November 2016
Restoring Hope in the God of Second Chances!
Why Not? Whenever I think of vision, I think of Bobby Kennedy’s famous statement when he said, “Some people see things as they are and say, ‘Why?’ I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” Vision answers the question, “Why not?” Why not have a leadership team that is so spiritually alive and growing in intimacy with Christ they naturally encourage others to do the same? Why not have multiple small groups where strangers become friends and friends become a family? Why not have a church where every single regular attendee knows how to introduce someone else to Jesus and is motivated to do so? Why not have a church that is energized by Jesus, hungry for biblical wisdom, and generous with their time and talent? Why not have a church where the Holy Spirit is part of every worship? The Bible uses the word “faith” to refer to what we mean by vision – a picture of a preferred future. Hebrews 11:1 says this: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Faith anticipates the future and then provides the energy to moves find it. Faith allows us to see into the future the invisible realm as if it is already real and tangible. A vision is a picture of a future reality that ignites passion. Tell me what you’re passionate about and I’ll tell you something about your faith. What follows is my vision for Mt Pleasant. It guides me to stay on course and provides the passion I need.
INSPIRATIONAL: a Church whose heartfelt praise and worship touches Heaven and changes earth; worship which alters the attitudes, actions and aspirations of its people. One hour of sincere worship will change all other hours! INTENTIONAL: a Church that refuses to be content with the triumphs of the past, but is constantly pursuing a better, brighter future – hungry to know, grow and be like Jesus. INVESTING: a Church so alive and courageous, they will go the distance, pay the price and rise to the challenge just to watch Jesus change the lives of others. INVITING: a Church so kind and gentle that people are drawn from impossible situations into a loving and caring circle of friends, believing they can still become all that God has called them to be.