(From Pastor Jody’s message, “Believe” - preached on February 7, 2010)
When I think of CUMC I think of two churches: the one we are today, and the one God wants us to become. And you know as I do – there has never been a time in history quite like this time, has there? People are seeking and searching…they desperately want something to believe in. In a world where many people have misunderstood the identity of Jesus Christ, in a world where people are down on churches that seem more concerned about gathering in their own little exclusive holy huddles than reaching out to unconnected people…I dream of a church…
I dream of a church that shines brightly as a beacon of faith, hope, and love in the Midlands Region of SC - a church that is made up of real people who actively lead others to a real Savior and meet real needs as they are compelled by a real God to do so. A church filled with 3000 people (in 5 services) who are so contagious with authentic Christian life that non-believing, and unchurched people are drawn to experience Jesus for themselves.
I dream of a church where discipleship is taken seriously – where people deeply desire to grow in their knowledge of God. I dream of a church where 3000 people gather weekly and grow spiritually because they put their faith into action (here in our Jerusalem, and out in Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth!), using the gifts and talents that God has given them as they intentionally seek to fulfill His calling upon their lives.
I dream of a church where people know they are loved because they know how to share their needs with each other, they know how to pray for each other, they know how to support and encourage each other, spurring each other on to be all that God intends them to be.
I dream of a church where spiritual gifts are discovered and deployed for God’s glory – a church where leaders lead, administrators administrate, teachers teach, and caregivers give care – a church where people with mercy gifts offer mercy, people with hospitality gifts make all feel welcomed – a church where all the otherspiritual gifts found in the Bible are effectively utilized as God calls people to use them.
I dream of a church where people expect to encounter the Living God in worship and wait with excited anticipation for the next opportunity to gather together.
I dream of a church where nothing happens without prayer and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Where people humbly go wherever God leads for His glory, and for the benefit of unconnected and needy people.
I dream of a church that refuses to be ingrown or self-focused. A church that puts its personal preferences on the shelf to reach the lost. It’s not about me, it’s about HIM! It’s not about us (the connected), it’s about them (the unconnected)! A church that is respected by all because it breathes life and hope into this world as it meets needs and transforms lives. A church that is so caught up in what God is doing that it generously shares it resources...
I dream of a church like that!
And it really is simple…and it all starts when a whole bunch of people really believe that Jesus is the unique Son of God…when a whole bunch of people really believe that Jesus came to earth on a unique mission – to offer a right standing with God – then that kind of “dream church” becomes a reality!
