Vision…what do we see?
Well we gathered together–the saints of EBC that is this past Sunday night for our annual business meeting. God blessed as we took a look at where we’ve been, where we are, and where we are going. I reminded us of the vision that was cast just a year ago: Improve the quality of ministry by building a church of ministry teams. I also shared some key facts about our vision and answered a key question: has our vision become a reality? The great news is that it’s happening! Vision takes time and effort from everyone in order to become fully realized. Although we still have a ways to go God and the faithful active and responsible members of EBC have helped put our vision into motion! So I say thank you!
We took a look back at the 2011 highlights, noting the health and growth God has given to EBC this past year! Specifically I shared with joy the ministry teams God has helped us put together:
– Leadership team (Me & the deacons)
– Youth Team (A.K.A. The Resistance)
– Praise Team
– Sound & Media team
– Kids team
– Maintenance team (A.K.A Men of Acts)
– Hospitality Team (A.K.A Bread breakers)
– Administration team
– Outreach team
– Usher & greeter team
I define a ministry team as a group of believers in Jesus who are unified in purpose, mission, and vision and are advancing! I shared with the church that each team is in the beginning stages. We have brought people together who have the desire and giftedness to help bless the church in a particular ministry as we seek to help more people know Jesus and make Him known! The good news is we are advancing! We are making progress! But now it’s time to take our teams to the next level and encourage them to take the next step!
Step 1: Unify in Purpose
According to Romans 15:5-7 I reminded us of what the purpose is. What is the Purpose of the Church? Why does this church exist? Our Purpose as a church is to Glorify God! That means we purpose to make Jesus glorious! With a thankful and sincere heart, we express with our actions, attitudes, and words that we know Jesus and love Jesus and that He is #1! We make Him look good, be the center of attention, be who we think about, talk about praise, worship, and serve! A team or a church will not be healthy or effective if it is not unified in purpose.
When we unify in purpose as a called out body of Christ we will receive one another in the body the same way God the Father received us by Christ! If God can receive us with the great gap between heaven and earth, sinner and perfection, with serious differences than we can and should accept one another in the church and be unified no matter our differences or backgrounds.
The best thing that happens when we unify in purpose is that we make Jesus glorious! We show forth His praise and attributes. And when that happens He is pleased and His presence is known! He appears! He manifests Himself to us in His power and glory! We so need His presence and power as we seek to fulfill our vision.
More steps to come. How is God leading you now to help EBC with this important “Next Step” (Unifying in purpose) so we can fulfill the vision He has revealed to us?
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