Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Each year God provides vision to serve as the guiding light for our church, giving us clear direction and focus to ensure all of our efforts align with our mission and His will. Each year the vision is revealed through prayer, fasting, submission, and is traditionally focused on the preceding 12 months. However, this year God has called us to prepare for greater and has revealed a 5 year vision for us here at Heavenly Vision Church: A Life Application Ministry titled “Becoming”.
As the shepherd, my prayer has been focused on the prevalent needs of our congregation and what we need to fulfill our mission to Reach, Save, Strengthen, and Mature. I have and will continue to pray that God continually reveals exactly what we need to do to build up those that are faithful in service for sustainability without burnout, create a sense of urgency in those seeking an evolution or maturation in their relationship with Him, improving our efforts in outreach and evangelism so that we can be the draw for those that are lost, and of course where he wants us to plant our new location so that we can have an impact on that community.
Why We Cast Vision
Vision serves as the guiding light for our church by providing clear direction and focus to ensure all of our efforts align with the mission of our fellowship and the will of God. Clearly communicated vision helps to inspire and motivate our congregation and leaders, fostering a sense of purpose and enthusiasm. Unifying us under a shared understanding of priorities, casting vision helps us promote cohesion and strong collaboration. Each member has the opportunity to find their place in the ministry and can take a piece of ownership to help us accomplish what has been set forth.
Establishing and ultimately manifesting the vision requires preparation through strategic planning, adaptability, accountability, and thoughtful communication to members and the broader communities we serve.
What is Becoming?
“Becoming” according to biblical principles is the process of spiritual growth and transformation that aligns our lives with the teachings and character of Jesus the Christ. Thereby honoring God and reflecting His Love and Truth in the world. The concept of “Becoming” involves a journey of personal and communal evolution, where we will become living reflections of the values and virtues of our faith more fully. This includes a focus on the following areas:
● Spiritual Maturity: “Becoming” involves growing in our faith and understanding, moving through the maturation process from infancy to seasoned. This will be characterized through our deeper knowledge of God, a stronger faith and a more profound disciplined ability to live according to biblical principles.
● Transformation: “Becoming” is all about being transformed, which first must start in your mind as mentioned in Romans 12:2. We must change our behavior, attitude, and priorities to align closely with God’s will.
● Christlikeness: “Becoming” as believers shifts the focus from who the world wants us to be and puts our attention on being more Christlike. This is a call for a change in our character. We must display on a consistent basis love, humility, patience, and righteousness.
● Unity in Faith: “Becoming” reveals that there is no competition in Christ Jesus. There is none greater which signifies that, if He is able to do it for one He is able to do it for us ALL. We MUST grow together as a community of believers, becoming the support system for one another to help ensure stability in our faith.
● Purposeful Living: “Becoming” encourages us as believers to live in purpose and on purpose. Using our gifts and talents to serve others and build up the body of Chrst, contributing to the Kingdom of God.
● Manifesting God’s Promises: “Becoming” more like Christ helps us to experience and manifest the promises of God in our lives, such as peace, joy and fulfillment.
“Becoming” is the foundational principle of our mission to Reach, Save, Strengthen, and Mature as this signifies a journey for those that believe and those we introduce to Christ.
Anchor Scripture - Vision 2030 “Becoming”
Our anchor scripture is found in Ephesians 4:13-16. Simply put we will strive to reach unity in the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. We will work to mature mankind through divine transformative thinking, starting with ourselves. We will measure personal growth through the lens of Christ where our faith lies, so that we may no longer be tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning and by craftiness in worldly schemes. We will continue/learn to speak the truth in love, and understand that we are called to grow up in every way through Christ Jesus who is the Head.
Vision 2030 “Becoming”
Holystic Healing through Personal Development & Christian Discipleship
Personal development and Christian discipleship play a crucial role in the journey of Becoming, by focusing on transformation, renewal, and growth in faith. We are encouraged not to conform to the world but to be transformed by renewing of our minds, emphasizing the importance of spiritual transformation and renewal as foundational steps in Becoming. In alignment with this, each of us have received unique gifts and talents meant to serve others, calling us to be good stewards of God's grace.
