Vision 2020

A Vision to Guide Our Convention 2020-2026

“Write the vision;
    make it plain on tablets,
    so he may run who reads it.

Other Scriptures: Jeremiah 29.11; 1 Corinthians 2.9
Vision: the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be (Dictionary.com)
Over the next seven years, we will share a six-prong vision for the communities we serve trusting God in trying times.

A Voice for God and the “Voiceless”

“(S)peak  up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the  down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and  destitute!” 

Other Scriptures:  Matthew 25.4; 1 John 3.17  
Voice: wish, choice, or opinion openly or formally expressed the voice of the people (Merriam-Webster)
In the communities we serve, we must be both God’s voice and the voice for the “voiceless.”
Examples  of ministries: homeless, immigrant, transitional housing, chronically  ill, substance abuse, volunteer income tax assistance, women and youth  empowerment, clergy/leadership training

A Trusted and Respected Church

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Integrity: adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty (Dictionary.com)
We must be congregations that reflect God’s agape love to all through Christian stewardship of the resources that God has blessed us with.
Examples  of ministries: accountability ministry (internal/external), community  advisory board (non-congregants), participants on/in community boards  and organizations

A Place where the Lost Are Found

“Go  therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the  name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them  to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you  always, even to the end of the age.”

Salvation: deliverance, preservation, safety from danger but more especially sin
We must be intentional about saving the lost and nurturing the saved.
Examples of ministries: street witnessing teams, social media outreach, prayer partners/teams, Daily Bread witnessing

A Congregation Thirsting for God’s Word

“All  Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for  doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good  work.”

Instruction: the act of furnishing with knowledge, especially by a systematic method; teaching; training; educating (Dictionary.com)
We  must make Christian education the bedrock foundation of our  congregations with a special emphasis on reaching the Millennial  generation.
Examples of ministries: Sunday/during the week church  schools, small group Bible study, Facebook Live Bible Study, Vacation  Bible School, liturgical dance institutes

A Bold People in a Fearsome World

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Opportunity: an appropriate or favorable time or occasion (Dictionary.com)
We  must not be afraid to take advantage of the opportunities that God has  prepared for us including both religious and secular opportunities.
Examples of ministries: community development corporations, economic development councils, social media outreach, webpage

A Fellowship of Believers Dedicated to Service after the Benediction

“’What  do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked  by robbers?’ ‘The one who treated him kindly,’ the religion scholar  responded. Jesus said, ‘Go and do the same.’”

Neighboring: the act of showing kindliness or helpfulness toward one’s fellow humans (English Language and Usage)
We  must work to make reality Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “beloved  community” based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of one's fellow  human beings; don’t attend church – be the church!
Examples of ministries: food insecurity networks, adopt-a grandparent, hospital/nursing home visitation, disaster relief