An Emerging (Non) Vision Part 5

Oct 1, 2009 by Kevin

Continuing my series on the emerging (non)vision for The Heights. Here are parts one, two, three, and four.

The Heights core purpose statement also functions as an outline of our ministry strategy:

to gather, equip, and empower people to fully participate in God’s kingdom work.

Gather in this statement is an active verb. We are sent by God to gather people for his kingdom work.

Gathering involves outreach. We do this through being involved in the community, serving others, and finding or creating opportunities to hang out with people who don’t yet know Jesus, drawing them into the fellowship of believers.

Gathering involves community. While people come to The Heights as individuals, they do not participate in isolation. They experience the welcome, encouragement, support, and challenge of genuine Christian community.

Gathering involves worship. Worship at The Heights is not a performance or show for people to sit and watch. It is not to be admired for its technical and production value. Instead, it is an opportunity to come together in a relaxed atmosphere, focus on Jesus and his kingdom, and hear from his word. It’s what we do together because we are his people.

The ultimate goal of all of this “gathering” is that people’s lives would be transformed by God’s mercy and grace so that they too will join in God’s kingdom work, each according to the gifts and abilities they’ve received.