Communicating the Vision

I am currently sitting in a breakout group that is honestly recapping a lot of what I’ve heard all week here. And one of the things I hear LOUD AND CLEAR is the need for effectively communicating the vision.

I’ve always been a believer in the fact that GOD sets the vision for Ebenezer Baptist Church. In fact, I believe the vision He has for us is sound and biblical. I also know everyone will not agree with this vision and some will rebel against it. But the fact remains that God is CLEAR what He wants Ebenezer Baptist Church to do … to BE.

God is clearly calling us to reach THE LOST. Those that DO NOT KNOW JESUS CHRIST as their Savior. And there are PLENTY within the reach of our arms that do not know Him. And don’t know anyone who would disagree with this vision so far … The failure we are experiencing is largely in our approach.

We’ve GOT TO MOVE BEYOND OUR IDEA THAT WE CAN JUST “BE” Ebenezer Baptist Church and expect the lost to come running to us!!! That might’ve worked 50 years ago, but it will not work today! We need to consider ourselves as MISSIONARIES and be willing to do what it takes to reach our target!! Just like Paul … to be all things to all people (as much as we are able) so that we might reach some!!

Are we willing to do that?? Even if it meant redefining how and where we worship? Are we willing to inconvenience ourselves and possibly let go of some of our preconceived notions about what should be?? This WILL require us to step out of our comfort and into the breach. Are you up to it?

IF SO, then I AM BEGGING YOU TO JOIN ME. Begin by praying about all of this and asking God WHAT HE WANTS. This is not about David Wike. This is not about ____________ (put your own name there). This is about WHAT GOD WANTS. And if it becomes about anything else, it will fail miserably.

NEXT ITEM:
Put YOUR FAITH INTO ACTION. Ed Stetzer challenged us this week with this thought:
We all know that 80 percent of the work in a church is done by 20 percent of the people, right?? That is just an accepted fact of church in the South. THAT IS A SIN!! God gave EACH OF US GIFTS and HE EXPECTS US TO USE THEM. Are you willing?

This will be a viral thing … What are you willing TO DO for the kingdom?? Help with video ministry?? Help with greeting?? Cut grass?? WHAT IS IT GOD WANTS YOU TO DO?? NOW is the time to get off the couch and FIND IT and DO IT!!! We need it desperately! PEOPLE NEED TO GET INVOLVED AND SERVE THE LORD!!

Finally (for THIS post), it is time to put our money where our mouths are … It is time to get serious about GIVING to GOD!! If every family tithed on the average income level of our area, our budget would exceed $3million dollars. Right now, we are struggling to make a $1.1 million budget and considering how we can tighten our belts for next year.

Don’t get me wrong, we NEED to be frugal and responsible in how we spend God’s money. But the shame in all of this is ministries will suffer simply because God’s people are not being faithful and giving to Him. How can you make a difference?? Good question!! ASK THE ONE WHO WILL GIVE YOU THE RIGHT ANSWER TO THAT … GOD!! Start praying about it NOW!!

If you want to catch a little more of this fire that God is lighting, COME TO WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY MORNING!!! I PROMISE YOU WON’T REGRET IT!!! In fact, I DARE YOU TO COME AND ALLOW YOUR FAITH TO BE PUSHED!!