Dear New Beginnings Church
Dear New Beginnings Church,
As our leadership team met this past week, I left with a renewed sense that 2010 is going to be our best year yet…a year of witnessing God’s reign among us. Here are a few reasons we are hoping this year is filled with moments of seeing the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth as Jesus prayed for in Luke 11:2.
Our vision is clear: We are beginning to focus on the things that matter: mercy, justice, faithfulness (Matthew 23:23, Micah 6:8). We have set our sight on becoming a community devoted to living-out Christ-likeness. This Christ-like living is a God-and-others focused life. It is living every moment of everyday aware of the “God with us” and our responsibility of taking this hope to the world.
Our strategy is improving: We are looking forward to this year and the forming of “new communities” within our gathered church. The strategy is simple and taken straight from the story of the early church. It is continuing the practice of the gathered church and the re-emphasizing of the scattered church. It is moving ministry back into the mission fields of our neighborhoods, work-places, and routines of life. This is the year of releasing and equipping our people into shared Kingdom ministry. We are looking forward to communicating this vision further in “The Church” preaching series beginning January 3rd.
Our understanding of success is changing: We are learning that real Kingdom “success” is not measured by numbers or dollars but is measured by the stories of mercy, justice, and faithfulness being lived out among and around us. Success is not measured through short-term objectives, but through a long-view dedication to shaping generations and culture. This is the year of prioritizing our responsibility to families, the base-line for culture and the generations to come.
Our commitment is deepening: We are beginning to see the level of commitment deepen among us. We are hearing and experiencing stories of compassionate giving to others, watching people care for one another in sickness or job transition, and seeing numerous people volunteering in local social-services or compassionate ministry centers. These actions combined with a humble “God with us” attitude are the visible Kingdom of Heaven among us today.
As we continue to walk in the leadership of the Spirit of God this next year, it is crucial that we live in a posture of prayer, asking for Kingdom eyes and ears, being attentive to the stories of God among us, and eagerly responding to opportunities to live out Christ-likeness.
May the God who made us, loves us, and lives within us…lead us into His future.
Pastor Shane
