1. Can anybody tell me where were going? talking about vision and whether we have one – part three

2. Searching for Meaning Looking for Answers Feeling Guilty Feeling Lonely The Church as a Magnet

3. Searching for Meaning Looking for Answers Feeling Guilty Feeling Lonely Barriers to the Church as a Magnet DIVERSITY DISILLUSIONMENT DISINTEREST

4. Neighbourhoods Workplaces Community Groups Schools The Church as a Mission

5. God is on a mission Jesus shows us how the mission works The Holy Spirit assembles us and empowers us for Gods mission

6. God is on a mission Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. Ephesians 1:9 & 10

7. God is on a mission For in Christ all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:19 & 20

8. God is on a mission And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. Revelation 21:3 – 5

9. God is on a mission Gods mission is to redeem, renew, reconcile all things through Christ. This mission explains the Church – we are evidence of and co-workers in this mission Its not that mission is more important than any other ministry of the Church – its that mission explains everything that the Church does at all times The Church is brought to life as the body of Christ to express and partner in Gods mission

10. Jesus shows us how the mission works Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:24 - 26

11. Jesus shows us how the mission works By surrender By sacrifice By service By being radical By looking to God (not elsewhere) for honor

12. The Holy Spirit assembles us … But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are Gods people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9 & 10

13. The Holy Spirit assembles us … I … urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1 - 6

14. … and empowers us … He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ… Ephesians 4:10 - 12

15. … and empowers us … It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, to the end of the earth. Acts 1:7 & 8

16. … for Gods mission And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, given thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

17. … for Gods mission He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. Titus 3:5 - 8

18. … for Gods mission For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

19. Neighbourhoods Workplaces Community Groups Schools The Church as a Mission

20. Celebrating what God is doing When we feel engaged, alive & motivated Good relationships – a sense of belonging Getting involved – contributing

21. Celebrating what God is doing Most important positive characteristics Community Involvement/Service/Outreach Welcoming/Friendly/Relaxed Support/Encouragement/Family

22. Celebrating what God is doing When are we at our best When were serving to meet needs together When were caring for each other When were enjoying fellowship together

23. No church is perfect If you could wave a magic wand Fix the building/improve our facilities Deeper relationships/more teamwork More people/diversity (age & culture)

24. No church is perfect A dangerous trend Revolving door/Transience Aging Congregation Lack of Prayer

25. No church is perfect A weakness Poor integration of new people Declining small group ministry We dont promote ourselves enough Our facility needs work/expansion

26. Looking to the Horizon Things worth building on Things that deepen our relationships Things that strengthen/co-ordinate our ministries

27. Looking to the Horizon A lesson from God for this time Love & serve regardless of the result Pray Be more open to the Holy Spirit

28. Can anybody tell me where were going?