“What do you want to be when you grow up?” This is a question that most of us have been asked or have asked someone else in his or her lives. When asked earlier in life, the answer shows us the dreams that someone may have. As they get older, we see those dreams turn into the realities of their life; it casts a direction, a path, a goal or vision for ones life. In a similar manner, we see organizations dream and plan a vision, which in turn, helps to define success and the plan of attack to obtain that success.
Now, I just wonder, and with these comments in mind, can you define the dream or vision for Saluda Baptist Church? What does that look like? How would you define success? Lastly, what is the process or path for us to pursue that success?
Ultimately, it is my hope that we know that we are called to be a Great Commission Church. We are called by Jesus to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:19-20) It seems that we know this, but deep inside our core, do we really know “The How” to make this happen?
This is what Vision 2020 Sunday is all about! The Lord has placed on my heart a Vision for Saluda Baptist Church and a plan to achieve success towards growing Saluda Baptist Church and the Kingdom of God. I have shared this vision and its framework with the Deacons and we are all in one accord in working towards pursuing this path.
On Sunday March 8th, my hope is to share that vision with the entire Church to ensure that we all have the appropriate input into the vision. As a reminder, this vision cannot be just the Pastor’s vision….nor can it be the Pastor’s and the Deacon’s vision. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Cor. 12:27) As such, for this to be an effective vision, it must be the vision of the entire Church; One that we all embrace and support.
Therefore, on Vision Sunday, March 8th, come and be refreshed in mind, ready to seek the will of God, and to see the plans that He has in store for Saluda Baptist Church!
In Christ,
Pastor Jeff