If you’ve ever asked me about what I see myself doing in five years, ten years, or what you think God has for me to do in the future, I’ve probably either beat around the bush for a few minutes or told you straight up that I know that I will pastor a church one day. I say I know this because…well, I do. It’s kinda like the way you know a song is about to come on the radio before it comes on or the way you know a person’s about to call you just before they call you.
I just know.
Whatever the case, I’ve really been giving a lot of thought lately to what that church would look and feel like. I think I’ve got a grip on several aspects of it, and there are some that are not quite there yet, but I would like to share with you what I do know already and that is the purpose. The purpose is twofold, but simple (this is not a pithy statement of purpose and vision, so don’t take it as that commercialized bull that I detest so much):
1.) To facilitate an authentic, intimate creator/creation relationship (in which a person worships passionately, prays often, lives righteously and hears clearly from God), upon which all Christian life rises or falls.
2.) To provide authentic, intimate community in which people can be introduced to a loving God through the love of the saints. (Caring for widows and orphans, comforting the afflicted [and afflicting the comfortable], setting the captive free, healing the sick, casting out demons, and preaching the gospel [with words, if necessary.])
Love the vision, man … I have written some things like that myself. I think it’s good to constantly review, sit down, tweek, and fashion that statement!
Sounds like a wonderful church!
I’ve left comments before – not sure if you’ve gotten them though…not a wordpress person. Anyway love your blog, have you listed in my favorites and check in at least four times a week to see what’s going on in your blogging world. Thanks for the insight about the church. The one I am currently employed at is currently reviewing the difference between a happy church and an effective church. I brought your vision to the table and it was well received…preach on brother.
Speaking of visions;
I dont tell this much, but when i first felt the calling i saw myself preaching in a church with stained-glass windows. I never thought of it until a few months ago that, “Hey most Episcopal churches have stained-glass windows.” It took me 8 year to realize that.
Point is that i really dont have a point besides that the Lord will show you things that you think are trivial just to reassure you. He is nice like that.