It is our prayer that:
- People encounter Christ and are transformed
- People are equipped for outreach through teaching, encouragement, relationship
- People engage a lost world for Christ
In short: encounter. equip. engage.
encounter - a significant event where the outcome is a lasting transformation
- Examples: Peter preaching and the early church
Acts 2:37 – They were cut to the heart and asked, "What should we do?"
An encounter with Christ brings a realization that there is more to life than what you are currently experiencing. It brings with it a desire to change, and ultimately, a transformation as Christ molds us into his image.
- Example: early church
Acts 2:42 – Devoted themselves to hearing the word, meeting together, prayer
As soon as they received Christ, they knew they had much to learn. They devoted themselves. I picture a group of people intent on knowing and learning about Christ - singularly focused.
I believe God honors this pursuit by not only opening their eyes to spiritual gifts he’s already given them, but also granting them abilities in other areas as well. I want to encourage you to not limit what God can do by the areas in your life that you believe God has gifted you. Sure, God can and will use those gifts, but he can also give you what you need in situations that you previously felt incapable of serving.
- Example: early church in response
Acts 2:44 – All the believers were together – selling their possession and good, they gave to anyone as he had need. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of the people.
I want to also share the values we identified that aid in the pursuit of this vision.
- Authenticity – a sincere faith that is transparent and real. One that pursues holiness
- Prayer – represented by an intimate, daily walk with God. This is our spiritual foundation and where all action flows out of
- Community –a place to belong. One where you can grow through teaching, encouragement, and spurring
- Outreach – Sharing God with others so that they may come to a saving knowledge of him
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” - Eph. 1:17-19
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