THE 3 MOUNTAINS

The iconic symbol of our ministry, which is the mountain is representative of Mt. Tabor, commonly known as the Mount of Transfiguration. Transfiguration is defined as a change in form or appearance; an exalting, glorifying, or spiritual change. The transfiguration, then, symbolizes the life to come and thus the goal of ascetic pursuit. It reminds the believer that the vision of God unfolds amidst the splendor of holiness while also pointing toward the way in which leads to forward and the final movement. Therefore, at The Summit Church Nashville, we believe in the power of the Godhead, fullness of salvation found in Christ, and that spiritual renewal and restoration through the power of the Holy Ghost is obtainable for all. Mt. Tabor is mentioned for the first time in the Hebrew Bible, in Joshua 19:22, as border of three tribes: Zebulun, Issachar and Naphtali. The 3 peaks of the mountain icon represent the 3 tribes, therefore signifying the diversity of our congregation at The Summit Church Nashville.

ZEBULUN

Zebulun was the tenth of Jacob's twelve sons, being born right after Issachar (the two were close from the beginning). The symbol of Zebulun was a boat, reflecting the blessing of Jacob. So, what did Jacob's blessing mean? The tribe of Zebulun, composed of his descendants, would find out after the Israelite conquest of Canaan. The land was divided into twelve lots for the twelve tribes. Their territory bordered both the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee. Thus, Jacob's prophecy was fulfilled. They were by the seashore(s) and did in fact become a haven for ships. In fact, it's how they made their money. The import/export business was good, and the tribe of Zebulun prospered from it. That's why the symbol of the tribe was a boat. The Summit Church Nashville is a port of refuge to facilitate loading as well as unloading of vessels in spiritual, godly principle. We are a church of impartation, development, transaction and execution.

ISSACHAR

Issachar was the ninth son of Jacob, and the fifth given him by his wife Leah. If one recalls the Jacob narrative, it was Rachel he originally loved and wanted to marry. It was only through Laban's deception that Jacob married Leah. Leah, however, would be the wife which would bear him the most children. The birth is recorded in Genesis 30:17-18 (KJV) - "And God gave heed to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. Then Leah said, 'God has given me my wages, because I gave my maid to my husband.' So she named him Issachar." The first mention of the tribe occurs in Numbers 1:8. The tribes are gathering outside of Egypt under Moses, and he is beginning to organize the loose, probably chaotic mass of fleeing individuals.

In Numbers 33:19, Moses's Blessing to the tribe before his death. Moses' blessing was favorable."...And, Issachar, in your tents. They shall call peoples to the mountain; There they shall offer righteous sacrifices; For they shall draw out the abundance of the seas, And the hidden treasures of the sand."

This "call" was not a random call. The language used indicates a specific call, for a specific purpose. The verb used indicates a specific name. The act of naming sometimes may indicate a superior position by the one naming.

In this case, the tribe would occupy the superior position, as it called the people to the mountain. The Hebrew word is also used to indicate calling upon the name of God. Moses imagery of sacrifice on a mountain would have been very close to the heart of Israelites. The tribe seemed to have held the reputation for being a holy tribe, according to this interpretation of Moses' Blessing. The tribe's reputation fit them. They were a holy tribe, a tribe of learned men, learned in the law, and in the ways of God. This was a respected tribe, one whom the others listened to intently and regarded with high esteem. At The Summit Church Nashville, we are called in diversity to meet the demand, the need and the mandate. We are advocates for the seeking of knowledge through education and within educational systems, the application wisdom in practical principle upheld by righteousness and humility of divine responsibility to enhance the community and world around us through "The Great Commission."