"Where there is no vision, the people perish..." Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
Lately, I have been stirred by God to begin dreaming with Him about our ministry together at St. B. We have taken great steps together as a congregation over the past decade: the construction of the new education wing, the creation of Open Arms Health Clinic, the rebuild after the 2012 tornado, and we are just at the 1/3 mark of our "Free To Serve" with nearly 60% of the funds received. We could easily rest on our laurels and just kick back hoping that things just keep on rolling along. But that's not how ministry and following Christ works. God is always ready to do a new thing in us, both personally and as the church. I have been taking walks on our church property, listening for the voice of God about next steps. I have also been encouraging our staff to do the same thing. I will be reviewing some of the things people put in our wishing well during the "Free to Serve" campaign. And I am asking you to do some dreaming with God, as well.
So here are some questions I hope you join me in prayerfully asking: 1) What are the primary gifts God has given us as a congregation that enable us to reach our community and our world? 2) What do we want to see happen in the lives of people and families who are touched by or become part of our ministry? 3) What obstacles are in the way of us becoming all God wants us to be for his glory? 4) What new or expanded venture is God calling us to be part of as the hands and feet of Christ? As I ask these questions, I am not being quick to put forth my opinions, but listening and watching for God to speak and move. I ask you to do the same: take some time in silence, read the 2nd chapter of Acts, keep a journal of insights and thoughts you have. The year 2020 will be here in just five years. Who might we become together?
Another way the verse from Proverbs 29 is translated is, "Without a revelation, the people cast aside restraint." In other words, without a guiding vision, we tend to go off in lots of different directions, with each of us having a vision unto ourselves - not a good thing at all. So I am calling all of us to a time of holy listening to the voice of God and one another that God might stir in us a new fire by His Spirit and a holy resolve to be more than we have ever been for His glory.
Sincerely in Christ,
Will Cotton
Lately, I have been stirred by God to begin dreaming with Him about our ministry together at St. B. We have taken great steps together as a congregation over the past decade: the construction of the new education wing, the creation of Open Arms Health Clinic, the rebuild after the 2012 tornado, and we are just at the 1/3 mark of our "Free To Serve" with nearly 60% of the funds received. We could easily rest on our laurels and just kick back hoping that things just keep on rolling along. But that's not how ministry and following Christ works. God is always ready to do a new thing in us, both personally and as the church. I have been taking walks on our church property, listening for the voice of God about next steps. I have also been encouraging our staff to do the same thing. I will be reviewing some of the things people put in our wishing well during the "Free to Serve" campaign. And I am asking you to do some dreaming with God, as well.
So here are some questions I hope you join me in prayerfully asking: 1) What are the primary gifts God has given us as a congregation that enable us to reach our community and our world? 2) What do we want to see happen in the lives of people and families who are touched by or become part of our ministry? 3) What obstacles are in the way of us becoming all God wants us to be for his glory? 4) What new or expanded venture is God calling us to be part of as the hands and feet of Christ? As I ask these questions, I am not being quick to put forth my opinions, but listening and watching for God to speak and move. I ask you to do the same: take some time in silence, read the 2nd chapter of Acts, keep a journal of insights and thoughts you have. The year 2020 will be here in just five years. Who might we become together?
Another way the verse from Proverbs 29 is translated is, "Without a revelation, the people cast aside restraint." In other words, without a guiding vision, we tend to go off in lots of different directions, with each of us having a vision unto ourselves - not a good thing at all. So I am calling all of us to a time of holy listening to the voice of God and one another that God might stir in us a new fire by His Spirit and a holy resolve to be more than we have ever been for His glory.
Sincerely in Christ,
Will Cotton