Very early Friday morning I was reflecting on what God has done with (and through) Jacob’s Well. This 3-year old church plant that is at a benchmark well ahead of the norm at this point is certainly one of God’s plan. This church is not (in my opinion) commissioned to be a “normal” church that moves at a “normal” pace under “normal” ways and means. I believe there is more…much more. This got me thinking about her future, anticipating God’s moves with this body located on Mitchell Dr. in Plano, IL. My thoughts (dreams?) turned to the church planting that The Well will do. I started envisioning strip mall store-front satellite churches being birthed in communities where God has identified a need. This is all very exciting to me because God is always moving and has planned ahead so shouldn’t we do the same? Shouldn’t we want do do the same? As I contemplated all of the “moves” God might be making, my excitement grew. At the same time I couldn’t help but wonder if my drive and ambition was out of place or premature. I soon realized that neither was. In fact if I ever get to the point that I don’t get excited about the things that God has planned in reaching out and how I believe He plans to use me or my brothers and sisters in Christ-then I have reason for concern. I believe one of the biggest reasons a church becomes stagnant is because of staffing with momentum killers. I happen to believe that if you pray about something long enough; your opportunity may have come and gone. This is because long and focused prayer for guidance can soon turn into procrastination and often does. Too often “let’s pray about that” is just a nicer, more churchy way of saying “I’ll get back to you on that.” I haven't experienced that kind of thing at The Well. That is why I truly believe the things I dream of for her, a shared dream by the way, will become reality. Before this can happen though, the right team has to be in place. You can't be in the "A" game without the "A" team on the field.
Like any businesses I’ve had the pleasure of associating with, the New Year often includes an element of vision-casting. The problem isn’t with vision-casting but the lack of a team (the right team) commissioned to see the vision through-to keep the momentum. Churches, like most private businesses can be full of great ideas but unless there is a team that believes and is excited about the future, anticipates and has a passion for the vision, you can forget it.
Kristi came across one of Steven Furtick’s blog posts later in the day and posted it on Facebook: http://www.stevenfurtick.com/spiritual-growth/celebration-and-anticipation/. She had no idea what I was thinking earlier in the morning. Now this morning as I sat down to jot some thoughts and the following blog drew my attention. It is very much in line with my beliefs. “Three critical aspects for future growth” by Ron Edmondson are absolutely essential for carrying out God’s plan for the local church and this can’t just be a “go through the motions” January waste of time. Strategic-planning is essential and demands the kind of dedication that can only be found in a team built with individuals that are forward-thinkers, have a passion for God and for their church and last but not least are excited about what the future could be...all three. That is what will produce results and that is what will make a vision become reality. Just so I'm not misunderstood; I couldn't care less about how many seats my church has. What I do care about and what I dream about is how many communities my church can have a place of worship in and have a stake in that community. Isn't that what community is really about? This is what excites me about Jacob's Well; the fact that if she no longer existed, she would be missed by not only one community but three or four. It's not about growing a big church and inviting people in. Its about going out seeding and growing the community. I’ve had my fill of vision statements and mission statements. What I want to see are more vision movements and mission movements.