The path of Christian discipleship involves perseverance and growth, where trials are seen as opportunities to develop perseverance, leading to maturity and completeness which are key components in Becoming. The definition and purpose of discipleship involve making disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them to observe His teachings. This mission requires a
commitment to growth, encouraging the entrustment of God’s word to faithful individuals who can continue the cycle of teaching others.
Spiritual maturity is necessary, and we urge believers to progress from spiritual milk to solid food, symbolizing the journey towards spiritual maturity and deeper understanding, essential for Becoming. These elements once applied to our lives form a comprehensive approach to personal development and Christian discipleship, fostering a fulfilling and purpose-driven life as we strive towards Becoming.
Personal Development
● Defining Your Purpose - Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."
● Transformation and Renewal - Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..."
● Perseverance and Growth - James 1:2-4: Trials produce perseverance, leading to maturity and completeness.
● Commitment to Growth - 2 Timothy 2:2: "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
● Spiritual Maturity - Hebrews 5:12-14: Emphasizes the need to move from milk to solid food, representing spiritual maturity.
● Use of Gifts and Talents - 1 Peter 4:10: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Christian Discipleship
● Prayer Foundation: Begin with prayer, seeking God's guidance and wisdom. Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:6 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
● Model Christ-like Behavior: Be a living example of Christ’s teachings. Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
● Teach the Scriptures: Provide a solid foundation in the Bible. Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
● Encourage Personal Relationship with God: Foster a personal and growing relationship with God. Scripture Reference: James 4:8 - "Come near to God and he will come near to you."
● Mentorship and Accountability: Establish a mentorship relationship. Scripture Reference: Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
● Service and Outreach: Involve disciples in service and outreach activities. Scripture Reference: Matthew 20:28 - "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
● Community Building: Encourage participation in a faith community. Scripture Reference: Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
● Encourage Perseverance: Teach the importance of perseverance in faith. Scripture Reference: James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
● Spiritual Gifts Identification: Help disciples identify and develop their spiritual gifts. Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
● Continuous Learning: Promote a mindset of lifelong learning and growth. Scripture Reference: Proverbs 1:5 - "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance."
● Empowerment and Sending Out: Equip disciples to make disciples themselves. Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Outreach & Evangelism
Outreach and evangelism are vital components in the process of Becoming, as they embody the active expression of faith and the sharing of the Gospel with others. These practices not only fulfill the Great Commission but also foster spiritual growth and maturity among believers. By engaging in outreach and evangelism, individuals and communities can experience transformation, both personally and collectively, as they live out their purpose and calling. This journey of Becoming is enriched through the act of reaching out to others, demonstrating the love of Christ, and inviting them into a relationship with God.
● The Mission of Evangelism: Evangelism is rooted in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations. This mission emphasizes the importance of spreading the Gospel message and inviting others into the faith. Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
● Compassionate Service: Outreach involves serving others with compassion, reflecting the heart of Jesus in meeting the needs of those around us. Compassionate service is an expression of love and a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:13 - "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
● Being Salt and Light: Believers are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, influencing their surroundings positively and illuminating the path to God through their actions and words. This principle underscores the transformative impact Christians can have on the world. Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:13-16 - "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Member Growth
Member growth is a crucial aspect of Becoming, central to the vitality and strength of the entire fellowship. Building up the body of Christ involves nurturing each member's spiritual development, fostering unity, and cultivating a community rooted in love and encouragement. This growth is not just about increasing numbers but about deepening faith and strengthening relationships within the church. The process emphasizes equipping members for service and ministry, leading to a unified faith and deeper understanding of Christ.
Unity and love are foundational to this process, as they bind the community together in harmony, creating an environment where each person feels valued and connected. Encouragement and fellowship play vital roles, as they inspire members to support one another in love and good deeds, while maintaining regular gatherings to strengthen community bonds. By focusing on these elements, the fellowship becomes a nurturing environment where each member can grow, contribute, and experience the transformative journey of Becoming, ultimately reflecting Christ's love and purpose to the world.
Building Up the Body
● Ephesians 4:11-13 describes the roles of church leaders in equipping the saints for ministry to build up the body of Christ. This passage emphasizes that church leaders are to prepare all believers to serve and contribute to the church's mission, aiming for unity in faith and maturity in Christ.
