Renewing the Vision

October 28th, 2021
by Jason Ormiston

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

(Proverbs 29:18 KJV)

I rely on google maps to navigate around the city of Minneapolis. So many of the roadways have changed since we lived here 14 years ago. No doubt some of you prefer Apple Maps to get you where you need to go. In the end, I am grateful to have help when I need direction!

Proverbs 29:18 has been regularly quoted by pastors and motivational speakers to encourage clear communication of direction for the church or institution they are leading. It is interesting to note that the English translation of Proverbs 29:18 has nuances based on the bible translations used.

NASB: Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is one who keeps the Law.

ESV: Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

NKJV: Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.

MESSAGE: If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.

As you can see from the above list of verses, God’s people don’t need a fresh vision for what the church should do and be. They need a renewed vision of what He has already revealed in His Word! A clear presentation of ministry direction sourced in Scripture will help any ministry better align with God’s vision for the church.

Which leads me to joyfully share with you a rough draft of the renewed vision for Family Baptist Church as rolled out in a purpose statement, a mission statement, and a three-step process of how we will, with God’s help, accomplish God’s vision for Family Baptist Church in North Minneapolis.

Purpose: Becoming a healthy church that plants and restores healthy churches in the Twin Cities and throughout the world.

Mission: FBC exists to magnify God, make disciples, and multiply churches.

Process: Behold. Belong. Become.

Behold God.

Through authentic worship that is intentional and dynamic (John 4:24).
Through expository preaching that is clear and applicable (2 Timothy 4:2).
Through meaningful interaction with Gospel-growing members (Matthew 22:36-40).

Belong to God’s Family.

By accepting the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).
By submitting to believers’ baptism and joining the church (Acts 2:41).
By partaking in regular gatherings for biblical teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer (Acts 2:42).

Become God’s Disciple Maker.

By bearing the burdens of others (Galatians 6:2).
By knowing and participating in the mission given to you by God for the edification of the church (I Corinthians 7:17).
By following the leading of the Spirit in the planting and revitalization of churches in the Twin Cities and throughout the world (I Corinthians 3:6-7).

I welcome your thoughts on this rough draft of the renewed vision statement for Family Baptist Church. Simply email me at pastorjasondo@gmail.com.