Vision and culture
The book of Proverbs says, ‘Without vision people perish.’ Another translation says, ‘Without progressive vision people cast off restraint.’ Vision is a vital part of every day life.
We only ever accomplish anything after first having seen it in our mind’s eye. When Disneyland first opened, Mrs Disney was asked to speak at the grand opening, since Walt had died. The man introducing her said, “Wouldn’t it have been good if Walt could have seen all this?” She simply replied, “He did!”
In Matthew chapter 16, Jesus shares his vision for the church. He said, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it!” Jesus’ vision for the church was one of strength, significance and ‘all conquering’.
God himself not only has a vision for !Audacious City Church, but he also inspires us in our following of that vision.
• It is big – because he is
• It is significant – because he is
• It is local and international – because he is
• It values the individual – because he does
To be !Audacious in name, but not in nature would be wrong! To carry the name ‘!Audacious’ necessitates that everything that takes place under that ‘banner’ should be ‘bold, daring, dangerous, unrestrained by convention, free spirited, original or fearless, especially in challenging assumptions or conventions.’
Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all you can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within you!”
Nelson Mandela quoted Marianne Williamson in his inaugural speech as president of South Africa, when he said,”Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Somewhere in that, Ephesians 3:20 shines through.
Our vision tells of who we are, what our mandate is as a church and what we want to accomplish. It helps us to focus our efforts on what God wants to do (our mission) and likewise helps us to avoid cul-de-sacs of disappointment and smallness.
The vision also provides an umbrella under which everyone in the church can stand. It helps us to see that we are all an integral part of something greater than our own lives, something of eternal value, something worthy of our attention.
Matthew 6:33 says, “…Seek first His kingdom, an all these things will be added unto you…”
As you make the kingdom of God your priority, God in turn makes those things you value a priority to him. Get ready for something big.
!Audacious City Church has a vision to be a:
1. God-centred church, which embraces new life in Jesus with enthusiasm, vigour, adventure and expectancy
2. People-focussed church, launching people into the journey of living their God-given destiny
3. !Audacious church, with local, national and international influence, empowering and equipping people to change their world
CULTURE
(in adjectives and sound bites)
1. Enthusiastic: Loud, passionate, exuberant, early for everything, hang around after, dedicated to everything / life / people, buzzing atmosphere…
2. Ownership – it’s our church, I’ve got a part to play, someone needs me today…
3. Relational – family focussed, genuine interest in people, welcoming and inclusive, valued (all people), safe, vulnerable, beyond services, mothers and fathers, true friendship (brother / sister), community beyond church, build long term relationships…
4. Entrepreneurial – rich, lavish, generous, creativity, initiative, seeing gaps (taking action), possibility thinking, risk takers, seeing beyond obstacles, people with expertise, celebrate success and failures – “we salute you!”…
5. Fun – contagious, surprising – ‘WOW –I didn’t know church could be like that!’, presence of God, powerful, fresh, enjoying the journey, light, creative, attractive…
6. Accessible – 24:7, All ages, youthful, cosmopolitan, inclusive, urban, relevant, different ethnicity (language and dress), families, students, unemployed, business men and women
7. Supernatural – miracles, healings, prayed up, stepping out (outside of church), awareness of God’s moving, powerful, personal experience, lead by example, finance, community
8. Excellent – not good, GREAT; not average, AWESOME; not mediocre, INCREDIBLE; not an afterthought, FORETHOUGHT; practice, music, creative, media, welcome, food, COFFEE!
9. Purposeful – focussed, vision, intentional…
10. Authentic – genuine, sincere, real people, real care…
11. Missional – short term missions, relational, partnership with other organisations, extreme missions, once in a lifetime opportunities becoming several in a lifetime opportunities, starting churches in other cities and nations, ADVENTURE…
