OUR VISION
“Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may read it as he hastens by.” Habakkuk 2:2
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18
1. To Share the good news of Jesus Christ to this community, city, state, country, and the world
Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
2. To welcome individuals into the fellowship of our church family-loving, learning, laughing, and living in harmony
Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together, as is the habit of some people, but admonishing one another, and all more faithfully as you see the day approaching.”
3. To become as one family
Romans 12:5: “So we being many, are one body in Christ and everyone members one of another.”
Ephesians 4:16, “For because of Jesus the whole body, closely joined and firmly knit together by, the joints and ligaments with is supplied, when each part is working properly, grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.”
…no divisions…perfectly joined together…same mind…called unto the fellowship. (I Corinthians 1:6-7)
4. To have the spirit of excellence
Excellence – Superior quality; outstanding ability or worth. Daniel 6:3, “Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him…”
“Learn to do well…” Isaiah 1:17
5. To be a tithing church
Tithing is God’s way to “…open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10). The tithe is 10% of your income.
Offerings: Malachi 3:8-12
- We give because we love
- We give because we’re obedient
- We give because there is a need
- We give because we shall receive
- We give because we are seed planting
II Corinthians 9:6-7: “Soweth bountifully…reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give…for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
6. To be an obedient church
We must obey those who are in authority. Hebrews 13:17, “Obey those that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves. Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them continually recognizing their authority over you, for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account.”
Jesus was obedient (Luke 2:51; Philippians 2:8)
Colossians 3:22, “Servants, obey in all things…fearing God.”
7. To be a church of character and of integrity
Character is defined as personal qualities by which others judge or see you, moral excellence. Your personality is what you show people, but your character is who you really are. We must live the life we talk about at church, and away from church. “Let your lights so shine that men will see your good works…” Matthew 5:16; Galatians 6:1
8. To be a spirit-filled church
A spirit-filled church will be a church full of power. “You will receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” Acts 1:8
A spirit-filled church is a church that is led, guided, and directed by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the administrator of the church (He is in control). I Corinthians 12: 4-7
9. To be a church that worships and praises
We must give God true worship. He is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Our Father seeketh such to worship him. (John 4:23, 24) “Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.” Psalms 67:3, 110:4
10. To be a preaching and teaching church
Preaching is proclaiming
Preach the word of God. Acts 13:15
Preach unto them, Jesus. Acts 17:18
Teaching is explaining
Go ye therefore and teach. Matthew 28:10
Jesus taught them. John 7:14
11. To be a praying church
“Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17
12. To be a church that forgives
God wants us to forgive each other as he has forgiven us. “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12, 14, 15
13. To be a church of faith
Faith is confidence, assurance, and reliance on God and trusting God for who he is. He is all we need him to be. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. When we come to him we must believe that he is. (Hebrews 11:6) God expects believers to walk by faith, not by sight. II Corinthians 5:7
14. To be a timely church
“Let everything be done decently and in order.” I Corinthians 14:40. God expects his church to be orderly, disciplined, organized, strategic in planning, timely, and seasonal.
15. To be a church that takes authority over the spirit of distraction
Distract – to cause to turn away one’s focus of attention; disturb; agitate
When the Holy Spirit is ministering through the minister, teacher, choir, one’s focus should be on the ministering of the Holy Spirit and not be distracted by crying babies, a disorderly witness, or a loud outburst.
16. To be a church that rebuilds communities.
“And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolation of many generations.” Isaiah 61:4