Vision 2010

I thought I would share part of a document I have been working on for the church. Perhaps it will be helpful to individuals and other groups as they think about moving into the future.

Vision 2010

Vision 2010 is a plan/strategy for the next 2.5 years to encourage Kingdom-oriented growth of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Presently, we are facing new challenges resulting from spiritual and numerical growth. These challenges are “good” problems to have, but they must be addressed in a proactive way, or else they will become “real” problems that will hinder us from expanding our influence for Christ in our community and around the world.

It has been said that a failure to plan is a plan for failure. Contrary to what some might say, planning is not opposed to faith (see Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Nehemiah, Esther, Naomi, Jesus, and Paul). The problem with planning is that which is done carelessly and without reference to God (i.e. James 4.13-15), or that which is not done at all. Thus, it is possible and preferable to prepare and plan ahead, all the while acknowledging our finiteness and our ultimate dependence on and service to God and his sovereign freedom to will and act according to his pleasure.

In The Best Question Ever, Andy Stanley offers what he thinks is the best question a person can ask when facing an important decision in his/her life; “Based on past experiences, present circumstances, and future goals, what is the wise thing to do?” Countless regrettable consequences might be avoided if people would only ask themselves this question before venturing to speak or act. I believe that what is true personally is also true corporately. Just think of how many organizations, including churches, have failed to ask this simple question before making important decisions, and suffered negative consequences as a result. As we continue to grow and face new challenges, it is imperative that we proceed with wisdom. James 1.5-6 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (ESV)

Jerry Rankin, President of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, suggests asking three questions in the process of long-range planning. They are: 1) What now? 2) What next? 3) What not? I want to pose these questions as we think about the present and future of Emmanuel Baptist Church.