The mission of the United Methodist Church is to “Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” This is our purpose, what we are called to do. Yet, we often forget how to go about it. This is where vision becomes so important. There is a proverb that says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (Prov 29:18b, KJV). This is an important passage to remember. Unless we have some direction, something to assist us in knowing what we are to do, we will most likely end up wandering about aimlessly, ultimately getting nowhere.
This past Sunday, I announced our vision for the upcoming appointment year – how it is that our Parish will go about being disciples making disciples and transforming the world around us. This vision comes from one of King David’s Psalms:
“What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me?
I’ll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God!
I’ll pray in the name of God;
I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do,
and I’ll do it together with his people.
Oh, God, here I am, your servant, your faithful servant:
set me free for your service!
I’m ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice and pray in the name of God.
I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do,
and I’ll do it in company with his people,
In the place of worship, in God’s house…
Hallelujah!”
(portions of Psalm 116:12-19, MSG)
Over the next several weeks and months we will consistently be revisiting this passage to unpack this vision and understand how we can live it out together. After all, that is one of its major premises – that we “do it together.” So, perhaps our first pondering on this subject needs to be, how do you envision this togetherness? How can our Parish be together in our ministry? What does it mean to be in worship, prayer, praise, and service together?
Always pondering,
Pastor Steve
