If there was a telescope that could see five years into the future, what would we see at SPC? The following is my answer. It is the result of prayer, research, and interaction with staff, elders, and two focus groups representing varied generations.
Believing that a unified vision inspires faith-filled action, the following represents what I believe God would be pleased for our church to look like in 5 years as He blesses and provides.
Strong Foundation
It all begins with God—Father, Son, and Spirit—who invites us into relationship. We respond with deliberate prayer and passionate worship.
· A corporate prayer team immerses us in prayer.
· Corporate worship inspires awe and love.
· Many generations enrich one another.
Healthy Relationships
We are a peacemaking church that partners with God applying the gospel to relationships.
· Leadership models healthy relationships.
· A Peacemaking Team is equipping us to be agents of reconciliation.
· Families are applying peacemaking at home.
· Guests notice the overflow of love.
Family Focused
We are committed to healthy families.
· Children’s ministry fills the hearts and minds of children with the wonder of who God is so that in His timing they embrace Jesus.
· Youth ministry prepares teens to own a faith that overcomes the pressures of the world.
· Parents are equipped to disciple in the home.
· Many generations build strong families together.
Nourishing Growth
Lifelong spiritual growth is nourished.
· A menu of opportunities is promoted quarterly including first steps and deep studies.
· Every member has a personal growth plan.
· Membership class functions strategically.
· Growth is encouraged through intentional mentoring relationships.
Warm Welcome
Relational evangelism and outreach events lead to regular spiritual rebirths.
· First Impressions has removed every barrier to newcomers as possible.
· An orientation process introduces next steps.
· Every member is praying, caring, and sharing with at least 3 not-yet Christians.
· Annual adult baptisms equal 10% of our weekend attendance.
Intentional Community
Supportive friendships are developed through small groups.
· Groups function as small churches.
· Commitments are deep rather than wide.
· 80 percent of weekend attendance participates.
Gifted Servanthood
Every regular attender is being equipped, empowered, and released to fulfill their God-given purpose.
· A Gifted Servanthood team is facilitating discovery and placement year-round.
· People are finding where their deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.
Globally Minded
We are educated and mobilized as global Christians.
· Every SPC Outreach Partner has been adopted by a small group.
· Hands-on involvement is pursued with a few Strategic Outreach Partners.
· We support global relief agencies that are good news to the least, last and lost.
Functional Facilities
Our facility is maximized for ministry.
· Navigation and people flow are intuitive.
· Aesthetics and technology enhance worship space.
· Our campus is a blessing to the neighborhood.
Proactive Leadership
We are proactive in recruiting and training next generation leaders for Kingdom advancement.
· Emerging leaders from within our congregation and from local Christian universities are mentored and challenged to innovate.
· A deep bench is developed for leadership roles and staff.
Above and Beyond
As God blesses this vision, we will not be able to contain the growth that results.
· Our radar is up in our region for opportunities beyond our walls.
· We have a face and a place to support ministry beyond our campus.
· This may result in the renewal of a struggling church, a multi-site campus, a daughter church plant, or something we can’t yet imagine.
This seems like a lot. But remember that we tend to overestimate what we can do in a year but underestimate what we can do in five years. And know that God is already at work in many ways to bring this vision to reality.
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