Building a Church with Mission and Vision

In a world often lacking direction, the importance of vision cannot be overstated. As Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." This truth applies not just to individuals, but to churches and communities as well. Without a clear vision, we risk wandering aimlessly, like assembling a puzzle without seeing the picture on the box. But with vision, we can align our efforts, understand our purpose, and work together towards a common goal.

At the heart of every church's vision should be the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20. This divine mandate serves as our foundation and marching orders:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Let's break down this powerful commission:

1. Our confidence is in Christ's authority. We don't operate in our own strength, but in His power and presence.
   
   
2. We are called to go. The Gospel was never meant to stay confined within church walls. Like fishermen, we must go where the fish are – into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities.
   
   
3. Our mission is to make disciples. It's not about creating mere churchgoers, but fostering lifelong followers of Jesus who are continually transformed by His Word.
   
   
4. Baptism welcomes new believers into God's family. It's a public declaration of identity and transformation.
   
   
5. We teach obedience to Christ's commands. Our goal is not just to impart information, but to see lives changed through the power of God's Word.
   
   

This mission isn't optional.  It is  the very reason the church exists. Every ministry, every gathering, every outreach should flow from this Great Commission. And it's not just for pastors or leaders; every believer has a crucial role to play in this holy calling.

To understand how to live out this mission, we can look to the example of the early church in Acts 2:42-47. This vibrant community of believers changed the world through their devotion to:

1. Teaching: They hungered for God's Word and pursued spiritual growth daily.
   
   
2. Fellowship: They practiced deep, authentic community (koinonia), doing life together.
   
   
3. Breaking bread: They shared meals with purpose, remembering Christ and strengthening relationships.
   
   
4. Prayer: Fervent prayer was the engine that powered everything they did.
   
   
5. Generosity: They shared resources freely, ensuring no one was in need.
   
   
6. Joy and unity: Their sincere hearts and praise attracted others to their community.

The result? "The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." They didn't just attend church – they were the church, a living, breathing body of believers on mission for God.

As we seek to emulate this powerful example, we must remember that building a church with vision comes with challenges. Whenever God gives a clear direction, we can expect resistance in the form of:

1. Distraction: The enemy will try to pull our focus away through busyness or even good things that aren't God's priority for us.
   
   
2. Division: We must guard unity fiercely, moving in the same direction even if we don't always think exactly alike.
   
   
3. Discouragement: Progress is rarely overnight. Like Nehemiah, Moses, or even Jesus, we may face opposition and delays. But we must persevere, knowing that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" (Philippians 1:6).
   
   

Galatians 6:9 encourages us: "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Vision requires not just excitement, but endurance. It's about faithfulness, not perfection.

A crucial aspect of living out this vision is understanding that every member of the church has a vital role to play. Ephesians 4:16 paints a beautiful picture of the body of Christ:
"From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

There are no benchwarmers in God's design for the church. Every person, every gift, every act of service matters. Whether it's greeting newcomers, praying fervently, mentoring youth, or handling administrative tasks, each contribution fuels the mission. We are not meant to be spectators, but active participants in building God's kingdom.

If you're unsure of your role, start by being available and faithful. Say "yes" to serving, and clarity often follows obedience. The church grows and thrives when each part does its work so no role is insignificant in God's eyes.

As we embrace this vision and step into our God-given roles, we must also cultivate a spirit of expectancy and faith. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." We may not always see the full plan, but we can trust the One who holds the future.

So, how do we respond to this call to be a church with vision?

1. Pray: Ask God to reveal your specific role in His mission.
   
   
2. Commit: Be present and purposeful in your engagement with the church community.
   
   
3. Give: Offer your time, talents, and resources generously.
   
   
4. Go: Invite others to join in this transformative mission.
   
   

Remember, we're not just building a church.  We're participating in God's grand plan to redeem and restore the world. It's a mission that requires our all, but one that promises eternal impact.

As we step forward in faith, let the words of the hymn "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" be our anthem: "No turning back, no turning back." May we be a people who build on Christ as our foundation, who make way for His presence and power, and who trust that the same God who moved mightily in the past is still at work today.

The vision is clear. The mission is urgent. And the call is for every one of us. Will you take your place in building a church that transforms lives and impacts eternity?

Pastor Jay