Vineyard Church of Knox County
Seeking the Master’s Kingdom Agenda
Henry Blackaby, highly regarded author of the bestselling book, "Experiencing God," wrote, "We are the Lord's servants and as servants we are to look to the Master--as head of the church--to lead us, rather than taking the initiative and deciding on our own what to do. As Lord, He alone has the right to initiate activity and give direction." Our church is at a crossroads. We are nearing the end of our stay at Mount Vernon Middle School. The reason is because of a lack of building staff able to support a large weekly activity. Or are we nearing the end of our stay at the Middle School because God wants us to move on in our mission? This is exactly how the leadership team is interpreting this situation.
Do you remember the story in the Bible of how Peter found himself defying the natural elements and walking on water? The 12 disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus, who had waited on the shore until evening, came walking to them on the water. The next thing they knew, Peter was out there with Jesus on the water! He was willing to leave the comfort of the boat in order to risk the impossible, and as a result he experienced the supernatural.
We believe that God is on the move in this community and in this church. He is asking us to step out of the boat we call comfort and familiarity and onto the water of uncertainty. Oh, sure, we will find a place to meet for our Sunday Morning Celebrations, that won’t be too difficult. The uncertainty we are called to step into goes beyond a “place to meet on Sundays.” The uncertainty is of the future of our church and how God wants to accomplish His Kingdom agenda through us. The question is, Are we willing to leave the comfort of the boat in order to risk the impossible, and as a result experience the supernatural?
Since it is His agenda we seek, we need to wait for Him to reveal it to us. As Blackaby says, “We look to the Master, rather than deciding on our own.” So, we invite you to come to look to the Master this Friday, Feb 27, at 7:00 at Big Brothers Big Sisters (8868 Columbus Rd.—across from Smithhisler meats) as we gather for concerted prayer. You don’t need to be a “prayer warrior” to participate. You won’t be asked to pray out loud. You don’t have to be a biblical scholar. You don’t have to be a member of the church. You only need to be willing to give up your agenda and listen for God’s.
This time will not be spent brainstorming, but waiting in expectancy. Our prayer will not be, Lord where do you want us to meet on Sundays?, but, Lord, what is Your Kingdom agenda for this church?
We are at an exciting time in the life of the church! Come be a part of this prayer concert as God shapes us for his kingdom agenda of restoring all of creation. Be encouraged by these words, again from Henry Blackaby:
“God has always desired to work through His people, but they have not always recognized His initiative in their lives or His activity around them. But for those churches who repent—those who take time to hear the Spirit; to believe what He tells them; to adjust their plans, structures, and programs to Him; and then to follow the Lord regardless of how impossible it may seem—these are the churches that will be spiritually renewed and that will experience God’s mighty deeds through them to bring a lost world to Himself in a great spiritual awakening.”
I want to be part of a church that experiences God’s mighty deeds, don’t you? We hope to see you this Friday, Feb 27, at 7:00 at Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Blessings,
Chris
