Tell Me More About Vision 20/20 Excerpted fom “20/20 Vision: Finding New Vision for our Fellowship of Churches” (2010)
Aſter considering the strengths and weaknesses of our Fellowship, it became apparent that if the FEBC is to chart a new course for the future we must address our weaknesses. Ten years of stag- nation and reluctance to proclaim the Gospel locally are unac- ceptable weaknesses for a church. Aſter prayerful analysis of the feedback from the churches, a vision focused on local outreach proved to be more appropriate than a vision focused on growth for the following reasons: 1. When churches focus on numerical growth, it oſten comes at the cost of spiritual maturity. When looking to fill the pews, many churches seek to build their own kingdoms instead of the kingdom of God.
2. Church growth is a good thing when it comes by the fruit of the proclamation of the Gospel.
3. Scripture charges believers with the responsibility of proclaiming the Gospel (Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:18–21; Luke 24:46–47), while conversion is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit (John 6:44). When the FEBC was formed, the heart of the people was
to tell others about Christ. We grew as the Gospel was pro- claimed locally and globally. Te Gospel was proclaimed fre- quently, resulting in the growth of the Fellowship, with a strong emphasis on foreign missions. Te passion for local outreach has waned as validated by the lack of conversion growth in many of our churches. If we fail to develop a clear vision for the future, the existence of the Fellowship and its current strengths are in jeopardy. As a fellowship of churches, we are longing for help, for change,
for revival in our local outreach ministry. When we examine opportunities for local outreach, it is clear
the Holy Spirit is bringing the lost to our doorstep (international students, broken families, and those in economic crisis). Tese people are looking for hope and have an openness that did not previously exist. We cannot ignore them as the Holy Spirit draws them to the Father and we have the opportunity to share Christ with them. A door has opened to the Fellowship because of the declining number of churches in North America that exhibit strong biblical teaching. People are seeking Truth, but not finding it. Additionally, our transient society leaves people disconnected and looking for meaningful relationships. Every church has neighbors who desperately need Jesus. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zone and make significant personal sacrifice in order to take the Gospel to the lost. What Is the 20/20 Vision? Intentionally Reaching the Lost We will be a fellowship of churches that equips and inspires one another so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed by every member of every church at every opportunity.
18 Fellowship Focus, March/April 2017
Vision Defined: “Intentionally Reaching the Lost” We will not give up or be satisfied with ineffective attempts to
proclaim the Gospel. We will keep looking for ways to tell others about Christ, trusting the Holy Spirit will be at work drawing people to Himself. “A fellowship of churches” We are a fellowship of autonomous evangelical churches, who are
committed to the Scriptures and to working together to build the Church of Jesus Christ in our local communities and around the world. “that equips and inspires one another” As a fellowship of 42 churches, we will communicate regularly
with one another so that together we can find ways to proclaim the Gospel more clearly and more frequently. We will encourage one another with stories of transformed lives; we will confess our struggles and missed opportunities; and we will share experiences, expertise, resources, and training with each other. “so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed” Te Gospel we make known is first of all Christ-centered. Freedom
from sin comes only through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection. We recognize it is not our role to save people. We do, however, have the responsibility to both demonstrate a life that is being transformed by the Gospel and to invite people to trust in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on their behalf to make them right with God. We will be effective witness- es in both word and deed, living lives full of grace and truth. “by every member” Every individual in the churches of the FEBC will see involvement
in evangelism as something they do as part of their day-to-day walk. “of every church” Each church in the FEBC community will actively be involved
in evangelism as a corporate body. Our local churches provide the essential framework for the individual members to function interdependently. In the context of a supportive and cooperative community, the power of the Gospel can be more clearly displayed and proclaimed. Te local church also plays a key role in connecting with other Fellowship churches. Working together, the resources necessary to accomplish this vision can fit into place. “at every opportunity.” At every opportunity, every member of the FEBC prays to God
for opportunity and boldness. We will replace the misconception that “the only way for my neighbor or friend to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for her to come to my church and listen to my pastor preach.” Instead, through shared stories, training, and experiences, we will start to recognize more of the opportunities the Holy Spirit provides each month, each week, and each day, to proclaim the Gospel. It does not matter our age; we will encounter these opportunities in the lunch room and on the playground, in the office and on the job site.
FellowshipForward.org
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24