet people where they are. We commit to doing things and making changes that will help us grow and actively inviting people to experience the Spirit of Christ in and through Second.

We are committed to nurturing real, authentic relationships and transformative community in our congregation. We will create more opportunities for people to get to know one another, share meals, tell stories, pray and worship together. We will offer more small groups and opportunities for people to connect and build deep relationships. We commit to faithfully accompanying one another through the seasons of life, sharing in one another’s joys and sadness, sorrows and successes.

We commit to creating opportunities for people to learn, ask questions, express doubts and grow in their faith. Recognizing that faith is a journey, we will create opportunities that support, challenge, and encourage people in different seasons and stages of life and faith. We will offer classes, workshops, Bible studies and small groups that offer people opportunities to learn, ask questions, engage with scripture, pray, and put their faith into action individually and as part of a community. We commit to nurturing the faith, questions and gifts of our children and youth.