Ever since January of this year, a group of Sugarloaf Church members and Staff have been meeting to discuss, pray and seek God's vision for the church over the next 10 years and beyond. The group is known as the "20/20 Vision Team." The name is significant for two reasons. First, through prayer, study and conversation we hope to arrive at a clear and precise ( thus 20/20) vision for the church moving forward. Second, our task has been to consider possibilities for our ministry between now and the year 2020.
We spent the first few months of 2011 reading a fascinating book by Reggie McNeal entitled "The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church." The book lays out a path the author believes churches will need to follow if they are to be relevant and effective in the years ahead. The research provided and the insights shared in this material became the framework for our discussion.
Additionally, we have studied demographic data and growth projections for our community and surrounding area.
Currently, we are seeking to identify major goals and objectives within the three-fold plan of "Worship God - Grow Your Life - Serve the World" These purpose statements have served us well through the years and we are asking ourselves, "What is God calling us to do in each of these areas in the years ahead?"
We are currently in the process of formalizing specific recommendations in each area. Our plan is to present our recommendations to the Sugarloaf Council in December and then share the information with the congregation in January of 2012.
Please keep the work of this group in your prayers! The recommendations it will make will effect the ministry of this church for years to come. Pray that the Holy Spirit will direct our conversations and inspire our hearts to pursue God's will only for this great church!
Stuart
