"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law,
happy is he." Proverbs 29:18
Vision: Perceiving the Lord's direction for a body of believers and receiving the wisdom on how to perform the jobs that the direction demands.
My vision for Solid Rock Church is to become a body of believers who are well-taught in the Word of God and have consistent prayer and praise lives. We will become people who are willing to take time to reach out to others within and without the body by sharing the love of Jesus and the Word of faith, holding the Word forth and never being ashamed to proclaim the truths it contains.
The vision has five dimensions within itself. These are five areas within the church that we are busy going about to develop.
1. The Ministry of the Word.
In my opinion, this area is probably the most vital where any church is concerned. I'm not saying the other areas are not valid, just that a foundation in the Word is key to functioning accurately in those other areas. We have consistent doses of the Word of God, preached in an uncompromised fashion from the Pastor, Co- Pastor, members within the body and from special speakers that are brought to the church. A key to any church doing well will ultimately fall into this category. God always honors His Word!
The Mighty Warriors children's church, the Joy Class, IMPACT youth group and the adult cell-groups all are a part of this portion of the vision. In each of these areas, the Word of God is emphasized. Even the nursery age children are given some Word while they are in our care.
2. The Ministry of Music.
This area of the church vision is key for setting a platform, or atmosphere for the Word to be delivered unto the people. I see the people becoming consistent in their praise and worship of the Lord. The Lord wants all of us to be praising and worshipping Him apart from our time at the church building - every day! Pastor John and the praise team and band are dedicated to seeing this come to pass by setting forth an example before the people.
The ministry of music within SRC is further enhanced by special music performed by Pastor John and others that are part of the church. From time to time special musical guests come in to teach on praise and worship and minister in song as well.
3. The Ministry of Prayer.
Intercessory prayer is similar in its importance to the ministry of the Word. In many respects, intercessory prayer is the backbone of the church, an area that is vital in keeping the others intact. Luke 18: 1 says, "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint." This is speaking of a consistent daily prayer life before the Lord. The ministry of prayer at SRC is designed to provide a time, once a week, for those who are part of the church to come and pray for needs of others. It's a wonderful principle to keep first in our lives: "put others needs in front of yours and your needs will always be met." Prayer requests come from within SRC and from others who do not attend. Consistent, fervent prayer always avails much.
4. The Ministry of Evangelism.
As a church, I believe we need to be sowing into ministries that are preaching salvation to those who have never heard. We have been busy over the last 14 years sending money to various overseas ministries as well as some that are stateside who operate in an evangelistic anointing. This is important, as some are "going" and others are "sending." Not everybody can go overseas, so it's important to sow into those who are called and have an anointing to reach the lost.
Locally, it's also vital that we be involved in community outreach to the lost. With the addition of the bus ministry, we will boost this portion of evangelism in our immediate area. I want to see more and more people reached with the Gospel, and I believe reaching children is a marvelous way to accomplish that goal. Statistics say that a vast majority of people were reached before the age of 15, and accepted Christ at that time. Time is of the essence, so we must continue to carry out the Great Commission on all fronts. We will continue to do different types of evangelism throughout the year with a big event of some kind to culminate our efforts.
5. The Ministry of Fellowship.
We have provided various fellowships to the church since its inception. Times of getting together with others in the body are vital to the cohesion of the church as a whole. We are strengthened when we come together, not to mention the fact that we have fun. In order for the members of the body to really know one another, we must have fellowship apart from sitting in the service together. The cell groups have provided an avenue for this, as we have time in the Word then fellowship time as well.
I've always believed this to be true - that if a person really wants to get to know others, and become plugged into a church, a fellowship provides a means that is both comfortable and fun. Many of you can testify to that fact! It wasn't until you spent some time with your fellow church members outside of a service that you began to know them and become comfortable around them. The ministry of fellowship within a body is essential for the church to grow together as one.
These five areas of the vision for Solid Rock Church are a part of the ongoing process of having this church here in Stillwater. We will continue to work in these places, seeking wisdom and direction as to best bring about the Lord's intent in each ministry. Continue to pray for me that I'll have wisdom and insight for continued guidance in each of these areas. God bless!
Jesus Christ is Lord!
