God's Vision for the Church

Questions we have asked/discussed:

1. What is an inspiring, biblical vision for the family ministry?2. Has God articulated a clear vision for the family ministry?3. What should a healthy family ministry look alike?4. What is the process for achieving God’s vision?5. Is it possible to keep this process simple enough to remember?

Surely there are different ways of answering these questions.But the following slides offer a simple paradigm, a clear vision and a defined process.

The Kingdom is like a Mustard SeedAgain he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." - Jesus (Mark 4:30-32)

The seed is the Word of God. - Jesus (Luke 8:11 - Parable of the Sower)

He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. - Jesus (Mark 4:26-28)

#1:Power (God)"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' - Jesus (Mark 12:29-30)

Examples:- Walk with God (Quiet Times)- Prayer Life- Worship Services- Worship Devotionals- Family DevotionalsGod

#2:Principles (Maturing)

Examples:- Prepare and Enrich (Marriage)- Rock Ministry (Parenting, Marriage)- Rock Ministry (Bible classes, etc.)- Accountability Partner- D-Groups after mid-weeks- Leadership Development

Do your best to present your-self to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.- 2 Timothy 2:15

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. - 2 Timothy 2:2

God

Maturing

Examples:- Family (Marriage, Children)- Family Group/Community Groups- Fun Nights for the Teens/Preteens- Youth Ministry Night- Date Night Co-op- Memory Building Events- Annual Conference

#3:People (Christians)The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." - Jesus (Mark 12:31)

Therefore, as we have opportu-nity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believ-ers. - Jesus (Galatians 6:10)

God

Maturing

Christians

Examples:- Friday Nights- Special Sundays- Training First Principles- Getting Started classes

He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." - Jesus (Mark 9:36-37)

God

Maturing

Christians Lost

#4:Purpose (Lost)

...so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:17

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others - 1 Peter 4:10

God

Maturing

Christians Lost

#5:Passions (Gifts and Talents)

Gifts & Talents

God

Maturing

Hope/Community

Kids KingdomYour G

ift?

Usher/Greeter

Coachin

g

Futu

re?

Christians Lost

#5:Passions (Gifts and Talents)

Gifts & Talents

Overview: 5 Foundations to a Healthy Tree

#1:Power(God)

#2:Principles(Maturing)

#3:People (Christians)

#4:Purpose (Lost)

#5:Passions(Gifts)

Vision: A rooted, mature, fruitful tree with numerous passions...where birds can pirch - Mark 4