The Vision of the Church | Ekklesia

In a world where clarity often seems elusive, the church must stand as a beacon of purpose and direction. Recently, I had the privilege of sharing a message at Bethel Church, focusing on the vision and mission that God has laid on our hearts. This vision is not just a strategic plan; it is a divine calling rooted in Scripture, designed to align us with God's eternal purpose.

Understanding Our Purpose

When I first arrived at Bethel, I was struck by the diversity of opinions regarding our church's mission. Through interviews, I discovered 33 different visions for where Bethel should be heading. This lack of clarity can be confusing and counterproductive. As J.D. Greer wisely noted, churches often grow not to the level of our sermons but to the level of our systems. Therefore, establishing a unified vision is crucial.

Our vision statement is simple yet profound:

"We are a gospel-saturated church where disciples make disciples, families are strengthened, and communities are transformed by the power of Jesus. Rooted in Scripture and led by the Spirit, we exist to equip Christ-centered followers who live on mission for God's glory."

A Biblical Foundation

This vision is deeply rooted in the grand narrative of Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, God has always formed a people for His glory. In Genesis 1:27-28, we see humanity's original purpose: to reflect God's image and multiply His glory throughout the earth. This mandate is not just about population growth but about spreading God's presence and character.

Isaiah 43:6-7 reaffirms that we are created for God's glory. We are not made to live for ourselves but for Him. This original purpose is echoed in the New Testament, where the church is called to be a holy nation, a royal priesthood, proclaiming the excellencies of God (1 Peter 2:9-10).

The Call to Action

Our vision at Bethel is not just a catchy phrase; it is a call to action. We are not merely a gathering of saved individuals but a community on mission. We are called to be a gospel-saturated rescue station, actively reaching out to those in need. Like the life-saving stations along the stormy coast of New England, we must be willing to leave the safety of our "lighthouse" and venture into the storm to rescue the lost.

Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and the promise of the Holy Spirit's power in Acts 1:8 remind us that we are not alone in this mission. We are empowered by the Spirit to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey Christ's commands.

Living as a Holy Nation

To see our vision realized, we must live as a holy nation, distinct and set apart for God's purposes. This means being a community full of grace, rooted in truth, and overflowing with love. We must let the world see what a redeemed community looks like, shining the light of Christ into dark places.

In a city like Topeka, where many are lost and searching for hope, we have a tremendous opportunity. Whether it's students at Washburn University struggling with addiction or families dealing with brokenness, we are called to be their missionaries. Each of us has a role to play in this divine mission.

Empowered by the Spirit

The beauty of our calling is that we are not left to our own devices. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be bold witnesses for Christ. We don't need to have all the answers or be perfect; we simply need to be faithful. As we step out in faith, God will lead us to the people He wants us to disciple and invest in.

Our vision is not just about today; it is shaped by eternity. Revelation 7:9-10 gives us a glimpse of the final destination—a diverse multitude worshiping before the throne of God. Our efforts now are rehearsals for that eternal worship.

Conclusion: Saying Yes to God's Vision

As we move forward, I invite you to say "yes" to God's vision for Bethel. Will you commit to growing as a disciple who makes disciples? Will you serve, give, pray, and lead as someone who belongs to Jesus? Our mission is not just to preserve a building or tradition but to multiply disciples, strengthen families, and transform communities with the power of Jesus.

Ephesians 3:20-21 reminds us that God can do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to His power at work within us. Let us submit to the Spirit and embrace the incredible things God has in store for Bethel and beyond. Together, we can be part of a movement that echoes into eternity, for His glory and the growth of His kingdom. Amen.