"Churches of Christ are short on Christian love, forgiveness, and vision for the future." Do you believe this statement is true?
Notice what Jacob did in Genesis 30:37-43. "Then he set up these peeled branches by the watering trough so Laban's flocks would see them...all of their offspring were streaked, speckled and spotted." God was responding to Jacob's prayer.
A visionary church stays on course, clearly knowing and communicating the vision God has for the whole body for the long term. The vision goes beyond the present leaders to a visionary people! [Eph. 4:12-16]
"It is better to get ten men to work - than to try to do the work of ten men." Have the vision, but it will take others to fulfill this vision. A vision shared stirs others and gives them something to believe God for. Leaders equip others to operate within the vision. But, not all the vision comes from the leaders. People are drawn to the local church by the Holy Spirit - either to be saved (obey the gospel) or to help fulfill the vision of the local church. We want to see others saved and made followers of Jesus Christ [Matt. 28:18-20].
When members share about a visionary church to others, they are sharing about a movement that will outlast a man or a woman. Note 2 Timothy 1:5; 2:1-2; 3:14-15.
1) A visionary church moves ahead. People are not attracted to sterile and lifeless forms, but to that which is life-giving and relational. Where there is relationship and spiritual life, there will be a natural numerical growth. The old proverb: "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" is still true. The honey is the Doing & Dying & Rising Again of Jesus Christ [Rev. 10:8-11].
2) A visionary church grows leaders. Nehemiah went for a ride one evening to inspect the walls of Jerusalem [Nehemian 2:12]. The following day he recruited priests, goldsmiths, rulers, merchants, families and farmers. It wasn't about numbers or a perfect wall. It was about instilling vision and working together in relationship for a common goal.
3) A visionary church is kingdom-minded. We believe the kingdom did come on Pentecost (Acts 2) and did spread to cover the world (Daniel 2:44). A visionary church is concerned beyond the local community to a vision of the World conquered for Jesus! People are not a means to an end - but they are God's greatest love! "God so loved the world..."
4) A visionary church is authentic. "New cars smell new for only a short time, and then the newness wears off." Promotion attracts the latest church-hoppers, but prayer breeds close-knit relationships that experience spiritual vitality and a church of substance. People are attracted to God's love manifested through relationships with people. God's love is authentic! Note Romans 5:5; 1 John 7-21.
"Older is not always better" [Luke 5:39]. The "new wine" of the Gospel must always be our first priority. If the "old wine" of the past is not working for you, perhaps you need to "reload" the original program of the Book of Acts and drink deeply from the springs of living water. The reality of the Holy Spirit in people's lives was evident. Acts 2:42-47 describe the process of relationship in a church with vision. "Praising God and enjoying the good will of all the people." You must decide where you fit according to your own spiritual values and build accordingly.
