Vineyard Church of Knox County
Four-Way Focus
Friends, At this point on this great adventure, I have mixed emotions as I think about the Vineyard Church of Knox County. First, I am so excited to be in the middle of God's great work in this world and specifically in this county. We love this community and you people! Also, there is no other work I'd rather give my life to than work that lasts an eternity; there's no one I'd rather be working for than the One who is able to accomplish far more than I can ask or imagine. So I have a great sense of purpose and peace about this movement of God.
In contrast, my personality always would like the finished product to be clearly in view (if not in the rear view!). I am just naturally anxious to see how things will all turn out—how and where Sunday morning services will be held, who will come (and stay), what children’s ministries will look like, how small groups will develop, and a building?! I wonder if you are feeling these two ambivalent emotions, too—peace and anxiety.
So, where should our focus be and what should we be doing at this interesting time in our history? I think we need to be consistently focusing in four directions: Upward, Inward, Outward, and Onward. First and foremost, each of us individually has to look UPWARD into God’s face regularly and consistently as we diligently seek to become more and more like His Son through worship, prayer, Bible study/meditation. Secondly, we need to allow the Spirit to search us INWARD-ly so we can allow Him to show us how we fit into His plans, to be equipped for ministry. Third, we should focus OUTWARD to the others in our group who are on this journey with us. Let’s really shower one another with the sacrificial and practical love of God because this will be the evidence that God is truly with us. Finally, we should look ONWARD to the people around us who are not currently in our fellowship by sharing with them the vision of the Vineyard Church and our excitement for who God is and how He’s working in our lives!
So, as we walk this mysterious road together, let’s stop worrying (too much!) about the end product and encourage one another to enjoy the journey. Let’s seek the Lord consistently. Let’s risk getting actively involved in ministry. Let’s pray for this movement and for each other. Let’s invite others and share the excitement. Put simply, let’s boldly love God and our neighbors.
Blessings,
Chris
