Hello, my friends!
During a year of so much transition and change, I have started working with a leadership mentor who has been pushing me towards clarifying and articulating a vision for the church. The truth is, it has been difficult for me to concisely put it into words. I prefer to think in broad themes, generalities, and abstract ideas. I find this type of musing personally engaging and comforting, but also realize this isn't for everyone. I've been encouraged by him to communicate with greater clarity. And the truth is, the practice has been so helpful for me. And while I don't have this figured out by any means, here is my working draft thus far. May it be an encouragement to your heart for where we're going, Lord willing, as a church.
My heart and vision for Church by the Sea (a working draft):
Our Vision Statement: Becoming like Christ for the sake of others.
Our Purpose Statement: A safe place to heal and a brave space to grow.
My prayer is that Church by the Sea would be...
A church focused on growing deeper, not just wider. Where each individual member is discovering their unique vocation and contribution. Where each soul is coming alive to the wonder and glory all around them in the everyday moments. A church becoming more and more self-forgetful and at the same time, awake in the present moment and abundantly alive.
A church where hope is contagious and joy feels authentic. Where suffering is acknowledged, experienced, and even welcomed. Where we don’t hide our eyes from the pain around us, but instead participate in God’s redemptive plan of turning brokenness into beauty.
Where questions are welcomed and encouraged. Where wrestling and grappling with truth is celebrated with confidence that there is always more to learn. Where vulnerability is embraced as courage and failure is applauded as brave.
Where curiosity and longing are not stifled but seen as signs and confirmation that the kingdom is near but not yet. Where we end our lives with more questions than answers but never stop living into these questions. Holding truth with open hands and celebrating paradox and mystery with humility and awe.
A community that sees the heart of Christ in the very least and strives to live sacrificially, compassionately, and generously, with kindness and tenderness. This is the light we shine into the darkness. It invites others towards its warmth.
In this church, it is okay to bleed. You don’t have to hide your wounds. Instead, as you heal, you participate in the healing of others. Our scars remind us of our meekness and our glory. They become our gentle authority.
In this church, you are invited to be brave, to create, and to grow. There is a humility that is felt and a depth that invites you further in. There are no inner rings. You don’t know who is in charge. Instead, you feel like a guest of honor, and at the same time, like nobody special.
When you walk into this church it feels like coming home. It provides a glimpse of what can and one day will be. It is messy and imperfect. There is no flash or glitter. But it is beautiful and true and reveals the heart of a God who delights in small things and never grows weary of everyday miracles.
So there you go! I'd love your feedback.
What a gift and a joy to travel with you through this life as God's body and His church.
I sure love you guys!
Jeff