During my first pastorate, back in 1992-2022, I worked with a “coach” as we attempted to identify and implement the vision God seemed to be giving for the future of Battle Creek Friends Church (Michigan). While working on my DMin during that process one of the books I read by Aubrey Malphurs defined vision as “a picture of a preferred future“.
While the mission (purpose) of all our churches across EFC-MAYM is essentially the same: to fulfill the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment, the way we go about doing that varies dramatically. Our mission/purpose as biblically based; Christ-honoring churches will never change. Jesus gave us our marching orders in scripture. However, each church has a distinct vision. Have you considered your vision recently? What does the picture of your “preferred future” look like?
As we move into the latter part of 2023 and prepare for 2024, Tony Wheeler and I have identified (2) key components of our 3-Fold focus for the upcoming year. They are:
- Facilitating greater church health across EFC-MAYM
- Establishing a long-range plan for church planting and beginning to identify future leaders.
As I have been in contact with a growing number of churches across our region in recent days I am encouraged by the signs of new life and growth I am seeing. It seems God is at work as churches seek to “Encounter Jesus and Engage the World“.
Some of you have asked how we intend to facilitate health in the churches across EFC-MAYM. As we prepare for our Regional Leadership Retreats this winter, we have given significant consideration to that question. Tony and I recognize that God has a unique vision for each of our churches across Mid-America. And, as we head into our Regional Retreats this winter, we would like each of you to ask God what His vision is for the future of your church.
In some cases, you already have a clear idea of how the Holy Spirit is leading and what God is calling you towards. Others of you may not have considered that question in several months or years. In light of that we ask you to do two things in preparation for our upcoming Leadership Retreats. First, we ask that you conduct a “day of prayer” to seek God and ask that He would give you a clear picture of that preferred future He has in mind for you. Second, we ask that you conduct your own leadership retreat to discuss what the Lord seems to be saying to you about the future of your church.
These two steps will help prepare you to attend one of our (4) Regional Leadership Retreats this winter which will be held on:
- January 20 (Chandler Friends Church)
- February 3 (Friends University)
- February 24 (Bethel Friends Church)
- March 2 (Friendswood Friends Church)
During these retreats we will be discussing how we move from vision to implementation. We believe the timing is perfect and the process will be helpful as each church across EFC-MAYM considers their God-given vision (picture of a preferred future) in the post-covid era.
We serve a God that is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or think, and so we believe our future is bright as we seek Him and follow His plan for our future!
Thayne A. Thompson, DMin
EFC-MAYM Lead Superintendent
Follow Us!