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Our Vision

Vision is a picture of the future that inspires passion, focus, direction and a sense of purpose.

Where there is no vision, people perish; but blessed are those who heed God’s instruction. Proverbs 29:18

Without vision we may lose our way. Although we know where we are, we can’t map out the journey ahead unless we know where we’re going.

Whether we are 5, 50 or 95 years old, our vision statement should give a purpose for being a member of St Paul’s church. It points to what we feel that God desires us do, and addresses the question of what we will become. Associated with it are values that we need to affirm and develop.

Over the last 18 months we have been listening to God, to you and to the community around, prayerfully discerning the future vision for St Pauls.

Primarily this is about forward thinking and feeling our way into the future and not dwelling in the past. Where should we be in 5 and 10 years time, and what legacy will we leave for future generations?

The Past

 This process of listening began when a parish profile was collated in 2009 for the forthcoming interviews for a new vicar here. You described yourselves as ‘a very busy church, trying as best we can to follow God’s will’, but ‘needing spiritual growth’, with ‘an ageing congregation’, ‘not being representative of our community’, and ‘needing to demonstrate God’s love to the community’.

The Present

In Autumn 2010 we had a vision day for the church that highlighted our need to break out of a risk averse culture that found facing the cost of change and growth difficult. The sermon series on being a healthy church brought to our attention a number of opportunities and challenges we have; to be faith energized, outward looking, community minded, welcoming and focused.

 Over the year we have had regular prayer meetings and days of prayer and fasting where a number of pictures and scripture passages have been given by God. A number are mentioned here:-

  • Ruth 1:16-18 Staying faithful in a tough place and avoiding the easy option.
  • Isaiah 40:31 A place of restoration and where eagles soar.
  • Isaiah 58:7 Caring for the needy.
  • Zechariah 8:11-12 God will do a new thing
  • Matthew 5:13-14 Not hiding our presence and light.
  • Romans 15:13 Overflow with hope.
  • A church full of people with differing abilities and disabilities.
  • Faith grows as we use it, accepting that things can go wrong.
  • Faith leads to action, leads to growth of faith, leads to action (dynamic cycle).
  • An ‘inside- out’ church serving the community.

The Future

We feel that the time is right now to articulate what we have discerned as we have listened in the way that has been described. Our sense is that we are called to be

 

 

St. Paul’s Church

 ‘A LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE COMMUNITY’

 

 

A place of security and stability, built on the rock that is God. A place that reveals the light of the presence and love of Jesus to the community. A place that gives direction, guidance and purpose though the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

As light defines Jesus (John 1:4-5) we are called to walk in the light (1John 1:5-2:14) and to give this light away (Matthew 5:14-16) to the community we live and worship in. This will be done as we go out into the locality as people demonstrating God’s light and love in words and action (Matt. 28:19-20).

In the New Year we will have a sermon series that further articulates our values and vocation as a church. These will address the questions of how we will realise our vision. It is good to acknowledge the reality that the journey ahead will be costly in resources and at times difficult. We will need to be united in love, prayers and worship in all we do.

At some point we will need to assign an image for boards, posters, wall hangings and publicity that conveys this message. For the time being please pray into this vision statement, prepare yourself for the journey out of the boat, onto the water and to where God calls us.

With Love and Prayers, Simon and Louise

 

October 2012