The Preacher's Post

On Sunday, March 3rd, at 6:00 p.m. Emmanuel Baptist Church gathered for Vision Night!  It was awesome!  Vision night is one of the most important gatherings of the entire year.  And oh what an inspiring Vision Night gathering we had.

So what really happened on Vision Night?  What was said from God’s Word?  How were we the people of EBC challenged to help see our vision become a reality?  I am glad you asked!  Here is what happened!

What is our vision?

God blessed us with an inspiring vision night gathering on March 3^rd!  The atmosphere was great, the crowd was attentive and response, and the vision was compelling and on point.  On this special night I shared our Vision for this year:  Growing together: Upward, Inward, and Outward! Our vision theme verse is found in 2 Peter 3:18, But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

During our gathering I explained how our vision came from God, what the vision is, and I also painted a picture of what our vision looks like in action.  I challenged us all by asking some key questions like, “What is it going to take for us to grow together? What will it take for you and me to step out of our comfort zones and really get engaged in the mission?” To help us get engaged I reminded us of what our God-given purpose, mission, and vision really are! The purpose of our church—the reason why we exist at all is to Glorify God—to seek to exalt Jesus our Savior and please Him in how we live and in what we do.  The mission of our church—what we are to be doing—is to make disciples of Jesus Christ! Our mission is to help people become growing healthy disciples of Christ in our church, community, and beyond.  As a church we are to know Jesus more and make Him known to others.

How can we become a church that glorifies and pleases God in who we are and in all we do?  How can we together become growing healthy disciples and become a disciple making factory? That’s where our vision comes in!  We will become the church God wants us to become by Growing Together!  On vision night I then shared this important truth:  growing upward, inward, and outward are all connected to each other!  We won’t grow upward in our relationship with God unless we open up to God and desire to know Him more.  And we won’t grow inward, building real relationships with other church members and attenders and guests unless we first grow upward.  And we won’t grow outward, reaching new families with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, unless we first grow upward with God and then inward with others within the church body.  They are all connected!

At the end of our gathering I shared some action steps.    In order to change the outcome—our future—we must change our behavior.  That’s what we do. And in order to change what we do we have got to change who we are. And that means experience a change of heart! We have to get God’s help with that!

Let’s decide together to take some action steps toward our vision so we can see our vision become a reality!

What steps are we to take together?

I was excited as I shared our Growing Together Goals!  Our goals are laminated on a half sheet of card stock with a magnet so they can be easily put on our refrigerators for viewing and reminding each day!  Our goals are the mini bite-size action steps we all must take together so that our vision will become reality. These growing together goals are not just for me but for you too.  Not just for some members and attenders but for all!  To discover where you are in your spiritual growth with Christ and your commitment level ask yourself this question as you read over and pray over our goals, “What main area(s) do I need to grow in?”

God truly worked in a great way!  We all have steps to take so we can see our vision of Growing Together: Upward, Inward, and Outward become a reality at EBC!  If you were present at the vision night gathering or have received your copy of our growing together goals, or just love growing in Christ let me know how God has worked in your life and let’s get growing!

What area(s) has God showed you to grow in so we can all grow together?  Keep the conversation and vision alive by leaving your comment.